Three months later, Wilhelmina’s life had been turned upside down, and George, confident he would never again find the kind of love he’d harbored for Lady Katherine, had saved her. In hindsight, she shouldn’t have let him do it. They’d both been too young to understand the ramifications of their decision to wed. Not that she regretted one moment of her marriage. She’d had her best friend by her side, and Cynthia had been awarded the legitimacy Wilhelmina so dearly wanted for her.
The carriage slowed and drew to a halt, offering Wilhelmina a welcome reprieve from her reminiscing, even as it forced her to face a different kind of torture. With a sigh, she gave her attention to Mr. Dale, who was already in the process of climbing out. He stepped onto the ground, then turned to meet her gaze with directness. His hand came into view as he raised it toward her.
“Allow me to help you alight.” His voice was firm yet soft, completely devoid of judgment or displeasure though it did contain a hint of impatience.
Wilhelmina’s heart gave an unsteady thump. She scooted along the bench toward the door. Leaning forward, she gripped the opening with one hand and placed the other in his. Strong fingers curled around hers, lending support as she climbed down. Her unsteady heartbeats leapt into a faster rhythm, and to her dismay, she struggled to catch her breath until he released her.
The effect was not dissimilar to the one he’d had on her two years earlier, but it was somehow more unexpected in light of all that had happened since. It also felt stronger – as if her body recognized what she’d been missing, and rejoiced over merely a touch.
“I’m going to inquire after our children.” Mr. Dale hesitated briefly as if unsure as to whether or not he ought to say something more. Eventually he asked, “Are you hungry?”
They’d only been on the road for two hours and this was their first stop of many throughout the day.
“Not especially,” Wilhelmina said, though she probably would be in a while. She considered Mr. Dale. “You?”
He shrugged in a manner suggesting he might be starving but refused to be the sole cause for delay. “I’ll manage.”
“We could purchase some bread, ham, and cheese to take along,” Wilhelmina suggested once she’d wrestled the smile that threatened due to his grumpy tone back under control.
His features relaxed. “Excellent idea, Mrs. Lawson. I’ll be back within a few minutes.”
“Make sure to order something for your coachman as well.”
Mr. Dale gave her an odd look. “Of course.”
As soon as he’d gone inside the inn, Wilhelmina walked around the side of the building and made use of the necessary she found there. She washed her hands at the nearby pump and returned to the front. Mr. Dale arrived soon after with three separate bundles wrapped in cheesecloth. He handed one to the coachman.
“According to the innkeeper, our children stopped for a bite to eat here some five hours ago,” Mr. Dale said while sending his coachman an expectant look.
“Seeing as they’re on horseback, they’ll be tough to catch,” the coachman informed them. “It’s not impossible though if we make the most of each day and the weather holds.”
“Then let us be off,” Mr. Dale said. He lent Wilhelmina his hand and helped her back into the carriage before climbing in behind her. The door slammed shut and the vehicle lurched into motion.
Once back on the road, Mr. Dale gave Wilhelmina one of the bundles. “Exactly what you suggested.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the offering and retrieved her reticule. “How much do I owe you?”
Surprise lit his eyes. “Nothing.”
She reached inside the small bag and pulled out some coins. “As much as I appreciate your generosity, I must insist on paying my share.”
“Why?”
“Because the last thing I want on top of everything else is for you to think I’m a leech.”
He tilted his head as if in thought while studying her. The intensity of his gaze tempted her to avert her own. Instead she forced herself to stare back until he eventually said, “It’s a paltry sum I would have been more than happy to cover, but if you insist, I’ll not deprive you. A shilling will suffice.”
She dropped the coin into his palm, avoiding further contact for the moment. He pocketed it and glanced at the parcel of food he’d placed beside him on the bench. Indecision caught his features. He huffed a breath and looked out the window.
Wilhelmina considered his strained expression. “You don’t have to wait with your food on my account. If you’re hungry, go ahead.”
The edge of his mouth lifted as he glanced her way. “You won’t think me rude?”
“Well…” When he frowned, she laughed. “I’m sure I could find a reason to do so, but it won’t be for satisfying your appetite.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Lawson.” He pulled the parcel into his lap and unwrapped it. A roll of bread came into view along with some slices of ham and cheese. Mr. Dale tore the roll in two and placed the ham and cheese between the halves, then took a bite.
A satisfied sigh filled the air, prompting Wilhelmina to chuckle. “My husband also…”
She stopped herself and bit her lip. She’d spoken in haste and now Mr. Dale was staring at her as if curious to know what she’d left unspoken. Intent on steering his mind away from her ruined marriage, she forced a smile. “How’s the food?”
Mr. Dale raised his eyebrows. I know you’re deflecting, he seemed to say. He nodded. “Tasty.”
Wilhelmina leaned back and tried to think of a subject with which to distract her travel companion. Recalling his slightly scruffy appearance when they’d last met, she asked, “Why were you covered in dirt yesterday?”
He watched her while he chewed. Once he’d swallowed the bite he said, “One of my father’s tenants is having a flood issue. I was helping him and his sons dig a canal of sorts in order to redirect the water from their farmland. Michael’s decision to elope could not have come at a worse time. After I realized he was gone, I had to ask one of the grooms to manage the work on my behalf since I hadn’t the time to waste on hiring a laborer.”
“Hmm…”
“What?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head.
He almost smiled. “Come now, Mrs. Lawson. You’re not one to shy away from speaking your mind.”
“I wasn’t about to do any such thing.” When he gave her a look of disbelief she said, “I merely wonder at your decision to work for a living and shovel dirt when I’m sure you don’t have to. Most men in your position would welcome the leisure with which they could pass each day, yet you seem determined to struggle while making your son do the same.”
He popped the last of his sandwich into his mouth and dusted the crumbs from his hands. After rolling the leftover cheesecloth into a ball, he tossed it onto the bench beside him. “I’m a firm believer in idleness being the enemy of the soul. People need to experience some degree of accomplishment in order to enjoy a sense of worth. This is what I’m attempting to teach Michael.”
“I find it commendable and wise.”
“Really?” He watched her as if she were an alien creature from another world.