How To Treat A Lady Part 7

She was dressed in an old gown of faded blue cotton, the skirts a little shorter than was accepted so that the ankles of her boots plainly showed. Chase realized with a faint sense of astonishment that the plain gown shead worn the previous day must have been one of her best.

aGood morning,a she said pleasantly.

Chase found his tired lips curving into a smile. She appeared fresh and bright, her brown hair braided and pinned about her head. She smiled, her teeth flas.h.i.+ng white and even.

aI hate to complain,a he said with a sigh, abut must you be so awake?a aWhat else would I be at this time of the day?a He glanced over her shoulder at the still-gray dawn that was just rising. aDay?a Her lips quivered. aMorning, then.a Her gaze drifted to his hair. aI see you had to comb your hair in the dark.a aI donat like your hair, either,a he retorted easily. He didnat. The too-plain style was far too severe for her face, which seemed all angles and eyes in the dim light.

A faint color brushed her cheeks as she touched her braids, then caught herself. aA pity, that, because the sheep like my braids and Iam much more concerned with how they feel about it than you.a Sophia stood at the sideboard, a plate in her hand. aHarriet, donat monopolize the conversation! Captain, what will you have? Some eggs? A pheasant? How about some ham? Baron Whitfield brought it to us just last week and itas quite delicious.a aNo, thank you.a Chase didnat think he could face such a magnitude of food so early in the morning. aPerhaps later, at ten or so when Iam more awake.a aThere wonat be any food left by then,a Harriet said matter-of-factly. aYouall eat now or you wonat eat at all. We canat afford to serve breakfast three times a day.a aBetter eat now,a Ophelia said cheerily.

aI would eat a lot if I were you,a Stephen said with unimpaired calm from where he sat, digging into a plate piled high with eggs and ham. aYou wonat get another chance until noon or perhaps later. And trust me, youall be ravenous enough as it is.a Chase curled his lip. aIall wait. I cannot stand to eat at this time of the day.a Mrs. Ward tsked. aStephen, please keep an eye on the captain. I donat want him getting ill or overheated. The doctor would not be pleased if his patient was to suffer a relapse at our hands.a Derrick lifted his gaze from the book he had opened beside his plate. aWhat about me? You never tell Stephen to see to it that I donat get overheated.a Mrs. Ward patted Derrickas hand. aIf youad just risen from the sickbed with a knot on your head, I would indeed say the same thing of you.a aI doubt it,a Derrick mumbled, looking as apathetic about the whole venture as Chase felt. aI wish I could stay inside today. I am halfway through the Iliad.a Chase poured himself a cup of tea, strong and almost black, steam curling from the cup and into the air. He glanced resentfully at the unlit fireplace that graced the room. Surely the Wards could afford some firewood or a little coal.

But apparently not. Perhaps his blood was thin; certainly none of them seemed affected by the chill morning air.

He pulled a chair from the table and turned it sideways so he would be facing the only empty seata the one Harriet would have to take.

BaG.o.d, head get some amus.e.m.e.nt of this day, even if it killed him. The family wanted to pretend he was Harrietas beau, and play it, he would.

She came to take her seat, pausing when she saw him, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. aWhat are you doing?a aDrinking my tea and waiting for you.a aThat is very romantic,a Sophia informed Ophelia with a great deal of satisfaction.

Harriet didnat move, her plate clasped in her hands, steam drifting from her eggs and ham. aI donat want you there.a aWhere else am I to sit? Itas the only empty chair.a aYou plan on staring at me while Iam eating, donat you?a Despite the early hour, a smile tickled his lips. There was something delightfully refres.h.i.+ng about this woman. aYes, I do. I plan on watching you eat every single morsel. I shall even comment upon the amount you are able to consume and wonder aloud how you stay so trim.a Stephen chuckled. aI say, Captain, youare in good spirits this morning!a aOnly because Harriet is to sit with me at breakfast.a Harriet turned toward the wide door leading outside. aI believe Iall eat on the terrace.a aYou canat do that!a Mrs. Ward said, blinking. aItas too dark and far too damp.a Chase stood and took Harrietas plate and set it on the table at her chair. aI promise to look away now and again. And Iall have to get more tea eventually. You could possibly poke in a few bites at that time.a Her chin firmed.

