Читать книгу The Rake to Reveal Her - Julia Justiss - Страница 12

Chapter Five

Patting her flaming cheeks with one hand, Theo took a deep breath, her heart thudding as she surreptitiously watched Mr Ransleigh manoeuvre the pony trap.

Goodness, what was wrong with her? First her runaway tongue, and now this firestorm of sensual awareness!

Granted, she’d never been shy about expressing her opinions, but what had possessed her to be so free with her advice—to a man she’d scarcely met, and one with whom she needed to establish good relations, if she hoped to settle her orphans at this location? If that almost instantaneous sense of rapport she’d felt with him was an illusion, she might have doomed her mission before it even began.

And yet, she was convinced Mr Ransleigh, too, felt the connection between them.

After an initial surprise and dismay upon discovering her potential landlord to be the one-armed man she’d been so rude to in the lane, she’d been immediately drawn to this ex-soldier, who matched her apology with a generous one of his own. Then, to confirm that his life had, like hers, been upended in the aftermath of Waterloo and to learn they shared the same army experiences...

Having made her awkward way these last few months through an unfamiliar civilian society in an unfamiliar land, to stumble upon someone who’d been part of the world she’d lost was like coming home. Within a few moments, she’d been more comfortable in his company than she’d felt since leaving the regiment in Belgium.

Yet at the same time, upon meeting the man again, properly garbed and in his own element, she’d been struck by the potent masculinity he radiated, in spite of his injuries. The fever-induced thinness of his frame only served to emphasise his impressive height and the broadness of his shoulders. Caught up in gazing at the strong chin, sensual lips and brilliant blue eye, she’d several times, like a moment ago, lost track of where she was in the conversation.

A fact as sobering and even more dismaying than learning the identity of her new landlord.

Just sitting beside him in the pony trap, close enough that the next bump in the road might bounce her into contact with his body, kept her heartbeat skipping at an accelerated pace. The air between them seemed to simmer with a palpable tension.

As an unmarried woman, society might expect her to be an innocent, but she was no stranger to passion. In the arms of the man who’d intended to make her his wife, she’d revelled in kissing and touching, eager to explore Marshall’s body, wanting him to explore hers. Though she’d lived mostly in the company of men for the years since his death, not until today had she felt again that unbidden, instinctive, intensely physical connection.

She knew exactly how powerful it could be—and how dangerous.

Oh, this would not do at all!

She should have insisted on delaying this visit until Ransleigh’s estate agent could accompany her.

Instead, disbelieving, intrigued—and tempted—she’d permitted his company, compelled to discover if that incompatible pairing of feelings—welcome ease, and dangerous attraction—would dissipate upon further acquaintance.

Well, it hadn’t. Despite the distractions of the drive and the delight of the bluebell wood, the ease had only increased, and so too the attraction. As evidenced a moment ago by her losing track of every thought save the impulse to run her finger over his lips and watch that undamaged eye drift closed as she tangled her fingers in the shaggy mane of blond hair and pulled his mouth to hers.

Just recalling that desire sent another flush of heat through her.

But there was no time now for her to figure out what she was going to do about this unwelcome complication, with Mr Ransleigh pulling up the pony trap in front of the stone building. Forcing her thoughts away from that dilemma, she made herself calm.

The spark that singed her fingers as he helped her down momentarily distracted her. But Theo would never have survived the last four years had she not been able to summon the will to focus only on the problem at hand.

Putting a deliberate distance between them, Theo followed Mr Ransleigh as he led her on an inspection of the stone building.

The fact that the structure appeared nearly perfect for her purposes helped her concentrate. Originally designed as a barn, the building had a main floor of smooth paving stones; the stalls had been removed, leaving an open, rectangular space that would do well as a schoolroom. The hayloft above, its partially floored area finished out and with railed wooden stairs constructed to reach it, would serve splendidly as a dormitory.

‘This will be excellent!’ Theo declared as, having made use of the railing rather than her escort’s arm to steady her, she returned from the upper floor to the main room. ‘It will require very few alterations: partitions upstairs, to divide the boys’ area from the girls’, and cordoning off a small section on this floor to install a kitchen, where meals can be prepared and girls can be schooled in cooking and household management.’

‘Are you sure?’ Mr Ransleigh said dubiously. ‘It looks like a cobweb-infested wreck to me.’

‘Compared to some of the structures I had to make habitable on the Peninsula, it’s a virtual palace! I dare say the roof will not leak, half-drowning some hapless orphan in the middle of the night, nor a wall give way, letting in cows to munch next morning’s bread, nor do I see any ancient piles of rotted straw that might house a host of vermin.’

‘Sounds like you were billeted in the same places I was,’ Ransleigh said.

‘Doubtless,’ she agreed, dragging her mind back before it could jump to contemplating the idea of being billeted...or bedded down...with her compelling landlord. ‘A good scrubbing and a competent carpenter, and I believe I can turn this into just the school I envisioned. If you’re agreed, I’ll consult the solicitor at once to find the necessary workmen, so they may begin as soon as the lease is signed.’

