Page 39 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

“You must come, Papa. Daisy has Bessie trapped in the corner and is about to eat her!”

“Excuse us, my lord, but it appears my boy’s pet is in danger.”

Before he took two steps a wired-hair dog raced from the house with a small animal in its jaws. “Papa, look!” The child pointed and jumped up and down frantically.

The dog sprinted past them and huddled next to the carriage wheel, watching the humans with narrowed eyes. The small white kitten anchored between its teeth squealed and wiggled its body.

Arabella looked at the little boy. “Is that your pet there in the dog’s mouth?”

“Yes, my lady. That is Booker.” He wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “And Daisy’s about to eat him.”

“How many times have I told you to keep that kitten in the cage and away from that dog?” Mrs. Blossom wrapped her arms around her son’s shoulders.

Arabella walked toward the dog, murmuring to the animal. The dog hunkered down, its tail moving back and forth as it watched her approach. “You don’t want to hurt that little kitty, do you, Daisy?” She got down on her knees and reached out, petting the dog. After a few minutes the dog laid down. Arabella reached out and rubbed the animal’s stomach, murmuring until she scratched under the dog’s chin, and he opened his jaw, dropping the kitten, who scooted away.

The little boy ran up with a box, and the kitten darted into it.

Beaming, Arabella climbed to her feet and walked back to where the adults stood. Mrs. Blossom thanked her profusely, but Nash glowered at her, wiping the smile from her face.

“It is time to go.” He grabbed her elbow and practically shoved her into the carriage. Once they were side-by-side on the padded bench, Arabella wrenched her elbow free. “Whatever is the matter with you?”

“How many times do I have to tell you that countesses do not crawl around in the dirt and rescue animals? You forget your position.”

“My position just now was to save the pet for that little boy. Did you not see his tears?”

“They could certainly have rescued the animal without your help.” He looked at her knees in disgust. “Brush your skirt. It’s full of dirt.”

Indeed, her gown was dirty. With quick movements, she brushed the dirt off and stared out the window. The man was insufferable!

After a while, Arabella’s anger had lessened and she took a deep breath. “I am sorry you were disappointed in me, but I felt the need to help the little boy.”

Nash waved away her comments. “Just don’t ever do that again.”

She swallowed her angry retort and decided to make peace. “How did your conversation with Mr. Blossom go?” She grabbed the strap alongside her head as the carriage hit rough ground.

“Confusing.”

Her raised eyebrows brought more information. “Mr. Blossom claims he has not been having poor crops or other issues that my steward had informed me the tenants were dealing with. He also mentioned something about the rent on his farm going up, and I never requested an increase in rent.”

“Sounds suspicious to me,” Arabella said.

Nash nodded. “Rather than jump to any conclusions, I will talk with the other tenants and see what they have to say before I approach Jones. That is, if I am able to locate the man. He has not answered my summons. Did you enjoy your time with Mrs. Blossom?”

“Yes. She is a lovely woman. Her two sons were teaching each other to read. One was a level above the other, but he was still learning new words himself. I assume they are needed to work the farm, but is there a school they attend?”

“No. The parents do the teaching. Naturally, some better than others, but one or two of the tenants’ lads showed some promise, and the local rector took it upon himself to continue their instruction once they surpassed what their parents had to offer.”

“I would love to see the day when all children may attend school on a regular basis.”

“Ah, I think I hear rumblings of rebellion from my countess. Are you favoring the Whigs, then?” He winked at her.

“Perhaps.” She gave him a saucy smile. “Would that put us at odds once again?”

He reached out and tucked a curl back into her bonnet. “More than we are now?”

“And here I thought we were getting on so famously.” When all was well, and there was no bickering about her animals or his expectations for her, she loved these little repartees they shared.

Nash leaned forward and murmured in her ear. “I look forward to us getting along quite well later this evening.” Before she could offer a retort, he cupped her chin in his hand and covered her lips with his warm, soft ones. She sighed with contentment, happy to once again feel the tingles in various places in her body at her husband’s touch.