Chapter Six
Ann ran the brush through her hair one last time before tying it back with cotton ribbons.
“You have been quiet, all day,” Lydia said. “Is everything all right?”
Ann turned to smile at her sister on the far side of the bed. Pulling the blanket back she slid into the cold bed and shivered. Maybe if she was quiet, Lydia would leave her alone.
Lydia propped herself up on her elbow and pushed at Ann’s shoulder.
“I’m serious.”
Sighing, Ann nodded her head. “Everything is fine.”
Lydia frowned, obviously doubting her.
“It’s the strange man. Isn’t it? Did you find him? I know that is why you went to retrieve the Witch Hazel.”
Again, Ann sighed. What could she tell her sister? The doubt, the pain, the joy, the hope all washing around inside of her at the same time. How could she ever explain?
What was it he had said? He couldn’t control his future. What did that mean exactly? No one could control their future. She had learned that lesson so well back in Birmingham. That didn’t stop a person from trying. Or had it been something else?
Was he committed to another? The sudden thought sent a burst of fear into her very soul.
No, surely a man who kissed a woman as he had kissed her was not betrothed to someone else.
“Please Ann,” Lydia said with a pleading tone. “How am I to learn except through your experiences. That is what an older sister is for. Why else have one?”
Ann laughed. Once again Lydia had known just the right thing to say to stop her from falling under the sway of a black cloud.
“Yes, I did meet him again,” Ann said. “By chance of course.”
Lydia smiled widely and sat up in bed, her eager face demanding more. “Tell me. Everything. Why is he here? How handsome is he really? Only Aunt Ester has seen him and there is no telling. She has been known to think a fence post is handsome.
Ann grinned as a dozen memories filled her.
“I suppose so if you like sharp cheekbones, dark eyes that look dangerous and tempting at the same time. Broad shoulders and strong arms. So yes, I would say Daniel is handsome. Very handsome.”
Lydia gasped. “You are on a first name basis?”
Ann shrugged her shoulders. “Well, it seems only proper to call a man by his first name after he has kissed you.”
There was a heavy silence in the air as Lydia stared at her with disbelief. Extremely wide eyes and an open mouth testified to her shock. Then the girl squealed as she jumped up to her knees to study her older sister and ensure she had heard correctly.
“He kissed you. Where?”
Ann smiled as she brought her hands to her mouth. “The lips. Of course.”
“No, where were you when he kissed you?”
“On the trail, just around the bend from the front gate.”
Lydia smiled broadly then swooned as she flopped back onto the bed.
“In the forest, under an old oak tree, oh how romantic.”
Ann had to laugh at her silly sister. In all honesty, there hadn’t been an oak tree within a hundred yards. But she had to admit, it had been romantic. Perhaps the most romantic kiss any woman had ever experienced.
“So,” Lydia began. “When are you getting married?”
It was Ann’s turn to gasp. “Lydia, don’t be silly. It was only a kiss.”
Lydia frowned as she turned on her side to stare at her sister. “But …”
“No, Lydia, we must be intelligent about such things. It was only a kiss. A brief flirtation. In fact, I might very well never see this man again.”
A sudden sadness filled her at the realization that it might very well be the case. She might never see Daniel again.
Lydia’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Don’t you want to get married someday?”
The sadness inside her grew to an almost overwhelming level.
“I doubt I will ever marry,” she said as she tried to erase any sorrow from her voice. There was no need for Lydia to feel sorry for her.
Lydia once again sat up in the bed. “Why ever not?”
Ann shrugged her shoulders. How could she explain to her that no farmer wanted to marry an over-educated woman with two sisters to support. It was a heavy burden to ask any man to take on. Especially these days. The war had taken so many men that it seemed there were two women for every man to choose from.
“I think you are wrong,” Lydia said with all the confidence of a young woman who believed in love and romance. “You are special,” she added. “You deserve someone just as special.”
Ann sighed as she stared up at the ceiling. Was her sister, right? Would she ever know a man’s love? Would she ever feel that special bond that brought two people together to face the world as a couple?
Was Daniel that man? she wondered.
No, he couldn’t be, she realized with a deep sadness. There was something about him. Some secret he kept close that stopped him from being her future.
“Go to sleep,” Ann said as she reached over and turned down the lamp. No, she would not allow herself to dream, to hope. That way lay only pain and discontent. Better to accept her fate than to hope and fail.
Lydia harrumphed but had the good sense not to press the matter. She lay back down as the two of them let the quiet of the night surround them.
Ann stared into the darkness as a tear formed in the corner of her eye. Sometimes life could be so unfair. It offered her a glimpse of a possibility but erected barriers that could not be overcome.
The next morning, Ann woke to find Lydia already gone. Probably stoking the fire in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Stretching, she thought back to their talk of the night before. She knew she needn’t fear Lydia telling Isobel or Aunt Ester about her kiss. Lydia enjoyed keeping secrets. It made her feel powerful.
A sadness filled her again. What should she do? She had told him that she was returning to the orchard. Should she? Wouldn’t that only lead to further heartache. Yet the need to see him again was so powerful. A pull at her very soul.
