Page 31 of Rescuing a Tantalising Heiress
But I just can’t allow it,he thought to himself, pausing to gaze out across the parkland, where deer grazed amongst the trees and birds circled overhead.
A fog was gathering on the horizon, and the sun was beginning to set as Edward walked along the edge of the woodland bordering the garden. He peered through the trees, imagining all manner of dangers lurking there.
It would not be difficult for a solitary observer to hide themselves in close proximity to the house. Edward shuddered at the thought—they could be watching him now. They could have seen Isabella that morning and already be plotting her kidnapping again.
And all that stands between her and them is me,he told himself, anxious at the thought of what would happen if a second attempt was made.
Edward was no stranger to sword and musket. He knew how to use both and was well prepared for intruders, but one man could not fight a war, and if someone was determined to snatch Isabella, they would surely find a way to do so.
And why do you care so much?he asked himself, even as the answer was obvious.
He had worried about putting his arm around Isabella earlier that day. Had she thought him too forward in his affections? Edward was unsure as to Isabella’s feelings towards him. She was a closed book when it came to showing her emotions—except when she was angry. Her rational nature was supreme, but when her feelings were inflamed, her true self shone through.
And you’ve been on the receiving end of it enough times already,Edward thought to himself, smiling at the thought of Isabella’s impassioned pleas for freedom.
He thought, too, about his own feelings towards her. There was no doubt he found her attractive, but there was far more to her than pretty looks. She was a handsome young woman, but it was her passionate nature Edward found most attractive.
Be it reading poetry or arguing for her freedom, Isabella was not the sort of woman to be cowed. She had shown no reticence in challenging him, and Edward felt certain she could hold her own in any argument or dispute.
And it’s only going to get worse, I fear,he told himself as he returned to the house along the path through the rose garden.
Dusk was falling, and candles were being lit in the windows of the house. Edward sighed, shaking his head at the strangeness of the situation he now found himself in.
Guardian to a beautiful young woman, who only wants to escape me,he thought to himself, even as he could not be entirely sure of Isabella’s feelings towards him, hoping they might prove to be more than they appeared.
Chapter 13
“My stomach’s rumbling, Anne,” Isabella said, shifting in her chair as she tried to concentrate on her book.
Her maid raised her eyebrows.
“We enjoyed a delicious dinner belowstairs, my lady. A mutton stew and dumplings. I still don’t understand why you didn’t dine with the viscount and his sister,” Anne said, shaking her head.
Isabella felt foolish. She had been embarrassed at being caught, and the memory of her argument with Edward was an uncomfortable one. Isabella had not purposefully disobeyed him, or rather, she had not intended to anger him—she had only wanted to walk in the gardens and had not expected to be caught on her return to the house.
She had not gone down to dinner and had refused to take it in her room despite feeling hungry. Now, she was hungrier still and thinking longingly of a raised game pie, a side of roast beef, a Charlotte Russe, or whatever other delights had been served at dinner that evening.
“Oh, don’t talk to me about food, Anne. I won’t survive the night,” Isabella said.
Her maid shook her head and smiled.
“I could fetch you something from the kitchen, my lady. But I’ll get a scolding from Mrs Jacobs,” Anne said.
“No, I won’t have you getting into trouble on my account, Anne. I was foolish not to go down to dinner,” Isabella replied.
She did not know why she had avoided the viscount and his sister. They had parted on amicable terms, though Isabella had made no promise not to disobey the viscount’s orders. She had been pleased to assert herself, even as she had realized the foolishness of her claims to be a prisoner.
He had been unfailingly kind, and the tender moment of his putting his arm around her had lingered in her mind. Isabella had felt comforted by Edward, and now she felt torn between obeying his command and following the desires of her heart.
“Why don’t you go to bed, my lady? You’ll feel better in the morning, I’m sure. You can eat a good breakfast then,” Anne said, and Isabella nodded, rising from her chair and yawning.
“You’re right. I’m tired. But at least I got a walk today,” she said as Isabella helped her into bed.
“It was the talk of the dinner belowstairs, my lady. Everyone was looking for you,” Anne replied.
“I was quite all right. I met Hetty and her beau in the woods,” she said, and Anne stared at her in amazement.
“She claimed not to have one, my lady,” the maid said with an indignant look on her face.
