Page 32 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

Halstead appeared completely caught off guard by Felicity’s accusation, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find a response. Instead of answering her outright, he turned away, looking toward the barren rose garden as if searching for answers among the thorns. “I…I’d never given much thought to the house. It didn’t seem necessary to fill it with things, living there alone.”

Felicity, having spoken more sharply than she intended, felt a stab of remorse, but she could not take back her words. Not when she had spoken them for Daphne’s sake. Yet she felt herself softening, somewhat. “You are not living there alone anymore, Halstead.”

He said nothing but turned again, staring at her with new regard. Studying her.

Still frowning, though. Still disapproving. But he moved a step closer, brow furrowed, and something about the intensity of his stare made it impossible to look away.

At that moment, an unexpected shiver passed through her. Due to the cold, of course. Felicity would not attribute her sudden intake of breath and tremble of her body to anything else.

Halstead kept moving toward her and she was in half a mind to step back—before without a word, the man shrugged off his coat and draped it around her shoulders before she could protest.

Felicity stiffened, but the sudden warmth was undeniable. The weight of his coat settled across her shoulders, heavier than she expected. Warmer, too, and it smelled of him, of bergamot and leather and ink. She loathed how much she noticed. How easily kindness from the man she meant to scold could unravel her focus. But she would not let it; warmth would not move her. Not his, not anyone’s.

Even if it was an unspoken act of care, contradicting her words about him being cold and unfeeling. A thing that made her prickle with awareness even as she pulled the wool coat tighter about herself.

Colonel Halstead gave a sharp nod and looked away before he spoke again, his voice quieter. “I don’t know how to make the house more suitable, Miss Price. But I know how to protect what is mine.”

She stared at him, realization dawning that perhaps his detachment wasn’t the apathy or carelessness she had feared—it was something else. Though she still stood her ground, she did not want to be softened by his gesture. She had to keep Daphne at the forefront of her thoughts…no matter how wonderful his coat smelled. “Then protect Daphne properly, Colonel Halstead. Not like a soldier guarding a post, but like a guardian watching over someone he cares for.”

Halstead turned back to her, his expression unreadable, studying her as if trying to decide whether to be angry or impressed. Finally, he nodded. “Very well. But if I do, I expect the same of you.”

“I have done nothing but care for Daphne,” she countered.

“Then prove to me you are willing to let me do the same. Listen to my wishes regarding her protection.”

A beat of silence passed between them before Felicity inclined her head ever so slightly. “I am listening now, sir.”

His gloved hands tightened into fists. “You…you do not understand the dangers a woman of her age and beauty, let alone her inheritance will face, Miss Price. She cannot be left alone, even with those you believe she trusts, those who purport to be her friends.”

She had to shake her head at his pronouncement. “That will make her an outsider. No one will wish to have her along on outings if her maiden aunt must always be attached to her, as though she is on leading strings.”

His stance remained firm. “Nevertheless, it is what I require as her guardian.”

Felicity wanted to stomp her foot and demand he see reason. Instead, she took in a deep breath and let it out again, slowly. “I cannot think why you would require such a thing. Tell me why, Halstead—tell me your reason for such a thing. Help me to understand.”

Though she had made the request, she did not expect him to answer. Not really. So when the Colonel took a measured breath and spoke, his tone low and dark, she held completely still.

“I have seen what happens when young ladies are left unchecked. Society may be filled with polite manners and refined company, but behind the civility is danger.” He turned away from her, and she had to strain to hear his voice once his back was turned. “I once knew a young woman much like Daphne. She was full of life. Witty. Lovely to look upon—yet she suffered the consequences of misplaced trust. Life-changing consequences for herself, for others. Nothing…nothing was ever the same for her again.”

He provided no further details, but even those few words were enough for Felicity to sense his demands did not stem from unfounded fears. There was a story there; a story he was not yet willing to tell.

“It’s not just propriety, Miss Price. There are men who take advantage of young ladies who trust too easily—I’ve seen it. I refuse to let it happen to Daphne.”

Felicity took care to consider his words, but could not fully accept his argument. “I realize that by being a woman, many think I cannot know much about the world, especially as I am unmarried. But I am not ignorant of the sort of danger that you speak of, Halstead. I have prepared Daphne to recognize such dangers.” She tried to smile, but his stern countenance made it wilt from her face. “I know you are concerned. But suffocating Daphne will only make her more susceptible to harm. Not less.” He seemed ready to argue, but she quickly continued, “Fear cannot be her guiding principle, Colonel. She must learn to navigate the world, not hide from it.”

“I am not suggesting she hide,” he said gruffly. “Merely that she be guarded.”

They would get nowhere without one of them giving in. At least a little. “Then I propose a compromise.”

His eyebrows raised. “I am listening, Miss Price.”

“Let us try to give Daphne more freedom but under watchful guidance, ensuring she is neither left to her naiveté nor wholly restricted.”

He stepped closer. “How do you propose we do that without leaving her open to harm, Captain?”

She stared straight back at him, unflinching, trying not to smile at the nickname which he had given her. “You cannot loom over her and every friend she makes, every gentleman who wishes to call on her. You will ruin her chances of finding a happy life.”

“Perhaps you are too willing to risk her reputation, leaving her in an unhappy situation.”