Either answer seemed laden with traps and danger.
When she came downstairs, both her Aunt and youngest sister were already in the kitchen gathered around the table.
“So,” Isobel asked her, “what are your plans for the day. I thought I would go back up to the main house. They say the new Earl has arrived. I thought I might catch a glimpse. What do you think?”
Ann’s heart lurched. So soon? Would this impact Daniel’s decisions? What if he applied for a position and was denied? Would he leave the area? Surely no man would remain without any hope of employment.
What if he was hired? The thought sent a burst of hope and anticipation through her.
So much rested with this new Earl. Would he allow them to remain in this house? Would he, or more likely, his people, hire Daniel? Joy and despair hung in the balance. It was enough to make a woman sick to her stomach.
“I thought I would retrieve some more apples,” Ann said. “Lydia’s pie was so wonderful the other day. I want another.”
Lydia shot her a knowing smile but kept her lips closed.
Aunt Ester took a bite of her griddle cake and nodded. “Perhaps you will meet that handsome stranger again.”
Ann’s insides sank, perhaps she would, but what then? So many thoughts whirled around. Life was becoming a confusing mish-mash of possibilities. Some good. Some terrible.
Later, as she made her way to the orchard, she glanced up at the sky. Gray clouds had closed in, threatening rain. So typical, she thought. The beautiful summer was slipping away to be replaced by gloom and trepidation.
Of course, all of her doubt disappeared when she stepped into the orchard and saw him walking towards her.
A doubtful smile on his handsome face. He was worried as well, she realized. Why? What troubled him?
As they came together, she gave him a small smile and said, “Tell me, Sir, are you married? Betrothed?” The sudd
enness of her question surprised her. She had not thought it through.
He flinched but he did not look away.
“Do you think I am the type of man to do such a thing. Kiss young girls when I am promised to another?”
She shrugged as she turned from him to look for a tree that she might rob without exposing herself to the main house. “You would not be the first.”
He laughed as he gently turned her back so that he could look directly into her eyes. “I assure you, Ann, I am neither married nor betrothed.”
Her brow furrowed in confusion.
He sighed heavily and said, “A man’s future might very well not be his own. For many reasons.”
She felt her cheeks grow warm. He knew that she was asking because she was interested. Attracted to him. Oh, how foolish could she be? She had been too blunt. There could be no other reason for her to ask such a question.
See, she thought. This was what happened when a woman had no experience interacting with men. She made fatal errors that caused herself embarrassment.
Why wouldn’t he just tell her who he was and why he was there? Life would be so much simpler.
He smiled gently. “May I be allowed to fill your basket? I believe there are trees with fruit that can be reached without having to climb.”
She shook her head. “They can be seen from the main house.”
He frowned as he looked at her then back up to the main estate. Then awareness came over him as he nodded.
“Why don’t you stand over here, out of the way. I will get the apples and bring them to you.”
She continued to frown at him. Wasn’t he worried about being seen? What if he were caught? How would that impact his chances of getting a job? Suddenly, the thought of him losing out on an opportunity sent fear racing through her.
But, before she could stop him, he was off to gather the apples.
Ann froze, as she held her breath, all the while expecting a sharp cry from the main house. How could he risk so much? Yet, at the same time, she couldn’t stop herself from admiring him as he reached up to take the ripest fruits for her. The way his muscles moved. The strength in his shoulders.
Swallowing hard, she forced herself to look away unless he see the admiration and need in her gaze. No, never. She could not be that foolish. She had already exposed too much of her heart.
As he returned to her with an armload of apples, he gently lowered them into her basket, then smiled at her. Obviously delighted with himself that he had done something for her.
“Thank you,” she managed to say as she put aside the thoughts running through her head.
He dipped his head in acceptance then pointed back down the trail. “There is a spot by the stream. I found it yesterday. Perhaps you would join me on this wonderful morning.”
She looked up at the threatening clouds then back at him and smiled. Yes, he was right. It was too soon to return home. Not when Daniel was there before her. In fact, perhaps she could learn more about this strange man.
Suddenly, her constant worry and fear took a back seat to her hope.
Smiling, she nodded and the two of them turned to walk together. Glancing up at him she had to hold off a shiver of happiness. He was so tall, so good looking. And he wanted to spend time with her.
A special feeling filled her as she realized just how much happiness was possible in this world.
Chapter Seven
Lord Norwich had to force himself from taking this woman in his arms and kissing her until tomorrow. The feeling of rightness that had filled him when he saw her walking towards him had surprised him.
But. He reminded himself to be disciplined. He could not do what his body demanded. Ann deserved better. She had been honest and open with him every step of the way. Treating him like a human being. Someone of value. Not a commodity to judge and value based on his title.
No, she deserved so much more.
A sudden fear filled him. What if she learned the truth. The thought of seeing the hate and disapproval in her eyes sent a lightning bolt of shame deep into him.
Yet, he couldn’t stay away. She drew him like a moth to a flame.
As the path dipped down close to the stream he pointed out the spot he had discovered.
