If he was taking her measure as a female, he would find her wanting, of course. Surely he would not be so rude as to mention that she was uncommonly tall for a woman or that her features were not small and delicate like Felicity’s. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and Amanda grew warm under his inspection. For all that he was old enough to be her father, Mr. Thornton did not possess a particularly fatherly air.
Though he made no comment, the prolonged silence between them was commentary enough. Amanda supposed she ought to steer the conversation into more amiable channels.
“I understand that we are to journey to Sommersby together,” she said politely, unable to bring herself to convey much enthusiasm over the prospect.
“It is a pity that Lady Biddle will be unable to come,” he replied, accepting her change of subject with an equal lack of fervor, “but Sir Thomas appears to have every faith in your skills as a chaperon.”
Despite his polite response, his cool tone suggested that he was wary of the suitability for the task of someone as heretical as Amanda. Amanda decided that anyone unwise enough to cross Mr. Thornton was to be pitied. On the other hand, she thought irritably, who was this tall stranger to judge her convictions?
“That is because I am known to be incorrigibly practical, Mr. Thornton,” she replied evenly. “I am not one to be swayed by sentiment, nor do I scruple at plain-speaking. Ideal qualities for a chaperon, do you not agree?”
He did not reply.
“I fear I will not be counted a lively addition to the earl’s gathering,” she added, unable to keep a cross tone from her voice.
Something volatile flickered in his eyes before vanishing. “On the contrary, Miss Fitzhugh. A practical nature fares best at Sommersby Castle.”
“Oh?” Amanda eyed him curiously.
“The castle is very old — rich with history, but plagued by a rather dark reputation. I have spent only a little time there, but —”
“Come, sir. People have reputations. Buildings merely have names,” Amanda interjected.
He did not rise to the bait. “I merely suggest that Miss Biddle should be prepared.”
“For what, pray? Is the place haunted?”
“Not at all.” There was not even a glimmer of humor in his eyes. “But the castle is not in the best condition, and its reputation has made it difficult to secure servants. It seems that over the centuries, the castle’s dungeons were responsible for a considerable decrease in the local population. Political disputes, I understand.”
Had Mr. Thornton cast some sort of gauntlet before her?
“Fortunately, dark reputations do not frighten me, nor do I believe in ghosts,” Amanda replied. “To be sure, Miss Biddle has a rather more fertile imagination, but I will be certain to keep her occupied with other matters. I trust the place is not unsafe?”
“You may count on the earl to see to your safety.”
“I do not believe that answered my question, sir.” Amanda wondered how she was going to stand two more minutes in this maddening man’s company, much less two weeks at Sommersby Castle.
At that moment, Felicity returned with her shawl and insisted on taking the night air, the rain having stopped. Reaching for her own shawl, Amanda buoyed her spirits with the hope that Mr. Thornton would not find it necessary to remain at the castle during the whole of their visit.
Eager to take in the fresh scents of the newly dampened garden, Felicity moved quickly out onto the terrace ahead of them, leaving Mr. Thornton little choice but to offer his arm to Amanda. Amanda placed her hand lightly on his sleeve, and was surprised at how solid and firm his arm felt. It was rather disconcerting to feel such strength in a man of his years.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
Belatedly, Amanda realized she was staring at his arm.
“Not at all,” she replied quickly. She allowed him to lead her toward the terrace, and his hand briefly touched her back as he propelled her out the door toward Felicity.
In the heavy air, laden with the sweet smells of the garden made more pungent by the recent shower, Amanda was rather acutely aware of his presence. She found herself wondering exactly how many years Mr. Thornton had on his plate and why a man of his age should provoke such a reaction.
Undoubtedly, she had been away from Kent too long.
***
BOOKS BY EILEEN PUTMAN:
Regency Romances:
Love in Disguise series:
The Perfect Bride
The Dastardly Duke
A Passionate Performance
Reforming Harriet
Stand-alone Regencies:
Noble Deception
Words of Love
A Worthy Engagement
Historical Romances:
Never Trust a Rake
Never Kiss a Duke
So Reckless a Love
Garden of Secrets
www.eileenputman.com
Reforming Harriet Page 27