aHarri, sit down,a Stephen said. aThe captain is just being attentive.a She sniffed and took her chair, almost flouncing into place. aI donat like attentive men.a Chase raised his brows. aYouad wish me to be inattentive? How very, very odd. Most females would argue against such treatment.a Her gaze fixed on him with cool triumph. aReally? How can you remember how most women would react to anything? Youave no memory.a He curled his fingers about his cup, letting the warmth travel through him. aI know it the same way I know how to put on my boots or whether or not I like eggs. Some things just seem to come to me while others remain blank.a Mrs. Ward nodded. aIt was the same way with my friend, Mrs. Billingsworth. Couldnat remember that she had a sister, but knew word for word her recipe for calfas-foot jelly.a Harriet grimaced. aMother, pray do not keep bringing up Mrs. Billingsworth. Iam certain her case was nothing like the captainas.a Harriet scooted in her chair a bit so that she faced away from Chase, then she picked up her fork and attacked her breakfast with an inordinate amount of relish. Chase was left smiling at her back, which was fine really. Her thin dress outlined her figure perfectly, drawing his eye to her narrow waist and rounded bottom.

Chase barely had time to enjoy her proximity for a moment later, the door opened and the housekeeper appeared. aA letter for you, Mr. Stephen.a Stephen straightened, took the letter and glanced at it, his eyes suddenly ablaze. He unfolded a small, delicately colored note and began to read.

aI wonder who it could be from?a Sophia said to Ophelia, both of them staring at the note.

aI wager I know,a Ophelia answered. She b.u.t.tered her toast, a smirk on her lips. aI wager itas from Miss Stra"a aHush, you two,a Harriet said, frowning at Stephen.

His expression had undergone a change. Within one moment, he went from excited to crestfallen, refolding the note with hands that trembled just the slightest bit. Chase watched, wondering what was happening.

Stephen crumpled the note in his hand and stood, his face set and pale. aWe had best get to work.a aAs soon as you finish your breakfast,a Harriet said calmly. She eyed him as she cut her ham. aBut first, there is one thing we must see to. The captainas clothing is far too fine for the fields.a Stephen rubbed a hand over his brow, then abruptly sat. aYes, yes. I can lend him some of mine.a His gaze flickered over Chase. aWeare of the same height.a aHow nice of you, Stephen.a Sophia took a sip of her tea. aHeall need boots, too.a Chase stretched his feet before him, his boots so s.h.i.+ny that he could see his own expression. aWhatas wrong with these?a aNothing,a Sophia said. aItas just that they might get dirty.a aAnd scratched,a Derrick offered from the depths of his books.

aAmong other things.a Harriet held out her own feet. She wore half boots of an indiscriminate brown that had seen far more than their fair share of wear.

Chase wrinkled his nose. aThose arenat fit to wear.a aNeither will yours be if you try to stomp through the fields with them. They werenat made for such wear. But never fear, weall get you booted and suited for the sheep.a For some reason, Chase found her words less than rea.s.suring. He was right. Within ten minutes of breakfastas being over, Chase found himself standing beside an old farm cart where two farmhands of dubious age and ability sat snoozing. They were dressed in faded and worn clothing, much like the ones Stephen had given to Chase.

He looked down at his own clothes. He suspected that the s.h.i.+rt at one time had been blue but was now a murky gray. The pants were dyed an indiscriminate black and were a trifle short. Worst of all were the boots. Though of leather, they were so worn and old that they sagged about his ankles in a preposterous manner.

He grimaced.

How had he gotten himself into this mess? Had he known that helping the Wards would mean such a total loss of his self-respect, he would never have volunteered to stay and pretend to be Captain Frakenham. But it was too late now. Though Harriet might wish to pretend otherwise, it was obvious that things were desperate.

He sighed and rubbed his neck. They were waiting on Stephen and Harriet, who had disappeared into the barn. Chase spent a few moments with his horse before coming out to the wagon. The black gelding was in fine fettle, but badly needed to stretch his legs. Perhaps this evening, before the sun set, Chase would take the animal for a quick gallop.

A ponderous bark filled the air. Chase turned to see a huge dog lumbering across the yard in his direction. The doga it was the same one that had saved him in the forest. Chase took a step forward; the dog saw him at the same time and came bounding across the yard.

