“Focus upon your breathing,” Gabriel said as he untied the lead from the fence. “This may help to distract you from your fears.”
Before she had the chance to do as he suggested, however, she felt his hand brush against her bare ankle, and she looked down in horror to see him pulling her skirts over her foot.
“Even with your newfound confidence, Miss Rosebury,” he said with a smile, “we must not evade propriety.”
Charlotte blushed, but her embarrassment was soon forgotten as Horatio shifted his feet again, and she held her breath as she dreaded the horror she knew was coming, the horror of reliving the memories of her cousin’s death.
However, as Gabriel led the horse forward, she was surprised to discover peace filled her soul instead. She sat taller in her sidesaddle and smiled as she viewed Greyston Hall from the perspective she had forgotten existed, her breathing beginning again, composed and steady.
“Do you think it all right if we move out of the paddock for a moment?” she asked hesitantly, and her courage increased when Gabriel smiled up at her.
He led them outside of the fenced area and past the occasional members of staff before walking past the house toward the fields beyond.
As they traversed the grounds, Charlotte enjoyed her view of the green land around them, as well as the sight in front of her of Gabriel’s broad shoulders and strong jaw, for all fears had departed from within her, and she sighed, pleased with the progress she had made with Gabriel’s help.
“I do believe riding suits you, Miss Rosebury,” Gabriel said, and she looked to see him staring up at her.
“My father said the very same when I first began to ride,” she said before her smile faltered. “I must admit, I sincerely regret fear taking up so much of my time when I used to enjoy riding a great deal.”
She looked at the horse’s white mane, his neck bobbing up and down softly as he walked next to his master.
“If only I had overcome my fears earlier, my life could have been far happier.”
When Gabriel did not respond, she glanced down at him to see a frown puckering his brow.
“Have I said something to upset you?” she asked, but he merely shook his head and continued to lead them across the field.
After a half an hour had passed by, they returned to the stables, and Gabriel tied Horatio to the fence before turning to Charlotte and holding out his arms.
“Come, I shall help you down.”
She placed her hands on his shoulders, feeling the strength of his grip, before he efficiently helped her off of the horse. However, when her feet touched the ground, she remained where she stood. Gabriel’s fingers held her waist as her hands rested upon his shoulders, and their eyes met.
“Thank you, Mr. Worthington,” she whispered breathlessly, and only then did he release his hold of her and take a step back.
“Of course,” he said, motioning for her to precede him through the gate before pulling it closed behind them. “If you feel you are ready, we may go riding together soon.”
“I would love to.”
“Very well,” he said before looking toward the house, “if you will excuse me, Miss Rosebury.”
She nodded before watching him walk swiftly away from her, and she smiled with anticipation as she thought of spending more time with him in the coming days.
Hearing Horatio nickering behind her, Charlotte smiled, and she looked over her shoulder to see the horse approaching her.
“Hello, there,” she said softly, walking closer to him as she pulled out a carrot hidden within her pelisse. “Would you like another treat, Horatio?”
She fed him the carrot before petting his forelock. “That is for your kindness in not unseating me in front of our Mr. Worthington.”
She patted him once more and thought of the progress she had made with both the horse and Gabriel, and she could not help but smile.
***
The next morning, Charlotte sat in the library reading over a letter from Julia, the smile on her face unceasing as she read over her sister’s familiar script.
I was so happy in reading your letter to discover your high spirits! I am certain it is because of Mr. Worthington’s improved behavior. I do wonder though, is his amiability increasing because his mother has more control over him in their own home, or is it because he is simply falling madly in love with you? I prefer the latter.
I hope you will accept his offer to help you, though. I do love horses, as you well know, and to think of us sharing rides together brings me great joy! However, should you not wish to, I, of course, understand.
I am afraid to say, France has not improved in terms of gentlemen, though I am certain our cousin would disagree. Even I am a little embarrassed when our dear Bridget’s eyes stare upon every male she happens upon like a sweet to be devoured. I rather wonder at Aunt attempting to change my own behavior when her daughter is lacking in decorum even more than I. I could never say such a thing, however, no matter how true my words are.
At any rate, I do miss your company, and I wish we were together still.
Charlotte heard a soft melody drifting into the room, and she paused in her reading as she smiled, knowing at once who played the stirring music.
Without another thought, she found herself tiptoeing through the hallways, Julia’s letter still in hand, before reaching the music room.
Though guilt filled her heart, she remained hidden to listen to Gabriel’s playing, and she imagined his fingers flying over the keys as she fought the urge to peek into the room to see what emotion was written within his blue eyes.
Only when the music stopped did Charlotte gather her skirts to run through the hallways once again, stopping only when she reached the safety of the parlor.
With a hand to her chest, she promised to no longer spy on the gentleman, but as she recalled his beautiful music, she knew the likelihood of her keeping such promise was, indeed, very slim.
***
“I am afraid I did not receive very much sleep last night,” Mrs. Worthington said the next evening in the drawing room, Gabriel glancing up as she stood from her seat. “I trust neither of you will mind if I retire early?”
