Lord Ravensden's Marriage. Anne Herries

She had been so sure that Lord Ravensden would not dare to come here. Yet who else could it be? This man was handsome, his smile charming—and now she looked at him properly, she could see that he was arrogant, too sure of himself and proud. A despicable man. Indeed, she wondered that she had not noticed it immediately.

      Why had he come here? Beatrice’s mind was racing frantically. If this was truly Olivia’s jilted suitor, he must not be allowed to take her sister by surprise.

      “Ah yes,” she said. “I do know of the family—but I fear you are travelling in the wrong direction.”

      “Is this not the village of Abbot Giles?”

      “Has Ben turned the milestones round again? It really is too bad of him!” Beatrice said in a rallying tone. “He will do it, poor foolish fellow. It all comes from the bang on the head, but it is most confusing for visitors.”

      “Pray tell me,” the stranger said, a gleam in those devastating blue eyes. “How did poor Ben come to receive such a damaging blow to the head?”

      “It is a long story,” Beatrice said hastily. She pointed to the open gates of the Abbey grounds. “If you follow that road, the narrow lane there, then keep on past the lake and turn to your right near the ruined chapel, you will come to the village in time.”

      “That sounds a little complicated…”

      “It is a short cut, any other route would take you miles out of your way.”

      “I see, then I shall follow your instructions. Thank you, ma’am.”