Chase was over six feet tall and no lightweight. But neither was the dog, who had the favor of momentum on his side. Chase landed on his rump, a wet tongue laving his mouth and chin, while two huge paws pressed down his chest and made it difficult to breathe. With a joint cry, Sophia and Ophelia came to his rescue, struggling to remove the dog who took their efforts as encouragement and licked Chaseas face all the more furiously.

For an instant, Chase knew what it was to die of both compression and drowning. Derrick was finally roused enough to put down his book, climb off the wagon, grab the dog by his collar and pull him off Chase.

Chase wiped his wet face on his sleeve and rolled to his feet. aWhat the h.e.l.l is that?a he asked, eyeing the horse-dog and trying to swallow his irritation.

aWe donat know exactly,a Ophelia said, pus.h.i.+ng her spectacles back on the bridge of her nose. aBut he does well with the sheep.a aMax is an excellent sheepherder,a Sophia agreed. She waited until Derrick had pulled the dog into the back of the wagon before she removed a huge straw hat from behind the seat and handed it to Chase. aYouall need this since weare to be in the sun today.a He took one look at the fanciful ribbons and faded silk flowers that decorated the brim and handed it back. aNo thank you.a aYouall sunburn.a aThere are flowers on it.a aThatas because itas Harrietas. Stephen doesnat have an extra hat, but Harriet said you could wear hers.a Somehow, Chase did not doubt that one bit. aI am not wearing this hat.a aOh, no one will see. Just us. Besides, I just added the sprig of forget-me-nots last week. Do you know how long it took to get those on there?a Chase ground his teeth. He would not be caught dead in that blasted hat, come rain or snow. aIam certain it must be too small for my head.a Ophelia shook her head, adjusting the ribbons of her own straw hat under her chin, then climbing into the back of the cart and making herself comfortable in the straw. She and Sophia were going to pick berries while the others gathered the sheep. aHarrietas hats are all large because she always wears braids. I daresay it will fit you perfectly.a Chase sighed, glancing at the sun barely showing on the horizon. It was difficult to imagine that it would be warm, but Sophia was probably right.

Sighing, he slapped the hat on his head, turned, and found Harrietas gaze from across the yard. She was standing beside a solemn-faced Stephen, her hands resting on her hips. Even from here, he could tell that her eyes were alight with laughter.

It took him a moment to realize the truth; she was laughing at him.

ad.a.m.n it!a He yanked the hat off his head and threw it into the back of the cart, then climbed in himself and took his place on the seat beside Derrick, who was still buried in his book.

b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, look at how far head sunk. But perhaps it was fateas way of mocking him as well. Hadnat he violated the St. John honor with his reckless behavior? Hadnat he humiliated his family name? Perhaps this was retribution of some sort.

He straightened his shoulders. Whatever life had in store for him, head face it. No more hiding. No more trying to drown his troubles. He was a St. John and no matter the circ.u.mstances, it was time he remembered it.

His gaze roamed over the yard until he found Harriet. She placed her hand on her brotheras arm and spoke earnestly. Stephen must have disagreed with what she had to say, for he shook his head violently and, when she continued to speak, finally pulled away, turned, and then went into the barn as fast as his crutches would allow. Harriet watched him go, a strangely hollow look to her face.

Chase promptly forgot his own troubles. aWhatas wrong with Stephen?a he asked Sophia.

aHeas in love.a Ophelia nodded. aWith Miss Strickton. But she wonat have anything to do with him.a aHeas young,a Chase said. aHeall get over it.a aI donat know about that,a Sophia said, tilting her head to one side. aHeas loved her for a long time. Since he was seven.a aSeven?a Ophelia nodded. aAnd sheas always been fond of him. Until this year, of course. Her father took her to London for the season and I think it quite turned her head.a Harriet joined them, her expression closed. Chase wanted to say something to ease her mind. But he couldnat seem to find the words. What right did he have to offer comfort, anyway? She was surrounded by her family, her loved ones, all of whom looked up to her and admired her. What could he offer that she didnat already have?