‘You might consult Bildenstone’s steward, Winniston. He seems to have kept the manor house in reasonable repair, despite the family not having resided there for years. And he would know where to find the craftsmen you’ll need.’

‘That would be most helpful, if it won’t be too much bother.’ Laughing ruefully, she shook her head. ‘Here I’ve been assuring you I wouldn’t intrude on your peace! I’ve already dragged you from your house and am now thinking of imposing upon your estate manager.’

Mr Ransleigh shrugged. ‘He hasn’t been imposed upon for years. Every soldier needs a little prodding to keep him marching in the right direction.’

‘Very well, I shall ask. Now, I should allow you to get back to Bildenstone and whatever business I interrupted when you felt obliged to accompany me here.’

Theo worked to keep the wistfulness from her voice. Unwise as it was, she was enjoying this outing more than she could remember enjoying anything in a long time. The easy camaraderie and sense of shared experience made her forget for a while that she was now alone in an unfamiliar world. And his tantalising presence revived dim memories of what an energising delight it was to bandy words with a handsome man, a titillating buzz of attraction humming between them.

Settling the details of the lease was a matter for solicitors; once they completed their tour today, there would be no need for her to consult again with the property’s owner. She would go back to her children and their needs, and firmly shut behind her the door into this glimpse of what life spent with a congenial, beguiling man might have been like.

Since that life was lost to her for ever, the sooner she did so, the better.

Setting her shoulders, she walked back to the pony trap and hauled herself to the bench before her escort could offer a hand.

Which didn’t mean she was any less cognizant of the simmering heat of him, once he climbed up beside her, she thought with a sigh.

‘That was exceedingly dusty,’ Mr Ransleigh said as he set the vehicle in motion. ‘Can I offer you tea when we get back?’

Theo steeled herself against the temptation to accept. ‘That’s very kind, but I shouldn’t.’ A more disturbing thought occurred and she frowned. ‘Indeed, now that I think of it, with you being a bachelor and having no lady mother in residence, I seem to recall that it would be considered improper of me to take tea at your house—or indeed, even to call upon you.’

She sighed with exasperation. ‘English mores! Dashed inconvenient, with you being our landlord, but there it is. I only hope I haven’t blotted my copybook already! It wouldn’t help the children’s reception—already dubious, according to what you’ve told me—if your servants carry tales hinting that I’m a lightskirt.’

Her companion choked back a laugh. ‘You really are plain-spoken, aren’t you?’

‘I’m completely devoid of maidenly sensibilities,’ Theo admitted. ‘Perhaps I should try to acquire some, if it will make the idea of the school more acceptable to the neighbourhood.’

‘Though you may be right, I’d hate to see it. I find your candour refreshing.’

‘So is a dunk in the Channel, but most people would rather avoid it,’ Theo said wryly. ‘I’ll have to learn to curb my tongue—and think more carefully about my actions.’ She made a mental note to ask Aunt Amelia, before she returned to London, to review with her the most important rules of propriety.

‘You’re probably right about tea,’ Ransleigh allowed. ‘Talking over experiences on the Peninsula, it’s too easy to fall back into army ways and forget the rigid notions of conduct that apply here. Since I’ve been back in England less than a month, after years away, my memory of those rules is probably as rusty as yours. But let me assure you, no tales of our lapses today will be heard beyond the walls of Bildenstone—or the offenders will answer to me.’

Surprised, she looked up at him. Though linked by their memories of campaign, he was still little more than a stranger. No connection between them required him to watch over her reputation, and she was impressed that he intended to do so.

He truly was an officer and a gentleman.

‘I wouldn’t expect you to go to such trouble, but I do appreciate it.’

‘Don’t want you to run afoul of the Lady Wentworths of the county before you’ve even got your building renovated,’ he said, turning his attention back to his driving.

* * *

All too soon, they arrived back at Bildenstone Hall. Once again resisting the temptation to continue their conversation, Theo refused his offer to proceed to the drawing room while a groom fetched her horse.

‘There’s no need for you to tarry here, truly!’ she said when he gallantly insisted on waiting outside with her. ‘I shall be off as soon as Firefly is brought up. The children will be missing me, and there’s still so much to do, getting the house up to snuff and filling in until I can secure a teacher.’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘You don’t intend to teach the children yourself?’

‘No. While we were with the army, I helped Jemmie with his letters and sums, but we hadn’t the materials, nor I the training or inclination, to give him a proper schooling. Not that the children should study languages and philosophy—just gain a thorough grounding in reading and arithmetic. While they learn, we shall ascertain what most interests them, then train them to that trade, for which I’ll need to hire instructors as well. I doubt I could sit still long enough to manage a classroom. I have to be out and about, moving around, accomplishing things.’

