Page 58 of Sir Andrew and the Authoress

He opened the door and allowed her to step out first. Birdsong filled the trees around the little castle, and the whispers of a breeze twined through the branches and leaves. And there, standing before the house in plain brown clothing, was Sterling himself.

Sterling was her favorite of the guards. He’d never treated her with anything other than respect, and she had the sense that his honor was as strong as any nobleman’s. Her father called the guard a man of integrity, and her father’s opinion counted more than most.

The guard bowed upon seeing her and the baron, then he spoke in a somewhat rough voice. “My lady, may I be of assistance?”

They had coded phrases she could use to signal distress, but this morning she relaxed. “Lord Hartwell and I are going to wander that way and have a conversation.” She pointed to the nearest tree. “If you will act as chaperone for a moment, that is all I require.”

He bowed again, then stood straight and still as a statue.

Hartwell tucked his hands behind his back and walked with her to the tree, looking over his shoulder only once. “I never imagined things might be difficult enough that your father would hire his own guard.”

“As of yet, I have not experienced a great need for them. But I am grateful my father cares enough to have them, just the same.” Josephine folded her arms tightly against her chest and stopped, her shoes growing damp in the grass. “You had something you wished to say, Lord Hartwell.”

He stood an arm’s length away, and in the dappled shadows of the tree, she saw the regret in his eyes. “I do have something to say. I hope you will not think me uncouth for saying it, either. First, I wish to tell you that I am not offended, nor do I mean any offense by this conversation. I have the greatest respect for you, my lady, and your family.”

She nodded her understanding, her throat growing tight.

“From the first, since I saw you and Sir Andrew together at the castle, I sensed a connection between the two of you. When first your brother, then you, assured me it was nothing but friendship, I ignored my instincts. But I have eyes, my lady. When I saw the two of you together yesterday, especially as you tended to your guests together, I knew at once there is more there. You cannot hide that kind of affection, I think.”

Josephine felt her cheeks warm, and she lowered her gaze to the grass between them. “I am terribly sorry, my lord. I swear to you, when you asked if my affections were settled elsewhere, I didn’t know at the time what I have sense recognized as truth. I did not mean to deceive you.” It was the most she could say and maintain the bounds of propriety. An unwed lady didn’t go about discussing her hopes or her affections for a man until things had been settled between families. Even if her feelings were quite obvious.

“I did not think the deception intentional.” He chuckled, and she looked up with hope. Giving insult was the last thing she wished to do. And his accepting smile eased her conscience. “You are a fine lady, Josephine Dinard. Sir Andrew is a fortunate man to have your affection.”

“Thank you.” Her estimation of him went upward. “I am certain there is a lady better for you than I am, Lord Hartwell.”

His eyes turned sad again. “We will see. But in the meantime, I think it best that I take my leave this morning, before Sunday services. My brother and I will return to your family’s castle to gather the rest of our things, then we will go on to York.” He cleared his throat. “I will make up an excuse. You needn’t worry that I will say anything in regard to our situation, my lady. As always, you have my respect.”

Despite his words, his kindness, the man had suffered a hurt. She didn’t know him well enough to know if it was more than pride, though it had to be less than heartbreak given the brevity of their relationship. But she did not mind his desire to save face.

“I wish you a safe journey, my lord.”

He bowed, and then walked away. Leaving her to stand beneath the trees alone while he passed Sterling and entered the house. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them, the guard approached, his eyes sweeping this way and that, much like a shepherd dog when keeping watch over sheep.

“My lady.” He bowed again. “Are you well?”

“Yes, Sterling. Thank you. For everything.” She smiled and he kept to her side as she made her way back to the front door.

Not an hour later, a knock at her bedroom door made Josephine look up from the mirror. Her maid, Susan, was putting the finishing touches on Josephine’s hair. She wore a simple dress, with delicate lace at the sleeves and throat, appropriate for a morning spent in church.

“Who is it?” she called, meeting Susan’s eyes in the mirror.

“One most unaccustomed to knocking on doors,” came the rumbly answer. The dowager duchess had risen earlier than usual.

Susan didn’t need to be told to rush to the door to open it, while Josephine came to her feet. Susan curtsied once the door was fully open, and when Her Grace strode in, Susan slipped out and closed the door behind her.

“Grandmama. Good morning.” Josephine curtsied as she spoke, then approached her grandmother to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“My dear girl.” Her Grace took Josephine gently by the shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes, as though she could see into her granddaughter’s thoughts. “Lord Hartwell and his brother have just left. On urgent business, the baron said. He also said he had already taken his leave of you. My dear, you do not have an understanding with him?”

Josephine shook her head. “No, Grandmama. We are—and will remain—friends only.”

Her grandmother relaxed. “Good. I hoped as much, especially watching you with Andrew yesterday.” She made her way to the chair Josephine had just vacated and settled there with all the dignity of a queen sitting upon a throne. “I assume that is why the baron left with such expediency?”

Josephine blushed. “Yes, Grandmama. It seems yesterday was a revelation for several of us.” She worried the bracelet at her wrist, a gift from her father on her birthday the year previous. “I am sorry if I acted in any way inappropriately—”

“Not at all, my dear. No, there is nothing to worry about on that account.” Her grandmother sighed, and then her eyes took on a gentle light. “Look at you. All grown up and in love.”

“You do not seem surprised.”