Page 83 of When He Was Wicked
Ellen
Relieved that his sister truly seemed fine, Simon quickly penned a reply and called for the butler. He did not want her to travel via public coach to return to Lancashire, so he would send a carriage for her and proper servants to see to their comfort. His mother was much aggrieved with his willingness to see his sister comfortably situated, but Simon loved her, and it was his duty to care for her even if she did not march to the tune of society’s fiddle.
An hour later, he strolled along the property, heading toward the lake. He would catch a few trout to add to the dinner table. A flash of yellow snagged his attention, and his chest warmed rather pleasantly.
“Miss Sutton!”
She paused, a rosy flush climbing her cheeks. A cool breeze wafted over the land and tugged at her bonnet.
“Lord Hardwick, forgive me for intruding. I…I started walking with Zeus, and it seemed my legs took me here.”
Simon lowered his gaze to the small dog lovingly clasped in her arms. “I presume this is Zeus?”
A very pretty smile curved her mouth, and he looked away from it, damn well annoyed with how his heart kicked inside his chest.
“Yes. He has been my dearest companion these past two years.”
The dog let out a little growl. Simon smiled. “I am very pleased to meet you, Zeus. I was about to go fishing.”
She studied him, her mouth quirked. “Fishing?”
“Yes, it is a pastime I enjoy.”
“I see.”
A small silence fell where they stared at each other. “Would you like to join me?”
Her eyes widened almost comically. “Tofish?”
“Yes.”
Henrietta smiled. “Might I bring Zeus along?”
“Certainly, I would enjoy both of your company.”
Simon took Henrietta down to the river that cut through the estate instead of the lake. There was a small building close to the river, which was more a small tributary than a majestic rolling expanse. He produced a key from a pocket and opened the small stone-built building. Inside, the building was slightly more dramatic. A small skiff was on rollers which would allow it to be launched into the stream, although he thought they might need additional help. There were rods and other fishing equipment to one side, and to the rear of the building was a small pool, although it was empty. More a deep bath for half a dozen than a pool for swimming. The walls had been mosaically tiled with a rather decadent Romanesque orgy scene which made Henrietta blush.
“Not mine; it seems a previous owner was a bit of a rake, but he did put in a decent boiler,” he said.
He bent to light it, and it caught immediately. Then he switched on a tap which trickled into the empty pool.
“It takes some time to fill. Come, let’s head to the river to catch some trout and perhaps roast them outdoor.”
She gave him a skeptical glance. “Who will roast these fishes?”
“Me, of course.” He arched a brow. “What, do you think I am just a useless rake?”
“Yes.”
Simon glared at her and she laughed. He held up a little bag. “Do you see this?”
Henrietta slowly raised her eyes to his. “Yes.”
“It holds all the ingredients for us to make some delicious roasted fish by the riverside.”
“I am considerably intrigued.”
Their gazes held, and something raw twisted in his chest. Simon realized he enjoyed her presence immensely. He liked her readiness to laugh and the ever-present humor dancing in her blue eyes. He liked…her. Simon walked away, and she hurried to match his steps.
