The Earl's Honorable Intentions by Deborah Hale

Author:Deborah Hale [Hale, Deborah]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2018-01-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

AFTER HANNAH FLETCHER departed with the sleeping baby, the remaining hours of Sunday seemed ten times longer to Gavin. He could have sworn some invisible force was holding back the hands of the clock. He tried to occupy himself by rereading the newspapers and tracing Bonaparte’s movements since Waterloo. But it was difficult to separate the golden needles of fact from the haystack of rumor and speculation.

If only he could have talked it over with Miss Fletcher, he felt certain the picture would have come into clearer focus. But that was impossible because he had sent her away. Had he overreacted to their accidental contact and the unexpected feelings it provoked?

There could be any number of innocent reasons why he felt closer to her than he had any right to. Most likely it was because they had been forced to spend so much time together. Pairs of soldiers sent out on patrol often came to rely on one another and develop a close camaraderie.

Or perhaps the feelings he imagined were prompted by the presence of his infant daughter. All the firmness and severity he had cultivated as a cavalry commander deserted him when he held that small, soft creature in his arms. His heart grew as malleable as warm wax, which she proceeded to wrap around her tiny finger. Was it any wonder such a state should make him vulnerable to unexpected fancies? Perhaps it was best to keep a cautious distance.

Gavin roused from his musing to realize he had spent far more time thinking about Hannah Fletcher than Napoleon Bonaparte.

The next morning was just as bad. The time crept by with aching slowness. Yet whenever Gavin sought to pass it, his wayward thoughts returned to Miss Fletcher like a flock of stubborn homing pigeons. When they did, his conscience never failed to reproach him.

He looked forward to the early afternoon hours which would bring the post and a visit from little Arthur. He longed for those events as eagerly as any embattled regiment had ever looked for reinforcements. When at last he heard Miss Fletcher’s firm, brisk footsteps approaching, his heart bounded with the expectation of deliverance.

She entered the room, cradling his tiny son against her shoulder. In her left hand she clutched a newspaper and a letter. Seldom in his life had Gavin beheld so welcome a sight.

“I have received a reply from Lady Benedict!” she announced with barely suppressed excitement.

A fortnight ago, Gavin would not have believed her capable of such feelings. Since then he had glimpsed several unexpected facets of her character. She also possessed many fine qualities he had perceived but failed to appreciate. She was honest, practical, responsible and hardworking. But the lady had a softer side, which she tended to keep well hidden. Perhaps because she feared it would make her vulnerable? Though she strove to appear placid, Gavin had discovered she could be stimulating company with an engaging sense of humor. Now he was pleased to find she was capable of almost childlike eagerness.

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