The thought left him feeling alone and out of place. He forced himself to swallow the words of support head thought to utter. Instead, he turned away, unaware that as he did so, Harrietas gaze followed him, her expression growing even sadder.

aTime to get to work,a Harriet said. aStephen will stay here and a.s.sist Mother.a She climbed into the back of the wagon and made a seat on a barrel. aJem, weare ready.a aYes, Miss Ward.a The older of the two farmhands untied the reins. Soon they were jouncing along, the wheels squeaking down the rutted path.

Chapter 15.

If I could have one wish, it would be to become fantastically wealthy. If I could have two wishes, it would be to become fantastically wealthy and stay that way.

Viscount Rose to Mr. Giles Standish as the two glumly watch Viscount Roseas prize bays go up for auction in a last-ditch attempt to settle his debts Sheep, Chase decided on the third day of his incarceration (for he refused to think of it as else), were not the mild-mannered animals one might have been led to believe from nursery-rhyme lore.

Oh no. Despite their large brown eyes and soft woolen exteriors, they were imminently capable of capricious behavior that could only be described as malicious, malevolent, and mean.

Something as simple as herding the stupid creatures from one field into the next was tantamount to climbing the icy summits of Mt. Olympus and fighting off an army of Cyclopses while wearing a tattered loincloth and carrying no weapons other than a rock and a very small slingshot.

Head been working with the Wards and their two hired helpers for three whole, endless days, each one longer than the previous. And now, on the dawn of the fourth day, he could barely move, his entire body was a ma.s.s of bruises, aches, sunburn, and blisters.

The sad thing was that the shearing hadnat even begun. All they had done so far was move the sheep to the field beside the barn and repair some fencing along the way.

Of course, that had taken plenty of time, energy, and fort.i.tude since the sheep seemed determined to thwart them every step of the way. They attempted to break free at the first sign of weakness, the largest rams taking every opportunity to run down any unsuspecting worker who might make the error of turning his back. Sheep were vicious, vindictive creatures and Chase had the lumps and bruises to prove it.

He leaned against the wagon, watching the sun rise over the gentle hills. To his surprise, he found he rather liked this time of daya"the hour after dawn when everything looked clean and fresh, a covering of creamy dew gilding the gra.s.s and trees. He lifted his head and took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. It was so easy to lose oneself in London. But here, everything seemeda easier. Simpler.

aCaptain?a Stephenas voice intruded.

Chase straightened, then groaned.

Stephen quirked a brow. aDoes your back hurt?a aMy entire body hurts. Even my hair.a Stephen managed a faint smile. aCould you and Jem get the new gate built today?a Chase looked at the boy, noting the circles beneath his eyes. Gone was the cheery voice that had awoken Chase on the first day. Stephen had barely smiled since then. aIam sure Jem and I can build the gate.a aGood. Derrick and I will go with Harriet to see to the gap we found in the fence in the south pasture. The others are going to clean out the barn.a aWork, work, work.a aItas not usually like this. Once the shearing is done, things will settle back to normal.a aWill we have to get up at dawn?a aNo.a Chase would have never thought just lying in bed was something to be savored. But that had been before head become Captain Frakenham, or, as Chase was beginning to think of himself, The Poor b.a.s.t.a.r.d. aI canat wait.a Stephen nodded, then went off to consult with Jem about the quant.i.ty of nails available.

Chase flexed his shoulders, looking about for Harriet. She hadnat appeared yet, which was unusual.

Every morning began the samea"he was rudely awakened before dawn, followed by a hurried dressing in the dark in clothing best not thought about, then on to a hideously large and boisterous breakfast, something Chase had learned was vitally important unless he wished to expire of hunger before lunch was served.

If you could call it luncheon. Where breakfast was a multiplattered affair, lunch was hard bread, cheese, some apples or pickles, and all the water Chase could want.

aWater,a Chase scoffed to no one in particular. It had been three days since head had anything worthy to eat or drink after the unG.o.dly hour of six in the morning. Three entire, endless, painful days.

Had he any sense, he would pretend suddenly to remember who he was, pack his bags, and leave. But to do so would be to leave the Wards, and especially Harriet, to Goweras mercy.

Chase scowled at the thought. He didnat trust the banker any farther than he could throw him. The jacka.s.s rode up every day or so just to rankle the family, and Chase was fairly certain that though the man pretended otherwise, he didnat always come on bank business. Indeed, there was something very personal about the way he looked at Harriet.

