In order to get the attention of girls, he’d become a rake of the first order. At least, that’s what he wanted people to think. Sure, he had lots of experience kissing girls, but had never quite gone as far as he’d heard Stratford had. A part of him wanted to, of course, he was a man, after all. But he also longed for one true love to give himself to. Body, heart and soul. He didn’t really long to be a rake anymore. But even when he tried not to act the part, it still occurred. A habit borne out of long practice, it seemed. While he’d been away at school, he’d had plenty of time to test his flirting skills with girls he’d met in town. It had been easy, since he hadn’t been under the watchful eye of his family.
He needed to be more careful now what he said and how he acted. He could no longer do what he wished. Either Stratford, Nathaniel or their wives would find out and he’d be in some kind of trouble. Somehow, though, it was harder than he’d thought to revert back to his old self. The kind soul he was before getting it into his head he needed to be something else. Something more.
Patience didn’t know it yet, but she was the woman he wanted. They’d shared the same house for the past year now, ever since she and her sisters had moved in to the main house. Nathaniel and Kitty had a small house of their own, but after their son came along, they realized the space was too small. And if they were fortunate enough to have more children, it really would have been close quarters. But the main house was enormous. Could probably house five families, at least. Stratford, who’d already lived there, stayed after he wed Lydia. And they would have their own child born any day.
Walter had always admired Patience, but hadn’t known her all that well until she had moved in with her sisters. They’d become a large, extended family after that. Walter had been gone a lot, at Oxford but now that he was permanently home, he loved being around Patience even more. She’d changed dramatically while he’d been gone. He’d left her a skinny waif, polite, soft-spoken and always aiming to please others. But when he returned, the difference was amazing. She’d grown talker by two inches, filled out quite nicely, and seemed to have finally discovered her voice. And knew how to use it. From the moment he’d returned, she held his heart in the palm of her hand. She just didn’t know it. Yet. She still thought him a rake. That needed to change before he had any chance to convince her of his sincere devotion.
Being practically ordered by his brother and cousin to accompany her to her panorama commission was like a gift. He was determined to make the most of their encounters. The first time he’d come home from school and she’d seen the scar, she’d gasped, eyes wide, mouth open. He hadn’t been sure if she thought it hideous or if she cared that he’d been injured. She’d never said and he hadn’t asked. How would one go about that? Pardon me, was your open-mouthed gasp one of caring or repulsion?
No, he’d have to ascertain her feelings by getting her to show him. And that could only happen once they spent time together, alone, so he could properly woo her. Then he could let his true self shine through. Show her that he could be kind, gentle and caring. That he wanted her and her alone. Would she believe him? It would take some work on his part. However, he was quite determined to have her.
He left his room and headed down the main stairs. Would she be ready yet? He stepped into the parlor and there she was. Standing in front of the picture window, Patience was outlined in rays of sunlight. Her blonde hair now appeared golden. Her pale yellow dress had taken on a white appearance around the edges of her sleeves. Seeing her blue eyes, the color of a spring sky, nearly caused his heart to melt with love. What a vision she made.
She turned, saw him and… frowned. “Oh. It’s you. Are you ready to accompany me?”
His heart sank at her tone, but he wouldn’t let it show. Couldn’t. Standing straighter, he forced his expression to remain pleasant. “Of course. And aren’t you looking ravishing today.”
She raised one eyebrow. “Always ready with some kind of flirtation, aren’t you?”
He smiled. “It’s what I do.” There I go again, saying something outrageous. He gritted his teeth together, reminding himself to show her who he truly was.
She shook her head. “Let’s be on our way. I need to get to the Wycliff estate and speak to Mr. Wycliff before I begin.” She peeked inside her large bag. Was she taking inventory?
Walter held out his hand. “I’d gladly carry that for you, if you like.”
She peered down the end of her nose at him, which couldn’t have been easy because he stood several inches taller. “Thank you, but no.” She spun on her heel and exited the room. He had to hurry to keep up. This was going to be much harder than he’d thought. He knew she’d changed since he’d returned from school, and he liked those changes, but it was going to take more effort on his part now to gain her trust.
He followed her down a long hall and to the front of the house. A footman opened the door for them. Patience thanked him but Walter was in such a hurry to keep up with her, he’d barely given the man a nod.
“Patience, I didn’t realize we were going to run all the way to the falconry.”
She glared over her shoulder at him. “I told you. I’m in a hurry and need to get there. Why are you moving so slowly?”
Walter frowned. Perhaps not all of the recent changed in her were positive. That sounded like something Lydia might say. He said no more, but did manage to catch up, walking finally at her side. Their boots crunched on the stone path as they made their way around back.
Grooms’ voices and horses’ whinnies could be heard floating from the stables. The smell of horses and hay became stronger the closer they got. Walter sighed. Perhaps a nice ride to the falconry would do him and Patience both some good. Her vexation with him in turned caused his irritation with her. Why did the person he wanted most to be with cause him more consternation than anyone else he’d ever known?
When they reached the stables, their horses were saddled and ready. A groom brought them out, one by one, when Walter and Patience were nearly to the entrance.