‘I can appreciate that. After months of being cooped up, mostly bedridden, I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this drive in the fresh air.’

‘Then you must drive about often—as long as you don’t tire yourself. You’re not fully healed yet, remember.’

‘Don’t worry. My arm and shoulder will remind me, should I be tempted to forget.’

From the stable lane, a groom paced up, leading her mare. ‘Here’s Firefly,’ she said, turning back to him, ‘so I will take my leave.’

After giving the mare a quick inspection, Mr Ransleigh nodded his approval. ‘Good, deep heart, nice level croup, and well muscled—she must be a fine goer.’ Reaching out to stroke the horse’s neck, he crooned, ‘What a lovely lady you are! Such a graceful neck, pretty eyes and small, perfect ears!’

As the mare nickered and leaned into Ransleigh’s massaging fingers, Theo chuckled. ‘I believe she’s preening for you. Which is quite a compliment! Firefly doesn’t take to just anyone. You must have a way with horses.’

‘I’ve always loved them. Spent most of the last fifteen years when not in the army breeding and training them. Hunters and steeplechasers who—’ Abruptly he went silent, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Even if I just had my limitations forcefully demonstrated, his cryptic comment came back to her as she recalled the fractious stallion who’d almost trampled her. But oh, he can fly like the wind and jump anything in his path.

‘You trained that black beast from yesterday,’ she said, putting it all together.

‘And many more like him,’ Ransleigh said tightly. ‘For all the good it does me now.’

All horses he could no longer ride. Theo felt an ache in her chest. One more loss, one more joy stolen from him. How terribly cruel life could be!

‘It must have taken remarkable skill, just to get him to accept a rider,’ she said, wanting to ease the tension in that clenched jaw. ‘He looked like he would have enjoyed running us down.’

He rewarded her with a slight smile. ‘He would have, the evil-tempered devil.’

The urge to linger and question him further teased at her. Clenching her teeth against it, she told herself she should bid him farewell before this intriguing man charmed her any further.

‘Well, I must be off. You’re welcome to call any time at Thornfield Place and meet the children. Or not, as you choose,’ she added, unhappily aware he was unlikely to take her up on that offer.

Before the groom could assist her, Ransleigh offered his hand. ‘You were right,’ he said as he lifted her into the saddle. ‘I can do it, if I want to.’

Our last contact, she thought with a little sigh as he released her boot. ‘I am sure you will soon be able to do whatever you wish, Mr Ransleigh. Thank you again for giving my orphans a chance.’

With a wave of her riding crop and a foolish sense of regret, she turned Firefly and set off towards Thornfield.

She felt the warmth of his gaze on her back, all the way to the turn in the drive.

* * *

By the time she’d ridden most of the way home, Theo had convinced herself she’d not really responded as strongly to Mr Ransleigh as she’d first imagined. After all, it was only natural that she would feel comfortable around a man who’d spent nearly as many years with Wellington’s army as she had, especially after more than a month of dealing with civilians.

Nor did she deny he attracted her. The scarred face and eye patch did nothing to detract from his commanding profile, nor the missing arm from the vitality that emanated from him, despite the fact that he was not fully recovered from his injuries. Indeed, in her eyes, the marks of the suffering he’d endured in defending his country enhanced his already arresting physical attributes.

But that attraction, like the welcome relief of finding herself once again in a soldier’s company, had doubtless been heightened by not having experienced the feeling in so long.

She could only imagine how much more potent his appeal would be when he was fully healed. A heated flutter stirred in her stomach.

Fortunately, she was too old and wise now to be caught again in passion’s snare. Or she certainly should be—she need only remember the agony she’d suffered over Marshall.

Still, she was a woman, and vain though it might be, she was glad she’d worn the most attractive of her gowns for the call. She’d couldn’t help being pleased that, if her instincts were correct, that compelling man had found her attractive as well.

A flush of embarrassment heated her face as she suddenly recalled she’d actually told this wealthy, well-connected bachelor how handsome she thought him.

Drat candour! Hopefully, he would only think the comment shameless—and not suppose her to have marital designs upon him. The very idea that he might interpret her comment in that manner made her a little sick.

Nothing she could do now to correct that impression, if he had so interpreted her remark. With any luck, there’d be no further need to contact him, so any awkwardness on that score could be avoided.

Then perspective returned, and she had to laugh at herself. How foolish of her to think this commanding man, whose wealth and pedigree doubtless focused upon him the attention of every woman in the vicinity, would think twice about any supposed lures cast his way by a plain, outspoken spinster—with a crowd of orphans in tow!

The only lasting result of her visit today was her landlord’s agreement to lease her the property. Once she was immersed in overseeing its renovation, adding that task to those of getting Thornfield running properly and finding the necessary teachers, today’s interlude would fade to a pleasant but vague memory.

Ignoring the eddies in her stomach that warned otherwise, Theo fixed that conclusion firmly in mind and turned Firefly down the drive to Thornfield’s stables.