Chase stirred restlessly, wincing when his shoulders protested. Apparently Captain Frakenham was not made for building fences and fighting rambunctious rams. From the very beginning, he should have loftily informed the Wards that sea captains never herded sheep. Never wrestled with sheep. And never, ever ended up with sheep excrement on their boots.

Several times, he thought of saying just that. But seeing Harriet dressed in her old gowns, her hair falling out of her braids as she dragged split rails from the back of the wagon, carried buckets of water out to him and Derrick and the other farm hands, or any of the other hundreds of ch.o.r.es that she performed, made him hesitate. She was working her heart out and so, for some reason, he found he could do no less.

Harriet and her family were remarkable and he found his ragged heart responding to their valiant fight. As if, in seeing them triumph over their troubles, he would somehow find the strength to triumph over his own. Head never before witnessed a family quite like the Wards. Never met anyone quite like Harriet.

He glanced around the barnyard. aWhere is Harriet?a For the first time since head been at Garrett Park, she had missed breakfast.

Derrick looked up from where he sat in the cart seat, a book in his lap. He blinked mildly. aI saw her in the hallway not ten minutes ago. She said something about getting the food from Cook.a And she would appear at any moment, carrying a basket that weighed as much as she. Chase turned and walked toward the house.

He went first to the kitchen, but Cook was busy adding the last few items to the basket. She hadnat seen Harriet yet.

Chase found that disturbing, but what could he do? He turned to go back outside, but then paused at the foot of the steps.

Some imp of madness tickled his fancy and he found himself looking up the steps at the doors that lined the landing. Hmm. Which bedchamber was it?

Moments later, he was walking down the hallway, when he spied her through an open doorway. She was standing in front of her bed, one foot in her boot as she hopped around, trying to get it over her ankle. She was completely dressed, though there was some sign that shead braided her hair in far too much of a hurry.

Chase leaned against the doorframe, watching her with some amus.e.m.e.nt.

She stopped hopping around, the boot only half on her foot. aWhat do you want?a aI came to see if you needed any a.s.sistance.a aPutting on my boots?a she scoffed. aI believe I can manage.a Chase grinned. aYou werenat at breakfast.a Her cheeks blossomed with color. aI fell back asleep.a aSo did I, but Stephen was not about to allow me the luxury of actually enjoying it. Youad better get yourself something to eat, or youall be starved.a aIall eat some bread and cheese on the way to the field.a She plopped on the edge of her bed and grabbed the boot and began tugging. aI donat know why this wonat go on.a aLet me help.a Chase moved toward the bed, but something sparkling in the open wardrobe made him pause. aWhatas that?a He walked to it and pushed the door farther open. On the bottom shelf sat a pair of shoes. And not just any shoes, but lovely beaded silver satin ballroom slippers. He picked one up and looked at Harriet.

She tossed the boot on the floor and crossed to his side. aTheyare from my father. He gave them to me on my seventeenth birthday.a She traced a finger down the shoe, lingering on the beads. There was a wistful gleam to her eyes, a sadness, too.

Chase turned the small shoe over in his hand. aItas never been worn.a She shrugged and turned away, her expression shuttered. aWhere would I wear that?a Her fingers brushed her skirts. aAnd with what? Father was not a practical man. Just a dreamer.a aDreaming is important.a aNot when it prevents you from dealing with reality,a she retorted, sitting back on the edge of the bed and picking up her boot. aHe always wanted the good life. So he pretended. And now, weare all paying for it.a Chase looked down at the slipper, wondering how many years it had rested in the bottom of the wardrobe. He looked at the shelf, then collected the mate. aHere. Put these on.a She paused. aWhat?a Chase came to stand in front of her. aPut these on. I want to see you wear them.a aWhy?a aMaybe because you never have.a She set the boot back on the floor. aIave worn them once or twice.a He looked at the perfect, unscuffed soles. aWhere? In here?a She nodded.

Chase shook his head. aThat will not do.a He knelt before her.

