Page 47 of The Gift of Patience
“Your ladyship!” He jumped back. “I meant no offence to Miss Whitford. I intend to make her my wife.”
The Dowager’s black brows lifted almost to the silvery curls that adorned her head. “Is that so? Have you received Westwood’s permission? If so, I’ve heard nothing about it.”
“I-I,” he stuttered and stumbled.
“As I thought. I think it’s time you returned home, Rupert. Once you’ve apologized to Miss Whitford.”
“I meant no offence, Miss Whitford.” He made her a bow and then scurried away.
They both watched him leave, then the Dowager turned to Patience. “What was the meaning of that? You should not have encouraged him in such a manner.”
“Of course not, my lady. I thank you for your timely intervention.”
“I do not think he would have pressed himself on you more than he did. However, he is clearly under some delusion that you will be his bride.”
“A delusion I intend to rectify with due haste.”
She nodded. “Then I will pretend I saw nothing. Especially if his encroaching mother arrives trying to say otherwise.”
“You are our jewel amongst jewels, my lady. Do you wish to return to the house?”
“No. Thomas will retrieve me in a little while. I need some more fresh air after that unpleasant scene.”
She could not agree more. Patience curtsied and turned about to find Major Stuart and make clear what she was and was not willing to do in the name of help. However, she paused, thinking it might be better to vent some steam before speaking with him.
Diverting to the east lawn where the games and targets were, she promptly positioned herself to throw her knife. A few goodthrows should relieve her of some of the angst that was built up inside.
She took the knife from its sheath, then grabbed the hilt, honing in on the target. Pull back, release. Thud. Dead centre. “That one was for Rupert.”
After marching to the target to pull out the blade with satisfaction, she returned right back to her starting position. Position, pull back, release. Thud. “That one was for Stuart.”
“Imagining my face as the target, I see?” he asked lazily as he leaned against a marble balustrade behind her.
“Notice I hit your face dead centre,” she retorted without missing a beat, even though her heart was racing at his surprising her. Some fine guard dog Xander was, who was now licking Stuart’s hands.
“I heard Rupert was a bit overly effusive in his admiration today.”
Patience marched right up to Major Stuart and stood toe to toe with him. “And where were you? Promising someone else to protect them and failing?”
“I deserved that, I suppose. I never imagined you would leave the drawing room or walk on the grounds alone. Without a chaperone.”What were you thinking?He refrained from saying that but implied it.
“So it is my fault. I see. There was no one available, but your grandmother saved me.”
“Saved you?” He straightened up from his lazy stance. “Did he try to harm you?”
She made a huffing noise. “It depends on what you refer to as harm. My nerves will certainly suffer at every remembrance of his wet, slimy lips pressed against mine.”
“He kissed you?”
“If you could call what he did such a thing.” She shuddered with disgust and wiped at her mouth.
He cursed under his breath.
It wasa good thing Rupert had left, because Ashley would have murdered him for daring to accost Miss Whitford in such a manner. He’d wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her, but he’d not been prepared for the reaction. He would’ve erased that disgusting memory and replaced it with a much better one, if he did say so himself.
As they walked back to the house, there was laughter, and they both stopped to look for the source.
Patience inclined her head to the left and he followed around the hedge. They came upon the open lawn, where Grace, Joy, Lord Montford, and Mr. and Miss Cunningham were playing pall mall with one of his aunts.
