Podstrony
|
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
I ll just fetch my hat and reticule. She headed for the door.
Catherine called after her. Walk slowly, Mrs. Stansfield, as befits your new role.
Returning, her hat firmly on her head, the veil covering her face, a black-beaded
reticule over her arm, black lace gloves on her hands, Riena minced along the hall
toward Catherine.
Solemnly acting the part of two grieving friends, they paced slowly down the
staircase and across the great entrance hall. Lady Glenmore and Edward waited under
the portico to see them off.
You look splendid, Riena. I am pleased my clothing fitted so well. Lady
Glenmore offered her hand. Riena curtsied and touched her fingers.
I can never thank you enough for your hospitality and your kindness. I shall never
forget the help you ve given me.
Edward bowed. It has been a pleasure to meet you. May God keep you safe on
your journey.
Richard and Dolly waited by the carriage. Tom Jepson and another groom stood
nearby with Misty and Prince, both horses saddled and ready. Catherine winced when
she saw Tom, and a warm flush heated her cheeks. He held Misty s reins loosely in one
hand. He d assist her to mount. If he had witnessed her moonlight folly, he d not dare
comment on her behavior nor even hint at it with a look or gesture. She d act as usual
with him. A friendly smile. A noncommittal remark perhaps, about the weather.
159
Anita Birt
Come along, Riena, it s time to leave. Dolly strode up the steps to escort her to the
carriage. Dressed in a dark gray suit, white shirt and black tie, he had a black armband
on his left sleeve. Riena nodded to him, took his arm and walked slowly to the carriage
as befitted a grieving widow.
Like a queen, Catherine thought. There was something regal about Riena s exotic
beauty. Wherever she went, heads would turn.
Dolly waved to his mother and Edward entered the carriage, and sat beside Riena.
The liveried coachman secured the iron step in place, closed the door, and climbed to
his seat.
Shall we wait for you to mount, Richard? Dolly asked.
No, you go on ahead. Miss Thurston and I will catch up with you by the gates.
He turned to Catherine. The groom will help you mount.
Catherine wished he had offered to assist her or, at least, had smiled. He hadn t
looked her way since she and Riena emerged from the house. Perhaps he regretted the
night s foolishness as much as she did.
Good morning, Miss Thurston. Tom tipped his cap and smiled. Had he seen her
clinging to Richard?
Good morning, Tom. She favored him with a cool glance. He linked his hands
together. Wasting no time, Catherine placed her left boot in his hands, and mounted
quickly. The mare nickered and tossed her head. Rather than wait for Richard Catherine
gathered the reins, nudged Misty s flanks with her riding crop, and headed down the
drive.
Within seconds, he caught up with her. Good morning, Kate. You are looking very
well. I hope you had a restful night. He held Prince to a slow trot beside her.
Catherine gazed straight ahead unable to face him while memories of her dreadful
behavior undermined her self-respect. Thank you, I slept very well. To avoid further
conversation, she flicked the reins over the mare s neck. Come on, Misty, let s catch up
with Riena and Dolly.
Richard and Prince leapt ahead of her and streaked down the drive, kicking up
gravel. Richard looked back, laughing. I ll race you to the gates.
Not one to avoid a challenge, Catherine spurred Misty to a full gallop. It s not
fair, she yelled. You had a head start.
Forgetting her sullied reputation, she enjoyed the short race and slowed Misty
when she came abreast of the carriage at the manor gates. You cheated. That wasn t a
fair contest.
Like a dashing cavalier, he swept his hat from his head and smiled at her. Please
accept my humble apologies. Next time, I shall warn you, but I m sure you are no
match for me.
Catherine gazed at him. She had to respond to his lighthearted comment but his
dark eyes, no longer smiling, searched hers, seeming to delve into her soul. Like a
160
A Very Difficult Man
drowning swimmer, she tried to stem the emotional tide washing over her. Under the
jacket of her riding habit, her breasts swelled, and the pleasant quivery pulse thrummed
in her secret parts.
Taking a deep breath, she filled her lungs with sweet summer air. I am able to
match you, if you play fair. No head starts. You should have a handicap because Prince
is bigger and faster than Misty.
Dolly stuck his head out of the carriage window. Are you coming with us or not?
The train leaves within the hour.
Richard waved them on and took up a position on Riena s side of the carriage.
Kate, you ride beside Dolly. You won t be seeing him for a few days, no doubt you
have things to discuss.
Catherine had wanted to speak with Riena while they rode to Abbeyleigh. She d
nothing particular to say to Dolly, and wondered why Richard thought she might.
Trotting alongside the carriage, she ducked down to have a look at her friend. Although
the carriage was roomy, Dolly and Riena sat close together, engrossed in conversation.
He held one of her gloved hands in his.
Puzzled by this show of intimacy, Catherine straightened in the saddle. Surely
Dolly was too much of a gentleman to take advantage of Riena. She had not fully
recovered from her husband s beatings or his death threats and might be vulnerable to
Dolly s considerable charm.
On the approach to the station, Catherine noticed him shift to his side of the
carriage. Concerned for her friend, Catherine swung around the carriage to the
mounting block by the station.
Here, let me help you, Richard said and skillfully dismounted.
He s been practicing she thought and waited for him by the mounting block.
Grasping her around the waist, he lifted her down. Through a mist, Catherine heard
the carriage stop. Heard the coachman jump down from his perch, lower the step and
open the door.
Are you all right, Kate? You ve gone quite pale. Richard steadied her, one arm
snug around her waist.
Catherine swallowed hard, breathed deeply, and didn t reply. She could not tell
him how she felt with his hands on her waist, warming every part of her. Do you think
Riena is going to be safe? she asked.
Of course she is. Dolly called out, and helped her from the carriage.
Riena came to Catherine, holding her black silk skirt from trailing on the dusty
road. Walk with me on the platform until the train comes.
Glad to escape from Richard, Catherine clasped Riena s hand in hers. For minutes
they strolled back and forth in silence. I shall miss you. After not seeing you for so
many years, I hate losing you so quickly.
161
Anita Birt
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
zanotowane.pldoc.pisz.plpdf.pisz.plkskarol.keep.pl
|