Harriet stiffened. aWhat are you doing?a aI am going to put these shoes on your feet.a aWhy? Captain, Iam already late anda"a aFive minutes wonat matter.a He glanced up at her. aPut them on. For me.a aFora why would I do that?a aWhy not?a She bit her lip and he could see her mulling the thought, considering it from every angle. aI supposea"a aGood,a he said, not giving her time to reconsider. aTake off your stockings.a aMya"whatever for?a aBecause these slippers will never fit over such thick woolen stockings.a She sighed, but to his surprise, she did as she was told, rolling the gray stocking down her calf, unwittingly giving him a bare flash of a nicely rounded leg. The sight heated him in ways a mere rounded leg never had before.

He took her foot in his hand. Her foot seemed tiny, delicate even, against his large palm. aYou deserve to wear shoes like these.a aDeserve?a she said, rather breathlessly.

aDeserve,a he replied firmly. He slipped the shoe over her foot, then did the same with the other one.

Harriet held her feet before her and regarded the shoes solemnly. aTheyare quite pretty, arenat they?a aTheyare beautiful.a He met her gaze and smiled. aYou have lovely ankles as well.a Harrietas heart skipped a beat. Shead been having a horrid day up until then. Shead awoken late, her hair wouldnat stay in its braid, shead hit her s.h.i.+n on a stool, and the k.n.o.b to her wardrobe door had broken, which was why the door had been standing ajar. Added to that, her blasted boots had been determined to stay off her feet.

She looked at the delicate slippers, so incongruous against her faded skirts. aThey fit so well. As if made for me.a He glanced up at her, his eyes shadowed by the fall of hair over his brows. There was a hint of mischief in his gaze, something seductive and wild. Harrietas heart leapt as if in response. aIa"Ia"a She what? She loved the shoes? Loved having him sitting so close? Loved the feel of his hands on her ankles?

Heat flooded her face, and she cleared her throat. aI suppose everyone is waiting on me.a aWe canat be long. Derrick seemed to think youad returned to get the lunch basket.a aAnd you were going to carry it for me? Iam honored.a He grinned. aDonat be. I just wanted to steal some cheese before Derrick could get to it.a aHeas a growing boy.a aHeas a greedy menace.a aThat too.a He stood. aMay I ask you something?a aOf course.a aWhy do you work so hard?a She blinked. aBecause there are so many things to do and soa I do them. Besides, work is good for the soul.a aPerhaps it is,a he said musingly. He reached down and took her hand, then pulled her to her feet. aWhat would you do if you werenat tied here, to Garrett Park?a aI donat consider it tied. I love my home. But if I had the money, I suppose Iad like to travel.a aWhere?a She thought a moment, her gaze finding the tips of her slippers. aTo London.a He raised his brows. aThatas not that far from here. A dayas journey, if that.a aI know.a She held out one foot and then the other. aI always thought to take these with me for my season, but by then, Father had overspent the investment funds and there was no money for such things. But one dayaa aOne day?a he prompted.

She caught his gaze and smiled. aOne day I shall wear these shoes and dance witha"a She broke off, her cheeks heating.

aWith?a aWith someone other than my brothers.a She chuckled. aNeither one can dance at all. Stephen is forever stepping on my feet, and Derrick forgets he is even dancing and frequently comes to a complete stop.a Chase looked down at her, amazed at her spirit. Even through her wistfulness, there was an air of contentment, of satisfaction with who she was and what she wanted. More than he, whoad had every luxury, every advantage, had ever felt.

He looked about the room. aAll we needa"a he muttered to himself. He moved a stool and a small chest of drawers to the wall, effectively clearing the floor. aThere.a aWhat are you doing?a She sat down on the edge of the bed and reached for one of the shoes. aWe need to get to the carts. Everyone will be waiting anda"a Chase took her hands and pulled her to her feet. aLeave your shoes on.a aWhy?a He led her to the center of the room. aYou are going to get your dance.a She blinked. aHere?a aAnd now.a He held her hand in his and clasped her gently about the waist. aAllow me to point out that I am not one of your brothers.a aIa"how cana"with this dress?a He grinned. aYou can take it off if you wish. Actually, I think that is an excellent idea.a aB-but there is no music.a aWeall pretend. Iave noticed that your entire family is good at pretending. This shouldnat tax your abilities in the least.a She shook her head. aI donat thinka"a aDonat think, Harriet. Pretend. Pretend youare at a ball. Pretend youare wearing a gown that goes with these shoes. Pretend youare surrounded with soft music, flickering candlelight, and the glitter of jewels.a She smiled, her eyes closing slightly. aMmmm. A full orchestra. And the Prince is in attendance.a He smiled down at her. aAs you wish, malady.a He tightened his hold on her waist. aMay I have this dance?a She lifted her wrist and consulted an imaginary dance card. aLet me see. I danced the quadrille with the Duke of Devons.h.i.+re and the country dance with the Prince Regent. I suppose we can dance the lasta"a He pulled her tight, her body firm against his. aThe waltz. Itas just beginning.a She colored adorably. aIa"I donat know that dance.a aThen I shall have to teach you.a Her eyes sparkled. aCould you? I saw it danced once at the a.s.sembly rooms in Harrowgate and it looked excessively elegant.a aIt is. Now, put your hand like so, and rest your other hand herea there you go. Now, relax and just follow me.a He began to hum, swaying ever so slightly.

