Still, he was not discouraged. Perhaps Miss Lockhart was prize enough for his parents. If he found a wife from such decent stock, they might feel he was well on his way to respectability. Perhaps they would even reconsider his hopes of attaining a commission in the infantry. And, with any luck, he would be posted some distance from Fernbridge so he would not have to endure his father-in-law’s endless sermons.
His optimism greatly bolstered by these thoughts, William decided it was time to put his best foot forward.
“Your father is a good man. He sets a fine example. I promise to be on my best behavior and try to learn from him. Will that suffice for afternoon tea?”
She frowned. “It will do for tea. But you should know, Mr. Cole, that I am not impressed by posturing. It is better to be yourself, with all your faults, and allow others to decide if they will accept you as you are.”
“You do not wish me to be a better man?”
“Better than what?”
William scratched his forehead. “I don’t know. Just better in general, I suppose. Isn’t that what all women want—to improve upon men? It seems to be a favorite pastime among ladies.”
Miss Lockhart shook her head. “That is the last thing I would want. If you are not motivated within yourself to achieve all you are able to, then a woman will not be able to create such an impetus within you. You will only resent her if she tries. Besides, I have just as great a desire to be accepted asIam. Perhaps it is another’s voice that urges you to reach for what you do not want. It certainly is not mine.”
Silence followed her words. Miss Lockhart was quite different to other young women her age, William noticed. Almost old in her wisdom. And yet her features glowed withyouth—skin, mouth, neck—all so inviting. If she would take him as he was, he could be content. She was not Ellena, but she might be enough.
“Shall we go, then?” she asked, and for the first time, William noticed that she was shivering. Her damp dress and bare legs offered no warmth against the cooler autumn air, even with the sun bright in the sky.
“I wish I could lend you my coat, but it is not a feasible offer under the circumstances. There would be questions.”
“Thank you,” Miss Lockhart replied, clasping her arms about her to stave off the cold. “However, I will be home very shortly and there will be a fire in the drawing room. The chill will soon wear off. Go ahead. I must just gather my things, and I will be on my way.”
“You are certain I should not wait?”
“There is no need. I will be but a few moments.”
“Very well. I will see you soon then.”
“Yes, very soon.”
William walked his horse to the bench and—careful not to knock mud from his boots onto the young lady’s belongings—he stepped up onto the wooden seat and slung himself into the saddle.
He turned to make sure his companion was on her way, but she was not. Instead, she was removing the cork from the jar and watching as the dai… thetansybeetle flew out and across the water. There was something almost sacred in the way she watched its flight.
Feeling that he was intruding upon a private moment, William tapped his heel against the horse’s side and moved on. He resisted the urge to look back.
There was no need. For the face of Miss Verity Lockhart was now ever before him.
