Page 30 of Rescuing a Tantalising Heiress
“I know my reputation—I’m a shy, retiring, blue stocking, incapable of taking care of myself. A delicate wallflower whom society looks on with pity. The daughter of a duke, incapable of living up to the expectations of theton.
But I hope, in my somewhat dramatic escape from my kidnappers, to have proved myself otherwise. It was only a walk in the garden. I can scream, can’t I? I was never far from the gardeners and always within earshot of the house. Besides, I fought them off once, I could do so again,” she said.
Edward could not help but smile at these defiant words—all of them true. Isabella had proved her reputation wrong, or rather, she had proved a woman could be both of sound intellect and considerable courage, qualities he would not associate with most of the silly, giggling women of theton,who spent most of their time twirling parasols and whispering gossip behind their fans. Isabella was different, and Edward admired her for it.
“I have no doubt you could,” he said as Isabella continued to fix him with a hard stare.
“Then allow me to do so,” she said.
But Edward was still torn. He wanted to give her the freedom she asked for, and yet he feared the consequences of doing so. Edward was all too familiar with the sort of men who would go to such lengths to extract money from the aristocracy.
They were ruthless, unafraid of the law, and willing to enact violence to achieve their aims. Whatever Benjamin might say, Edward felt certain these were not petty criminals, the sort to hold up a mail coach or steal the takings from a country inn. These men were dangerous, and it was Edward’s duty to protect Isabella from them.
“I suppose…you and Augusta could walk on the lawn whilst I work in my study,” he said, hoping to find a compromise in this seemingly impossible situation.
“And am I to be told when these walks can take place? Why not walk with me yourself?” Isabella replied.
Edward blushed. He did not think it would be appropriate for the two of them to walk alone together in the gardens. The situation they found themselves in was already somewhat precarious, and it was only Augusta’s presence preventing a scandal. An unmarried woman should not walk alone with an unmarried man.
“There’s no chaperone,” he replied, even as the thought of walking with Isabella presented an attraction.
He imagined what it would be like to take her by the arm, for her to rest her head on his shoulder, to stand beneath the rose arbour, where the sweet scent of the blooms hung in the air…
“Oh, it hardly matters, does it? Was there a chaperone when I was bundled into a waiting carriage by the kidnappers?” Isabella said, throwing her hands up in exasperation.
Edward was returned to the present, and he stared at Isabella, quite caught up in the pleasure of imagination, even as he feared turning such thoughts into reality.
“Well…I-I suppose we could,” he stammered.
“I’m very grateful to you for your kindness. But I can’t remain inside forever. I’m surprised my father hasn’t written yet. He promised to do all he could to bring me home. But…well…I’m sure he will. Please, won’t you let me walk in the garden?” Isabella replied, but Edward shook his head.
“I beg you, think of your own safety. It’s only for a short while longer. You can go home soon, I’m sure,” Edward said, even as he found the words difficult to say.
The thought of Isabella leaving, of this pleasant companionship coming to an end…
“I’m not afraid,” Isabella said, and Edward nodded.
“I know you’re not, but perhaps…you should be,” he said, not wishing to scare her, but intent on impressing on her the utmost seriousness of what they were involved in.
She looked at him fearfully, and Edward stepped forward, placing his hand on her arm, even as he knew he should refrain from such intimacy.
“I can’t…I didn’t ask for any of this. I’m…oh, I just wish it was over,” she exclaimed, as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“It will be soon, I promise,” Edward said, trying to reassure her.
He did not want her to be worried or anxious. She was in his charge, and he would do anything to protect her. His feelings for her were growing stronger by the day. Edward wanted to protect her, and the only way he could think of doing that was by discovering who it was who should wish to harm her. Until he had done so, Edward knew the danger would remain.
“I feel so helpless. I’ve not felt so helpless—so hopeless, too. I don’t know who did this, or why, but they’ve succeeded in terrifying me,” Isabella said, and Edward put his arm around her, drawing her into his embrace, even as he knew he was surely overstepping the mark in doing so.
“Please…you mustn’t fear anything. I’ll protect you,” he said, and she looked up at him and smiled.
“I hope you can,” she replied.
***
Edward spent the rest of the day brooding. He went out after luncheon, following the course of the path leading around the edge of the estate. He and Isabella had parted on a note of reconciliation, though she had repeated her desire to be allowed out to walk on the estate, and Edward was not convinced she would obey his command to remain inside.
As he had left the house, Edward had heard Caesar barking, and he felt certain it would not be long before the dog led Isabella astray.