She smiled up at him. A grassy patch of ground that looked out on water bubbling over the rocks. Hidden, alone. Their own little piece of the world.
“It is beautiful,” she said as she smoothed her dress behind her and sat down. He had to stop himself from shaking his head. So many women he knew would never have thought of sitting on the bare ground. Not unless a footman had spread a thick blanket first.
No, Ann, was in touch with the world. Both mentally and physically. She gathered plants and herbs from the forest. Knew every tree and animal within her world. Somehow, it made her even more feminine in his mind. A true creature of nature. Closer to the truth than anyone he knew.
Sighing, he sat down next to her and looked out over the water. A fish jumped, making Ann smile. God, the woman took pleasure in such simple things.
An awkward silence fell over them. Oh, how he wished he could take her into his arms and make the world disappear.
“Have you heard, the new Earl has arrived,” she said in a hesitant manner. He knew instinctively that she was trying to think of anything to break the silence.
He nodded. “Yes, they talked of it in the Inn last night. Everyone seems very curious.”
She took a deep breath and nodded.
“Do not worry too much. I hear that he is a good man,” he said.
She smiled weakly at him, her eyes filled with both doubt and hope, but it was obvious that she appreciated his attempt.
A sense of guilt filled him. He could alleviate her fear if he told her the truth. But fear stopped him. She would hate him. Even worse, she would no longer look at him as Daniel. No, all she would ever see is the title.
No matter how unique and special she was, the fact of his title would overshadow everything.
As the two of them sat there, their shoulders barely touching, looking out over the bubbling brook, he took it all in. The special peace that folded over and around him. Yes, he realized, moments like this were to be treasured.
A distant rumbled interrupted his thoughts. His brow narrowed as he looked out across the fields on the far side of the stream.
Ann gasped, a storm approached, angry, fierce. Racing towards them. Even now, the trees began to shake as a cold wind washed over them. Jumping up, she brushed the back of her dress and said, “We will be drenched.”
He swore under his breath. A beautiful moment ruined. It was as if God was punishing him for deceiving her.
“Come,” she said as she grabbed his hand. “You will never make it back to the Inn. I won’t have you catching your death of a cold. You can shelter at our house.” Pulling at him, she led him back to the trail and turned towards her home.
“Hurry,” she said as the wind whipped at her hair.
They began to run and as the first few drops of rain began to fall. Ann laughed as she rushed through the gate of her home, still holding his hand. All he could do was follow. The woman had bewitched him.
A loud thunderclap rocked the world as the air exploded with a deep boom and a sharp smell of charged oxygen.
Ann flew through the door, pulling him into the house then, turned and laughed loudly, obviously thrilled to have escaped. She turned to him, her eyes flashing with excitement, her cheeks red with joy.
He could only stare down at her, amazed at everything about her.
Pulling her eyes from his, she turned back into the room and called out for her aunt and sisters.
Daniel took a moment to look around. A simple country cottage, he realized. Stout stone walls. Wooden beams across the ceiling. A fireplace at one end. He knew that the kitchen would be to the left with another fireplace for cooking.
Furnished with a mismatch of stuffed chairs and a settee arranged around the fire. The nicks and repaire
d rips spoke of the age of the furniture. Castoffs if he was not mistaken. Probably from the main estate.
As he turned to examine the rest of the room, he was surprised to find an older woman and what was obviously Ann’s sisters staring at him as if he were a Moore from Africa. A strange, unusual man, out of place and not of their world.
His gut tightened up. He must be careful not to expose his secret, he realized. The older woman specifically looked as if she could spot a fraud at a thousand paces. Her eyes bore into him, searching for the truth.
“This is Daniel. Daniel Marlow,” Ann said with a hurried breath. “The storm. The Inn is too far. … I said he could stay here until it is safe.”
He began to bow formally at the introduction but stopped himself and only gave the woman a slight dip of the head. You are not a duke, he reminded himself. And these were not ladies of the aristocracy. The same rules do not apply here, he told himself. Do not forget that.
“Ladies,” he said. The two younger sisters continued to look at him with wide eyes. Shooting their older sister questioning looks, then quickly coming back to him as if checking to see if he was real.
“This is my Aunt Ester,” Ann said to him. “And my sisters, Lydia, and Isobel.”
Daniel smiled to them and again dipped his head in recognition. “I do appreciate your kindness. I hope I am not imposing.”
Aunt Ester smiled as she stepped forward and wrapped her arm in his to pull him into the room.
“No, of course not. Please come in, sit here by the fire and warm yourself.” Then turning to the two younger girls. “Lydia, Isobel, tea, I should think. Yes, that is what we need.”
Daniel found himself seated by the fire, Aunt Ester staring at him as if he might be treasure or poison and she couldn’t make up her mind.
Ann glanced at him and shot him a quick reassuring smile. Trying to let him know that he need not fear her aunt or her sisters. How little she knew. If anyone was to discover his secret it would be her aunt. The woman looked like she would rip limb from limb anyone who deceived her niece.
Duke In Disguise (The Stafford Sisters Book 1) Page 5