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Birds fled with any chatter, see.

At times, she brought along Penelope, but Lark always preferred solitude.

Mr. Chumley would no doubt disapprove of her behavior, but then, what he didn’t know would not hurt him. Now to ensure the Shepherds and Mr. Branok didn’t spread word about her shocking behavior.

“I do hope your aunt feels better,” Mr. Branok said.

“I believe she does,” Lark responded. “It takes her a day to recover from most trips, so she should be back to herself this morning.”

“That is quite unsafe, is it not, Miss Fernside?” Mrs. Shepherd asked, clearly not finished with the conversation from before. Her arched brows pointed with overt concern. “To walk on your own, I mean. Especially as we are new to this area. Suppose you fall and injure yourself and do not know where to look or call for help?”

Lark flicked her gaze toward Mr. Branok, who watched the exchange in silence, a restrained smile on his lips. He would be entertained—a gentleman who could travel where he wished, when he wished.

“I assure you, I took great care,” Lark replied. “At any rate, I am six and twenty and perfectly capable of walking without injuring myself.” Mrs. Shepherd opened her mouth to clearly protest once again, but Lark continued. “I thank you for your concern, Mrs. Shepherd. It is so generous of you. But my aunt and uncle are perfectly aware of my amble this morning and can see me quite clearly from their window, just there.” She pointed to one of the top rooms—which one was Aunt’s was beyond her—then continued speaking swiftly so Mrs. Shepherd might not attempt to find it. “Have the three of you managed to eat breakfast before your walk?”

“Ah, yes,” Mr. Shepherd responded with a pleasant smile. The man was quite handsome, tall and lean, with dark hair and even darker eyes. But there was a kindness to his features that softened his gaze—a look that only increased as he peered lovingly at his wife. “Mrs. Shepherd and I enjoyed that earlier. The Chumleys have certainly spared no expense with the gorgeous spread they’ve put on. Now we’re enjoying our little tête-à-tête with Mr. Branok before the rest of the group seizes their opportunity. You’re welcome to join us.”

“Thank you so much for the kind offer,” Lark said with a glance at Mr. Branok. He still watched her with that insufferably charming smile. “But I have yet to eat, and I should like to fill my empty stomach before the food is put away for good.”

“Very wise,” Mr. Shepherd said.

“Do eat enough to sustain your walk,” Mrs. Shepherd said. “We young women ought to replenish our energy often.”

“Very true, my dear,” Mr. Shepherd agreed with a pat of his hand atop his wife’s. “But I am certain she knows this.”

Lark smiled at each of them, curtsying before excusing herself and heading once more toward the house.

She did not make much headway before footsteps sounded behind her, and Mr. Branok spoke her name.

“Miss Fernside?”

She started, turning around to face him. “Mr. Branok?”

The Shepherds waited for him down the pathway so only she could hear Mr. Branok’s words.

“Did you need something?” she asked.

“I merely wished to speak with you for a moment.”

She watched him expectantly. “About what exactly?”

He paused. “Well, to be frank, Miss Fernside. I believe I have become so accustomed to being with you on our travels that I must admit to quite missing your conversation.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. Was he in earnest? She could never tell with him—nor his reasons behind such flirtatious comments. Was it merely to ruffle her feathers?

Well, two could play at his game.

“Really, Mr. Branok,” she responded, “we hardly spoke in the carriage after that first day. I’m certain you exaggerate.”

“No, no. I am quite in earnest. I found myself wishing to speak with you at dinner last evening. You must imagine my acute disappointment in discovering how far away you sat from me—and further when you did not join us for long in the drawing room afterward. I trust nothing occurred between you and Mr. Dunn that forced you to retire early.”

She hesitated. Mr. Dunn had been her greatest disappointment and greatest relief from the entire excursion so far. He’d been insufferably dull the night before with snore-inducing words about his various muskets. It made her regret taking the only seat left next to him instead of leaving right then and there at dinner. And yet, she could not help the relief she knew that he was not Mr. Branok after all.

Still, she did not wish for Mr. Chumley to hear that she disapproved of the other members of their party. “No, I was simply tired, that is all.”

He nodded, though his look revealed how greatly he did not believe her. “You’re certain it had nothing to do with the conversation around the table, then?”

“Oh, no. I love…talking about…hunting.”