Page 42 of Finding Hope
That made him think of Joy’s recent accident, and made him wonder how she was doing. He’d been surprised to see her out on the field this morning. However, she was as pluck to thebackbone as any fellow he’d ever met, so she must be on the mend to be hanging on the coat-tails of the avid hunters in the group.
She was with his niece, Susan, right next to the Duke, laughing and eating. What a relief she was not further harmed by her illness!
With his partner gone for the day, Max could breathe a little easier—that was until he saw Brosner smiling down at Hope with undisguised admiration. Max finally knew what possessiveness could do to a temper. He’d never burned with so much envy.
He had to put an end to this once and for all. Hope was who he wanted and his mother would have to accept it. The Duke could stand up to the Duchess in this. Diana was right. Max’s happiness was worth something and what Hope did not know, she could learn. And what she did not wish to do, Max could have his secretary do.
Now, if he could but be so certain Hope would have him. The way she was looking at Brosner, he was no longer confident. His friends would say it was about time he was brought down a peg or two. What they didn’t know was Max had few delusions about being wanted for anything other than his title and position. Brosner’s title was almost the same as his own, but he did not think Hope cared for that. If anything, it was a deterrent. Perhaps that was why Max had been able to let down his guard in Hope’s company and be friends.
He finished his egg sandwich and washed it down with a jug of ale as he contemplated where to go from here. The fact was, he had made up his mind but he did not want his mother to know until it was afait accompli. He feared his mother would become unhinged and do something to harm Hope. Not physically, of course, but he would not put it past her Grace to ruin Hope in Society.
Max intended to have every last detail planned, with his father’s blessing, once he was assured Hope returned his affections.
Having decided, he felt a heavy weight lift from his shoulders. If only Diana hadn’t left, he could share his decision with someone. However, he would not for the world have Miss Montford back as his partner that afternoon, so he would speak with his sister later.
Max walked over to where Hope was standing with her sisters and their friends and smiled at her.
“Your father is in his element,” Hope said, looking over at the Duke.
“His hounds and his hunters have always been his favourites,” Max said ruefully.
“He did not pass that love on to you? It appeared as though you were born in the saddle.”
Max inclined his head. “Oh, I enjoy the chase, but as a sport, not a way of life.”
Hope laughed, then suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck stood up for a second before he saw the flash of a pistol. He yelled as a crack sounded and reached out to pull Hope behind him while simultaneously trying to duck.
He felt something graze his arm and prayed that was the end of it.
“Are you hurt?” He looked down at Hope.
“What happened?” she asked, her big blue eyes wide and dazed.
“Someone was shooting, I am afraid. Hopefully, no one was harmed.”
“Were you hit, Rotham?” Brosner asked. “It looks as though you have a tear in your coat.”
“I think I was grazed. ’Tis but a scratch. Everyone else is unharmed?”
They looked around. “Who would have been shooting? All of the gamekeepers knew we would be hunting and it would be too dangerous.”
“It must have been a poacher,” Brosner said reasonably. “Perhaps you should have your arm bound.”
It looked as though most of the men and keepers had taken off to look for the offender, to prevent anyone else being harmed.
Max realized Hope was still in his arms as she began to shake. “Are you quite well, Miss Whitford?”
Pulling back to look at her, he saw blood trickling down her neck. “Hope? Are you hurt?”
“I do not know. I feel a little strange.”
He untied her bonnet and discovered the bullet had grazed the side of her head. It would have killed her if she hadn’t moved.
CHAPTER 11
Hope was scooped up into Rotham’s arms before she knew what was happening. She was dizzy, but she did not think she had fainted. It was just the shock of it all.
“You! Ride for the doctor at once and send him to the house!” Rotham barked at one of the grooms.
