“David,” he replied. “I am happy to meet you, Amelia.”
David and I finished our tea, enjoying the light breeze that blew across the veranda. We talked easily, and I felt comfortable enough in his presence. He was quiet, soft-spoken, but held his opinions firmly. I liked that he cared enough to speak his mind, but only when he deemed it necessary. He liked to talk about current affairs, and I listened with interest, though I had little to say in return. He did not tease me, though, and he rarely laughed or joked.
Dust grew above the trees, signaling the arrival of horses. A carriage perhaps. Peter. I straightened in my chair, suddenly nervous and feeling painfully exposed. What would Peter think, seeing me with David? Did Peter know to expect him? Of course not. Peter had no idea of this secret.
“Perhaps we should go for a ride?” I turned to David. I needed an escape, and fast.
“It looks as though your party has returned.” David motioned for a servant to take away our trays. “I have not seen my cousin in some time. We are not especially close, I’m afraid.”
I licked my lips. Why had I not been more forthcoming with Clara? I’d not thought any of this through. Any ounce of control I thought I had was seeping like honey through my fingers. I followed David to the drive, where Mr. Gregory opened the door to the carriage.
Peter stepped out with a frown, helping Clara out first, then Georgiana. Another carriage followed, carrying the rest of the company. Had they left together after all?
“David!” Sir Ronald called. They clasped hands as the party enveloped them.
I felt Peter’s eyes before I found them. “How was your morning?” he asked, drawing me away from the company.
Already, I missed the easy tones in Peter’s voice, the gentle smile that never seemed to leave his lips when we were together, and the light in his eyes. I remembered his letter from this morning and smoothed the curls framing my face.
“I am well rested, to be sure,” I said, captivated by the sudden seriousness in his gaze. “Thank you for the tea, and the blackberries.”
“And the note?” Peter stepped forward. He held a pink flower in his hand.
My gaze dropped to his cravat. The note. Was I wrong to allow my heart to leap at the thought? Even now, with David only a few paces away? Try as I might to push Peter away, he only ever seemed to move closer.
I cleared my throat. “The note was . . .”
I could not look at him. We were too exposed, too vulnerable standing there in our secret conversation, surrounded by people. I felt as backed into a wall as I’d ever been. “The note was very thoughtful, Mr. Wood, thank you.”
“Amelia!” Clara walked toward us, away from David. She was not smiling. “What is the meaning of this?”
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen Clara so angry. “Please, lower your voice, Clara, my dear.”
She stopped in front of me, and Peter took a few steps back, frowning. “This gentleman told Sir Ronald he is here for you.”
My gaze flicked to Peter. If he’d heard anything, he made no indication of it. “I will explain, but later.”
“Whatever does he mean? Do you know this man?”
“I only just know of him. Please. I promise to tell you everything tonight,” I whispered fiercely, begging.
“Miss Moore,” David said, approaching our small group.
I felt dizzy, my eyes darting from Peter to Clara to David. What should I do? What should I say? I knew what I wanted, but what I wanted was not practical. What I wanted would only cause more pain and rejection.
Clara turned, including David in our company.
“Mr. Pendleton,” I said, willing my voice to steady. “Allow me to introduce my sister, Clara. Clara, this Mr. Pendleton.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Miss Clara,” David said with a bow.
Clara curtseyed, drawing David into polite conversation about his visit, and I glanced at Peter. He beckoned me with a nod of his head, but I could not move. I’d barely known Peter a fortnight. If what Georgiana said was true, he would question everything when he learned of my poverty. How could I trust my feelings for him? Or his feelings for me? How could I risk my future, Clara’s future, on something so fickle as love? Especially when Clara detested Georgiana and, by extension, Peter.
If I stayed by David, I could for certain share amiable companionship, knowing security and comfort for the rest of my days, and Clara’s as well. He knew the truth of my situation, and he accepted me. He did not seek love, so he would never expect more from me, and I would not risk losing his affection, for I would never have it.
“Shall we go for that ride?” David’s voice pulled my attention back to him.
Peter stared at me with a furrowed brow.
“Of course.” I took his arm. This was the path of least pain, the path of most surety. Clara glanced between us, shaking her head. But she did not know how necessary this match was. I walked beside David into the house to put on my riding habit.
Grace seemed exceptionally slothful today, likely due to the rising heat of the late afternoon. I was accustomed to Summer’s slow pace, so I did not mind. Though I missed Summer, Winter needed her more than I at present. David drew even with us, though his lips pursed. I wondered if he wished we were riding faster.
“Do you have many horses?” I asked.
David shifted in his seat. “We typically sell our common foals. I breed mostly racehorses in my stables.”
Ah, that accounted for his pursed lips. I’d been right. He was likely not accustomed to riding this slow.
Grace, responding to the depth of his masculine voice, veered right and chomped at David’s leg. He hurried his horse just in time to avoid her.
“Forgive me,” I said, pulling hard on Grace’s reins. “She has a mind of her own.”
“Indeed,” he said with a frown. “I do not think she likes me.”
“Grace does better at a run, but for some reason she is more ornery than usual today.”
“Not to worry. I can maintain my distance for now. I am set to leave after dinner, but there is more we must discuss.”
I glanced to Mr. Beckett, riding a few paces behind us. “Of course.”
“Forgive my awkwardness,” David said. “I have not entertained the idea of a wife for long, and with how sudden my aunt recommended you, I’m afraid I had little time to think on what to say.
“I am not sure what my aunt told you of my situation, but I want to be clear, before we speak any further.” David’s deep voice was solemn. “I lost the love of my life, the mother of my children. I will never find another woman I cherish more. My heart is forever full of her.” He looked out into the distance with purpose. “But I do need a companion. Someone to oversee the affairs within the house, and to care for my girls and their upbringing. We have lived simply since my wife died, but my girls need a lady of the house to guide them in example. And I need help.”