She followed him, naturally graceful. Her steps matched his so perfectly that he quickened the pace. She never faltered. He hummed a little louder, increasing the tempo. Her skirts flared out, her slippers glinting like dewdrops on the faded rug.

aHow wonderful!a Laughter gurgled in the back of her throat as they spun around and around. aItas even more enjoyable than it appeara"a aHarri!a rang a call from the foyer. aAre you ready?a Harriet came to a complete stop. aOh dear! Thatas Stephen. They must be ready. And I donat even have my boots on!a She whirled away, her skirts brus.h.i.+ng his legs, before she plopped onto the edge of the bed and removed the silver slippers. She yanked her thick woolen stockings back on.

Chase watched, feeling strangely bereft. Of all the women head known, none had intrigued him so thoroughly or as quickly as the slip of a woman on the edge of her bed. He sighed. aIall go and get the basket from Cook.a Harriet nodded. aPlease do! And pray tell Stephen Iall be right down.a aOf course.a Chase turned to leave.

aCaptain?a He paused. aYes?a aThank you.a Chase glanced back and saw a soft smile touch her lips.

She lifted the shoes and looked at them, a glow in her eyes. aI and my shoes thank you.a Chase tried to think of any woman of his acquaintance who would be sincerely grateful for such a trifling thing as a dance in an empty room without the benefit of an orchestra or champagne or any of the trappings most females prized.

Harriet stomped her booted feet to the floor and went to the wardrobe. She replaced the shoes on the bottom shelf and then stood back and regarded them with satisfaction. aNow no one can say theyave never been worn.a aNo. No they canat.a And with that poor rejoinder, he left. What was it about Harriet Ward that fascinated him so? He wasnat sure what it was, but he was d.a.m.ned well going to find out.

Chapter 16.

No cod for me, please. Makes me dream the most horrid things. Last time I ate some, I dreamed that my mother-in-law had come to stay, broke her hip on our front landing, and never left.

Mr. Giles Standish to his brother, Mr. Lembert Standish as the two sat down to dine at Whiteas Motheras soft voice traveled through the door. aHarriet?a Harriet rolled to her side, cuddling deeper into the coc.o.o.n of warmth shead made in the night. aYes?a aTime to wake up, dear.a Harriet wasnat sure shead ever really been asleep. Her thoughts had churned restlessly last night, just as they had every night since the captain had found his way into the Ward household. Especially since the day before, when head danced with her.

She opened her eyes and looked around her room. It looked the samea yet it didnat. Something magical had happened. Something that had shaken her to the very core.

Worse, every time she closed her eyes, she found herself wearing her sparkling shoes, waltzing in his arms once again, over and over, as if her heart couldnat get enough of the sensation.

She closed her eyes, remembering the feel of his arms about her, the warmth of his breath on her temple, the deep sound of his voice against her eara"

aHarriet? I donat hear you moving.a aIam awake,a Harriet said, bouncing a little in the bed so that the rails would creak.

aGood. Iam going to help Jane set out breakfast.a Harriet sighed. aIall be down as soon as Iam dressed.a aVery well, dear. I just didnat want you to fall asleep again.a Motheras footsteps faded down the hallway.

Harriet turned onto her back, careful to keep the covers tucked beneath her chin to hold in the warmth, and wondered what made the captain soa fascinating.