“Of course not, Mother,” Gabriel said. “I wish you a better night’s sleep tonight.”
Mrs. Worthington nodded her thanks before moving toward the door, however, she paused when Charlotte moved to follow behind her.
“Do not be silly, my dear,” Mrs. Worthington said. “You are far too young to end the night so early. No, you must stay and enjoy the company of my son.”
As his mother left the room with a little wave of her hand, Gabriel watched Charlotte pause where she stood, her fingers fiddling together as a pretty blush rose to her cheeks.
“Are you well, Miss Rosebury?” he asked, and her gaze flitted away from him as she nodded.
“Then why do you appear out of sorts?”
“I simply…” Charlotte trailed off, “I simply did not think your mother would leave us alone, that is all.”
“We have been alone before, Miss Rosebury,” he said with an amused expression, “countless times.”
“Yes, but,” she hesitated, glancing sidelong at him, “certainly not while seated in the parlor at night.”
“Does it frighten you to be left alone with me?” he asked with a teasing grin.
“Of course not.”
“Then you shall stay?”
“I suppose I will.”
“Excellent, for I should like to play chess again. I have an inkling tonight may provide me with the victory I so desire.”
“If you think it likely, Mr. Worthington,” Charlotte said, smiling as she seemed to relax. “I am more than willing to allow you the opportunity.”
They moved to the side of the room where the warmth of the fire still reached them, and they sat on opposite ends of the small table already set up with a finely crafted chessboard.
“You may begin the game,” Gabriel said.
“Very well,�
�� Charlotte responded, and she moved her first white pawn in an instant.
Gabriel then moved his hand to hover over his own pieces and she sighed.
“Oh, dear.”
Gabriel glanced up at her. “What is it?” he asked.
“Nothing, really,” she said with a level tone, though her eyes twinkled with mirth, “I am only anticipating this match to last as long as the others have, due to your strategizing. Though, I do hope to retire before the sun rises.”
“Oh, no, Miss Rosebury,” Gabriel said, fighting the urge to grin at her teasing, “I shall not fall for your trick again.”
“What tricks?”
He looked at her with a pointed gaze and raised brows. “The last time I followed your encouragement to play faster, I have never lost so quickly.”
Charlotte laughed, and he had to breathe slowly in order to calm his fiercely beating heart.
“This is only your first move, though, Mr. Worthington,” she said. “Surely you need not take so very long when the match has only just begun.”
“Am I not allowed to play at my own pace?”
“Of course you are. I only offer my way of playing because it is more favorable to gaining a victory.”
Gabriel looked up to see her head tilted as a soft curl rested upon the curve of her neck.
“You mean to distract me, Miss Rosebury,” he said, looking to his pieces upon the board, “but I must warn you, your incessant questioning will not weaken my playing.”
“Are you certain?” she asked, her dimples deepening.
“Quite,” he replied, staring into her eyes, “for there is only one way in which you may distract me to the point of my losing this evening, and I am fairly certain you would not consider what I have in mind.”
Charlotte’s cheeks turned red, and she glanced away from the look in Gabriel’s eyes, attempting to steady her breathing as she pushed aside the thoughts his words had caused.
Their next few turns passed by in silence before Gabriel spoke again. “Have you found anything of interest to you in our library?” he asked.
“Indeed. I was pleased to discover a number of books I have not yet had the pleasure to read.”
“I thought you would enjoy it. I know how fond you are of reading, as I am.”
Charlotte smiled. “Indeed, yet another pleasure we share.”
“Another?” Gabriel asked, his gaze remaining on the board. “Do enlighten me, Miss Rosebury, for I thought we had nothing in common.”
Charlotte shook her head. “Really, Mr. Worthington, telling falsehoods does not become you. However, I suppose I have nothing better to do whilst awaiting my turn, so I shall indulge you. To begin, we both enjoy Shakespeare’s plays.”
Gabriel took his turn, and she moved her piece swiftly after.
“And we both enjoy the pianoforte,” she continued, “though I merely listen to others play rather than sharing in your talent. We love to read and walk out of doors, and now, due to your patient instruction, we share a fondness for horses.
“We are the same in our desire, or lack thereof, to listen to long-winded vicars,” she paused with a smile, “and I am certain I am safe to assume we both take pleasure in speaking to one another, though we may not choose the best times to do so, as our experience in York has revealed.”
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, a handsome smile upon his lips as his eyes focused on her instead of the board.
“Yes, but you received the reprimand, not I,” he said.
She stared at him before saying, “You have just added another to our growing list, Mr. Worthington, for we both receive a wicked delight while teasing one another.”
He smiled, taking his turn. “I cannot disagree with you there.”
Charlotte, again, moved after him. “There, you see? I am certain if only we may overcome our incessant irritation of the other, we may become the very best of friends.”
She smiled over at him, however, her cheerfulness waned when she saw his frown slowly return.
“Indeed,” he said, “friends.”
And Charlotte could not decipher his sudden change in mood.
“It is your turn, Miss Rosebury.”
