Regency Beauty. Sarah Mallory

today. I have spent the day giving instructions for the refurbishment of the orangery. The carpenter knows what to do now and I would only be in the way. Come, Miss Pentewan. Do not look so mutinous. Can you not accept my company with good grace?’

      ‘I suppose I must.’

      He laughed. ‘A grudging acceptance, ma’am.’

      ‘But this is not treating me as an employee, an independent being who is quite capable of looking after herself.’

      He did not respond to her grumbling, but strode across the park and into the woods, describing to her all the improvements he had planned. It was impossible to sulk and Zelah found herself voicing her opinion, telling him her preference for chestnut trees to be planted in the park and suggesting an avenue of limes along the length of the new drive.

      ‘These are long-term plans, Major. Are you planning to settle here?’

      ‘Possibly.’

      ‘Then you should become more involved with the village. You could support my brother-in-law in his efforts to oppose Sir Oswald.’

      ‘I wondered when we would come back to that. I have told you before, Miss Pentewan, one of the reasons I like Rooks Tower is its isolation. I have no desire to become embroiled in local disputes.’

      ‘But—’

      He stopped. ‘Enough, madam. Sir Oswald may be perfectly entitled to enclose the land, for all we know, and to cover it with mantraps. I will deal with matters that concern me, and no more.’

      There was a note of finality in his voice and Zelah firmly closed her lips upon the arguments she wanted to utter.

      ‘Well, at least you could attend the summer assembly. It is looked upon almost as an obligation, you know, to be seen there. Besides, you would become better acquainted with your neighbours.’

      He looked so fierce, his lips thinning and his crooked left brow descending so low that for a moment she thought he might shout at her, but he contented himself by saying curtly, ‘If I have business with my neighbours I will call upon them. I see no point in social chit-chat.’

      They were in the woods now, another few minutes would bring them to the lane, so there really was no point in prolonging the argument.

      There was a sudden crashing in the undergrowth and a hind shot across their path, so close it almost brushed Zelah. It was swiftly followed by a large stag. Startled, Zelah jumped back. The major pulled her into his arms, twisting around to shield her in case another creature should plunge out of the bushes.

      He held her tight against him, one hand cradling her head against his chest. She could feel the thud of his heart through the rough wool of his coat. To be held thus was strange, unfamiliar, but she did not find it unpleasant.

      Zelah allowed herself to savour the feeling of safety and of refuge as the silence settled around them once more, but as the shock abated she realised her situation and pushed herself away. He released her immediately.

      ‘I beg your pardon. Did I hurt you?’

      His curt tone only added to her confusion.

      Without his arms tight around her she felt quite … vulnerable.

      ‘N-no. I—um—I have never seen a stag at such close quarters before. Magnificent.’

      ‘So it is you!’ Nicky’s cheerful voice came from the undergrowth at the side of the path. ‘We wondered what had startled the deer.’

      He emerged from the bushes, followed by a thin man in a faded brown coat and breeches who touched his hat.

      ‘Major.’

      ‘Good day, Robin.’ Dominic nodded. ‘And to you, young Master Buckland.’

      ‘But, Nicky …’ Zelah put her hand on her nephew’s shoulder ‘… why are you out of school?’

      ‘Mr Netherby was called away and he cancelled his classes today, so I joined Robin in the woods. Pray do not worry, Zelah. John the stable boy was in Lesserton and he carried a message back for me, telling Papa that there was no need to send the carriage to collect me. I have been having such a good time with Robin, following the deer. We were doing very well until you startled them.’

      Zelah gave an uncertain laugh. ‘I think they startled us.’

      ‘Ah, beggin’ yer pardon, ma’am.’ Old Robin took off his hat as he nodded to her. ‘The hind turned away from yer voices and found us blockin’ her way, so she took off across the path and the stag followed.’

      ‘Are they not splendid creatures, Aunt?’ Nicky’s upturned face glowed with excitement. ‘We have been following them all day.’

      ‘I trust you have not been near Sir Oswald’s land.’ Zelah frowned, concerned.

      ‘I wouldn’t take the boy there, ma’am, you may be sure o’ that,’ Robin assured her. He turned aside and spat on the ground. ‘Not that Sir Oswald owns all the land he’s laid claim to, whatever he may say.’

      ‘You know where the boundary runs?’ Zelah asked eagerly.

      ‘Aye, that I do. Not that the deer follow boundaries of any man’s making.’

      Nicky scowled. ‘Sir Oswald’s told Robin that he’ll shoot any animals he finds on his land, but they’ve been wandering there for years, they don’t know any different.’

      Dominic shrugged. ‘I’ve no doubt Sir Oswald is trying to make his estate profitable.’

      ‘Aye,’ said Robin, rubbing his nose, ‘he’s cutting down timber above Lydcombe Park and that’s his right, on that piece of land. What’s going on at Prickett Wood is another matter.’

      ‘If you know something, then you should tell my brother-in-law,’ said Zelah. ‘Or Sir Arthur, who I think is the magistrate here.’

      ‘Aye, p’rhaps I will.’

      His response was too vague to satisfy Zelah, but before she could reply Nicky addressed her.

      ‘I am very glad we met you, Aunt, for I was coming to the Tower to see if you were ready to walk home with me. Robin has some work to do.’

      The old man turned to the major, his eyes bright in his weather-beaten face.

      ‘Thought I’d take a look at the moles in yer south lawn, sir, if you still wants ‘em gone?’

      ‘I do, Robin. If you wish, you can take yourself off to the Tower now. Tell Mrs Graddon I sent you and she’ll make sure there’s a meal for you tonight. I shall escort Miss Pentewan and Master Nicky to West Barton.’

      It was on the tip of Zelah’s tongue to say that was not necessary, but the look of delight on Nicky’s face silenced her. They parted from old Robin and set off for the lane. She was not obliged to converse, because Nicky chattered away quite happily to the major, describing his lessons and his friends. The path was narrow and she was content to fall behind, listening to their conversation.

      ‘This is where I shall bid you goodbye.’ They had reached the lane and Major Coale stopped.

      ‘Will you not come to the house, sir?’ Nick gaze up at him hopefully. ‘I know Mama would be happy to offer you some refreshment.’

      ‘Thank you, but no. I have work that needs my attention.’

      ‘But—’

      ‘Do not press him, Nicky,’ cautioned Zelah. ‘The major sees no point in social chit-chat.’

      He met her eyes, the glint in his own confirming that he understood her. ‘Quite, Miss Pentewan. Good day to you.’