Patience smiled and patted her mare, Petunia, on the neck, whispering something that only the animal could hear. A strange sensation – jealousy? – settled in Walter’s chest. Too bad she’s not doing that to me. I’d do nearly anything if her pleasant expression was for me alone. If she’d caress me and speak softly in my ear. Although… she might just be promising Petunia a carrot. Walter shrugged. Carrots weren’t his favorites, but if Patience wished him to eat it from her hand, he certainly would.
He climbed atop his horse, Hercules, and waited while the groom assisted Patience onto hers. Walter would have gladly done it for her, but knew she’d probably just have said no. Again. And since she was in such a hurry, she’d not want to waste time in yet another argument.
Walter shook his head as he followed her from the stables. He had his work cut out for him, that was for sure. He was up to the challenge though. Winning her heart would be worth it. Nothing else in his life up to this point had been so important, or taken up his total focus and direction in life.
He rode directly beside her on the path, earning him more than one scowl, her eyes narrowed, mouth turned down at the corners. It took everything in him not to laugh outright. If only she knew how fetching she was, even when she scowled. Her negative countenance wouldn’t scare him away. “So, do you know yet what your panorama will entail?” He knew very well they were going to a falconry, but wanted to hear her speak. About anything.
“Walter, weren’t you listening when I described the commission to the rest of the family?”
He gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Hmm. Must have missed that.” Biting the inside of his cheek, he kept a chuckle from coming out.
She shook her head, reminded him again of Lydia, with her lowered eyebrows and disapproving glare. “I’m to paint several of Mr. Wycliff’s falcons along with the falconry itself. And I’ll need to decide, once I’m there, what else.”
“You mean like, scenery? That sort of thing?”
She nodded. “Yes. If there are trees nearby, or a brook. It could be any object, really.”
Right at that moment, more than anything, he wanted to make her laugh. Something outrageous might do the trick. He fluttered his eyelashes like he’d seen women do countless times. “Even me? I’d be glad to model for you.”
She giggled. “Somehow I don’t think that was in Mr. Wycliff’s plan.”
Ah, that was the sound he’d hoped for. “Pity. And I’m so pretty too.”
This time she snorted.
He managed to look chagrined, turning his head slightly away. Though he was having her on, part of him really did wonder if she thought him unattractive because of his scar.
“Oh…”
He watched her but didn’t speak.
She blinked, as she watched him for a few seconds. “I, uh… listen I didn’t mean to say that you’re not, uh…”
“Not, uh? That’s quite the endorsement, Patience.”
She waved her hand. “No, I meant to say, that, well…”
“That, well isn’t much better. I’m starting to have hurt feelings now, if you must know.”
Her expression turned sad. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything harmful, Walter.” Obviously, her peacemaker side was still in there, somewhere, even though she appeared determined to keep it hidden.
He couldn’t stand it anymore. When he eyed her again, his mouth twitched.
She narrowed her eyes. “Wait a moment. You were just teasing me, weren’t you?”
He gave into a wide grin. “Guilty, I’m afraid.”
“Will you never change?”
“Would you want me to?”
She huffed out a loud breath. “I… Oh, just ride, will you?”
He laughed. Not at her, just in delight to be alone with her. Without their hovering siblings. To be having a pleasant conversation, riding their horses through the beautiful woods on their way to something new. An adventure perhaps? One never knew until he arrived at his destination.
She gave him a glare. Well of course she did. How did she know he wasn’t laughing at her?
He instantly sobered, needing to change the subject, to get her talking to him again. “Um, are you excited about Lydia’s baby?”
Patience gave him another assessing stare, then seemed to relax, her shoulders not so hunched anymore. “Yes, indeed I am. Babies’ laughter makes even a gloomy day more cheerful.”
“I agree. Little Andrew gets cuter by the moment. Lydia seems to be uncomfortable lately, though.”
She nodded slowly. “I suppose she is. I do hope she’ll soften.”
“Soften?”
“If you’ll remember, she was always harsh before. Scolding everyone. Then after Bedlam, she seemed to not be so rigid. During her confinement, she’s a little snappish again. Perhaps she’ll become gentler once more. After the birth.”
He nodded. Snappish could describe Patience today as well, though on her, Walter found it intriguing. What else could he say to keep the conversation afloat? “Um… say, what do you think about our soon to be niece or nephew?”
Patience tilted her head, a stray lock of blond hair now caressing her forehead. Walter’s fingers itched to brush it aside, feel her skin. “What do you mean? I think it’s going to be one or the other.”
“I meant, do you have a feeling which it might be?”
She blinked. “How would I possibly know? I’m not some gypsy.”
“I only… never mind.” This wasn’t going as planned.
She huffed out a breath, returning her attention to the passing scenery.
He needed to try again. “Are you looking forward to this commission?”
Her lips curved up. “I am. I’m excited to sketch the birds. I think it will be more exciting than drawing some stuffy old building.”
He nodded. “Yes, I would think so. I must say, I do admire your gift. The way you can take a plain piece of foolscap and bring it to life with just a pencil.”
She turned her head and studied him. Did she wonder at his sincerity? “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” What else? “What… have you heard of your cousin lately?”