“Of course,” she replied, fighting the urge to stare at Gabriel as her eyes scanned the board.
Within the next moment, she spotted the move that would win her the match, and she held her hand above the piece before noting Gabriel’s scowl once more, and her fingers reached for the pawn instead.
Gabriel’s hand was too quick, though, and he reached forth to take her wrist in his firm, but gentle, grip.
“No, Miss Rosebury,” he said with a warning look.
“What?” she asked guiltily, her heart fluttering from his touch.
“I know you have found your winning move. Do not insult either one of us by deliberately losing.”
“Why ever would I do such a thing?” she asked.
“Perhaps to be merciful for obliterating me each time we play.”
“You, of all people, should know, Mr. Worthington,” she said with a smile, “I would never extend such a kindness to anyone.”
Gabriel stared at her for a moment before abruptly dropping her hand and looking away.
“You are right,” he said, and Charlotte frowned.
Does he truly believe me to be so unkind? she thought before moving her winning piece in front of his black king.
“Check,” she said, leaning back slightly in her chair to observe Gabriel’s reaction.
“Good evening, Miss Rosebury,” he said, and Charlotte laughed wryly as he stood from the table.
“Ah, there it is,” she said, her defenses rising after his harsh words, “I was beginning to wonder if you would run away again.”
Gabriel glared at her. “Do you taunt me, Miss Rosebury?”
She shrugged. “Perhaps you are merely vexed because you have lost one game tonight and are frightened to lose another.”
She stared daringly up at him until his lips stretched into a thin smile.
“Very well. Let us play again.”
Smiling and satisfied, Charlotte returned the pieces to their rightful positions as Gabriel once again took his seat.
The next game passed by much like the first, and when Charlotte defeated him for the second time, she could not hide her grin.
“You must be cheating,” Gabriel said as he stared down at his trapped king, shaking his head.
Laughter escaped Charlotte’s lips, despite the accusation. “I do not cheat, sir,” she said. “Besides, however could I manage to do so, what with you watching my every move?”
“You must be,” he said, standing from the table with a furrowed brow. “This is the only possible explanation as to why you win each and every time.”
“No, the explanation is, I am very good at chess.”
He frowned before walking across the room to the glowing fire.
“Do you no longer wish to play, Mr. Worthington?”
“No, I do not,” he said, and her laughter filled the room as he frowned. “You would certainly not be as jolly if I defeated you.”
“Yes, but we both know how highly unlikely it is that I should lose,” she said, standing from her chair with another laugh.
Gabriel turned toward her, staring at her in silence, and her laughter slowly faded away.
“Perhaps I may never win at chess,” he said, his blue eyes upon her, “but there are other diversions in which I could triumph over you.”
“Is that so?” Charlotte asked.
“Indeed,” Gabriel continued, moving toward her with slow, deliberate steps, his gaze unwavering, “but there is only one diversion I have in mind now.”
Charlotte leaned back when he moved ever closer to her, the small chess table behind her pressing lightly against her skirts. The light from the fireplace cast warm shadows across the room and upon Gabriel’s handsome face.
“And what is that?” she asked.
“You must have an idea, Miss Rose
bury,” he said, his voice soft and deep as his gaze flickered to her lips.
“I am sure, I do not.”
“Perhaps this may help you,” he said, reaching up to cup her cheek in his hand, softly stroking her skin as his face drew closer to her own, her breathing becoming labored.
“Do you know now, Miss Rosebury,” he whispered, his breath upon her lips, “of what diversion I speak?”
She reached a hand behind her to steady herself against the table.
“I believe I do,” she whispered in response.
She felt the tip of his nose softly graze the side of her own, and her heart fluttered, their eyes closing simultaneously just as her hand slipped, and a loud crash sounded throughout the room, the chess pieces tumbling to the floor with intermittent bounces and rolls.
Charlotte gasped, pulling away from Gabriel’s reach, and viewed the mess before her.
“Oh, dear,” she said, attempting to distract herself from her swirling mind, “how clumsy of me.”
Before she could clean up the mess, however, Charlotte noted Gabriel’s gaze upon her, and she looked to see a small, confident smile appearing on his lips.
“Now you have seen for yourself my ability to succeed,” he said before bending down to clean up the chess pieces for Charlotte, placing them upon the board.
She watched as he retrieved two of the pieces from the table, pulling her hand into his own, and placing the figures into her palm before closing her hand and leaning down to press a kiss upon her fingers.
“Have you not, Miss Rosebury?” he whispered, looking up at her with a smile.
Before she could respond, Gabriel walked away, bidding a soft goodnight to her over his shoulder before disappearing out of the room.
Charlotte sighed as she sank into the chair nearest her, her shaking legs no longer able to support herself as she recalled Gabriel’s allure.
And when she looked down to the chess pieces he had placed in her hand, his black king and her white queen resting upon her palm, her heart fluttered, and a smile grew upon her lips that she was sure would never fade away.
Chapter Fifteen
To Warm A Wintered Heart (Regency Romance) Page 16