“Robert?” She waved a hand. “Not much. An acquaintance of Nathaniel’s is an administrator at the prison, if you’ll remember. Every so often he’ll let him know of the goings on.”
Walter’s horse nickered and the other horse responded in kind. Maybe they were trying to keep the conversation flowing as well. “Is Robert to stay at the prison a very long time?”
She shrugged. “I know not. I just wish…”
“What?” He sat up straight. The word wish encouraged him as he waited to hear the rest. Anything of a personal nature he could learn about her was good.
“Well, because we are his family and he has committed crimes and is in prison, sometimes people…”
His mouth dropped open. “People… do they speak badly of your family? Of you?”
Her cheeks reddened as she glanced away. “I’m afraid they do.”
Anger boiled hot inside his chest. “The bastards.”
She jerked, causing her horse to startle. She patted Petunia on the neck and sat up straight.
“Sorry for the harsh word. It just vexes me that someone would do that. To you.”
“Why do you care so much?”
“I…” Easy, don’t want to scare her off. “We… are family, are we not?”
Her mouth dropped open. “Wait. So you’re concerned by our connection that you will be lumped in with us? Be spoken of in a bad way too?”
“No.” He waved his hand. “Not at all. That isn’t what I meant.”
“Then what?”
This isn’t going well. “Nothing.” He was making a cake of himself, trying to convey his feelings without saying too much too soon. He needed to convince her that he cared about her but if he said it all in a rush, she’d never believe him. He glanced in her direction.
Patience lowered her eyebrows at she stared at him. Did she think he was being disingenuous with his words of praise and concern? Most likely.
What could he say or do to gain her attention in a positive way. It seemed the harder he tried, the worse the results.
Chapter Three
Patience bristled. Not only was Walter riding directly beside her, entirely too close for her liking, he wouldn’t quit staring at her. She scowled. “If you don’t stop watching me, how will you know where you’re headed?”
“I’m headed where you are, my dear.”
Patience rolled her eyes at the endearment. Did he never tire of being a rake? She’d witnessed Stratford flirt with Kitty before. Was Walter so enamored of his older brother that he longed to be just like him? He needn’t bother with her. She wanted no part in it.
Her horse whinnied, causing Walter’s to do the same. Their path had taken them through a long woods but now opened out into a meadow. Patience blinked against the sudden burst of sunshine as she viewed the wild flowers swaying in a soft breeze. A mansion sat atop a low hill in the near distance. She let out a sigh. “How lovely.”
“Indeed.”
With a sharp glare at Walter, she narrowed her eyes. “Stop looking at me. I meant the scenery.”
With a deep sigh, Walter tore his gaze from her and did as she’d suggested. “Yes. Very nice.”
“Very nice? The grounds are gorgeous. And the mansion. It’s enormous.” Though the house Patience lived in with her family was large, this one would swallow it whole with much room to spare.
They neared the grand house. Voices could be heard from somewhere behind it. Sensing possible rest and food, the horses increased their speed. Patience let her horse go at his own pace, quite interested herself to arrive at their destination. Though she wouldn’t be resting, but working, it would be a pleasant change of scenery for her. And she’d be away from her sisters for the entire day.
What would Walter do while she began her drawing of the gentleman’s falconry?
Gues
s that’s his problem. He’ll be bored to death. She shrugged. It wasn’t her concern. Even though it had been her sisters’ idea, Walter had voiced his desire to accompany Patience. If he found no enjoyment in sitting around all day, it was nothing to her. A small smile crossed her lips at Walter’s discomfort. Perhaps he’d get a sunburn on his face, or get hungry or thirsty with no relief in sight. Patience, what cruel thoughts. Somehow though, she couldn’t seem to help them from forming in her mind. Her old self warred with the new. The new was winning at present.
“Something amusing?” Walter’s voice cut through her musing.
She blinked. Hmmm. Better keep her latest sentiments to herself. Giving them voice would only make him irritable. The day was going to be challenging enough with him around. “Just… enjoying the pleasant day.”
Walter muttered something, though Patience cared not what.
As they reached the edge of the drive to the main house, a handsome groom appeared. “Good day.”
Patience nodded. “Good day. I’m Miss Sullyard, here to see Mr. Wycliff. I’m expected.”
The young man bowed and took her horse’s reins. Another groom scurried forward. Patience assumed he’d do the same for Walter’s horse. Instead the groom came around the front of the horses, peered up at Patience and stopped in his tracks, mouth hanging open.
Suddenly self-conscious, Patience pressed her hand to her throat. Did she look a fright? Hair mussed? Dirt on her cheek? Surely Walter would have mentioned it to tease her. He never let much pass if he had a chance to have sport with her.
Trying not to appear obvious, she smoothed her hair away from her face and took a quick peek at her dress. As far as she could see, nothing was rumpled or stained.
The groom cleared his throat. “Uh… Good day, Miss.”
“Good day.”
Before she could say more, the groom stepped quite close and raised his hand toward hers. An invitation.
He only wants to assist me from Petunia? Then why all the fuss? She lowered her eyebrows at his odd reaction and put her hand into his.
Color of Danger (Sullyard Sisters Book 3) Page 2