Saving Marilee

by Annette K. Larsen

  I waved from the step, remaining there long after he was out of sight, avoiding a return to the house. I desperately hoped that Edmund would not feel the need to advise or reprimand me. I walked through the gardens in the hopes that by the time I returned to the house, the subject would be dropped.

  Walking among my sweet-smelling flowers, I appreciated the trimmed and sculpted bushes that had been tidied by the newly hired gardener. I relaxed and was able to let go of my embarrassment and focus on the intense sweetness of kissing James.

  I ran my fingers over my scar, thinking of James's reaction when I had pulled away from him. It had been so simple and reassuring. He hadn't shied away from me, but had held on without hesitation. I smiled at the memory of his teasing me, his making sure that I wouldn't regret being kissed.

  By the time I returned to the house, a lock of my hair was knotted and tangled around my finger, and I was working to smooth it out as I ascended the front steps. When I reached the top step, I nearly bumped into Edmund. He stood with his feet planted wide and his hands behind his back.

  "Pardon me." I tried to move around him.

  "Do you really think it's wise to be spending your time with a philanderer?"

  I froze with my hand on the door. He obviously referred to James, but why he would accuse him of such a thing was beyond me. I refused to be pulled into an argument with him, especially over James, and especially after he had made it clear that he had some sort of interest in me as well. "No, I don't. So it's a good thing that Mr. Sutton is nothing of the sort." I pushed the door open and spent the rest of the day in the old wing. I didn't join him in the dining room for dinner, but had my meal brought to my sitting room instead.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I REFUSED TO be in the same room with Edmund all the next morning as well. I didn't know what kind of history had caused their malice. I also didn't care. Getting in the middle of an old feud held no interest for me, so when he came into my sitting room, I immediately excused myself. It was rude, but his actions the day before left me with no desire to tolerate veiled insults.

  When James arrived that afternoon, I was already in my riding habit and waiting in the stables. He arrived at a full gallop and skidded to a halt outside the stable doors, swinging down in a whirl of coats and masculinity. He tossed the reins to a waiting groom, and was about to head to the house when Mr. Tennsworth pointed him in my direction. His eyes lit up when he saw me over Angel's back. He came over and patted Angel's side. "I could barely see you behind this sweet girl."

  "We can't all be as tall as you."

  Rogue jumped up on James in greeting, and he bent to scratch the dog's ears. "It looks like you're ready to depart. Shall we?"

  I nodded toward Falstone, who was saddling his own horse. "As soon as Falstone is ready, we can ride out."

  "Good. May I help you to mount?"

  "Yes, thank you."

  He circled the horse and bent his knee so that I could use his thigh to push myself up into the saddle. I hooked my knee over the pommel and settled into my seat. I realized James was staring at me, so I raised an eyebrow in question.

  He handed me my riding crop and gave me a crinkle-eyed smile. "You look very good sitting a horse."

  My cheeks warmed and I muttered a "Thank you."

  Falstone approached, leading his horse, so James took Angel's bridle and led her out to the yard. He swung onto his stallion in much the same way he had dismounted. He didn't bother using the stirrup, just grabbed a handful of mane and threw his leg over, landing perfectly in the saddle. "Shall I lead out?" he asked.

  "You know the spots to be explored, so lead on."

  He pulled his horse around, heeling him into a trot. Just before I did the same, Falstone leaned toward me. "I know it's not my place to say, but I like him."

  I stifled a laugh. "Good. Because I like him too." I nudged Angel's sides with my heel and my crop, following James as he trotted down the lane and veered into the meadow. Rogue trotted along behind us. We crossed the meadow and entered the trees that lined the stream. He barely slowed as his horse stepped into the water and crossed it, climbing the bank on the opposite side.

  I sucked up my courage and urged Angel to follow suit, breathing in relief when she made it onto the bank without unseating me.

  "All well?" James asked.

  "Yes, but keep in mind that I am in no way an expert on a horse. I don't want you to have to fish me out of the water."

  He laughed. "I promise I won't forget."

  We followed a footpath that cut through the trees, alongside the stream. James took it at a walk, giving Rogue plenty of time to dart about in the tall grass, sending a quail or two into flight.

  The path brought us to the stream, and I enjoyed the sound of rushing water.

  "I lived a good portion of my childhood by this stream." James looked back with a grin.

  "Did you conquer the land and claim it as your own?"

  "I was never really the conquering type. Though there were a few favorite spots that Damian and Edmund battled over."

  "They might be disappointed to find that a portion of their kingdom has been claimed by the wheat fairies." I tried to keep my face serious, but I was fighting a smile.

  He quirked an eyebrow at me. "Was that the battle that caused the injury to your ankle?"

  "It was quite fierce. You should be glad you weren't involved."

  "I'll be sure to express my gratitude. Although, I do believe I lost a coat in that battle." His eyes cut over to me for just a moment.

  I looked away, hoping he didn't see my embarrassment.

  "You'll have to show me the land now belonging to the wheat fairies so that I can be certain to pay homage to the rightful ruler. I think we're close to it now."

  He was right. The next bend in the stream brought my little island into view. "You're entering the fairy realm now," I warned.

  "Ah." He looked about as if inspecting the area with a critical eye. "I would imagine that their fortress is on that well protected island."

  "Of course."

  "It's a lovely spot. Fit for a fairy queen." His eyes lingered on me and I resisted the urge to squirm.

  "We mustn't linger, or the wheat fairies may suspect we are invading," I said in a mock whisper.

  "Too true." He nudged his horse and we moved on.

  As we continued, I tipped my head back, admiring the leaves as they danced above me, skittering through the sunlight. I let go of the reins, allowing Angel to follow on her own as I put my arms out to my sides with my palms up. Once in a while, my fingers would brush through the leaves of low-hanging branches and my contentment grew.

  Angel halted beneath me and I looked ahead. James had stopped close to the stream and was dismounting. I followed suit, making sure that my feet didn't shift in the loose rocks before looking up to see James stripping off his coat and vest.

  I wanted to ask if he was overly warm, but couldn't get the words out. Finally he turned to me. "Shall we go for a swim?"

  "What? No, of course not."

  "But that's the best part about this spot. Not only are we in the middle of a lush grove of trees, but I've never found a finer swimming hole."

  "You cannot possibly believe that I would simply throw myself into a pool of water."

  "Perhaps this Marilee wouldn't. But what about the Marilee you told me about? The one that was vivacious and brave?"

  I thought perhaps I knew what he was trying to do, but still. "That Marilee still wouldn't have jumped fully clothed into a stream."

  He leaned close and in a conspiratorial whisper asked, "But what if you didn't have to jump?" He swept me into his arms and waded into the stream.

  I squealed and latched onto his neck to prevent him tossing me into the water. "James, this isn't funny."

  "I beg to differ." He sloshed through the water and I wondered where the patient, mild James that I thought I knew had gone.

  "Why are you going deeper?" I tightened my hold, angry at
this trickery, but unable to ignore the thrill of being close to him.

  "Because we're going for a swim."

  "No, we're not! And I can't swim, you wicked man." In fact I hated water. "Put me down."

  I realized my mistake the second his eyes met mine with a devious glint. "Very well," he said and sank down into the water, drenching me nearly to my shoulders.

  I gasped. "James!" He just laughed, so I turned to my trusty guard. "Falstone! Why aren't you doing anything?"

  He was leaning back on a boulder, looking as unconcerned as I'd ever seen him. He shrugged. "I told you. I like him."

  "Even when he's trying to drown me?" I tried to maintain my composure, but I heard some of my hysteria leaking through.

  He just grinned.

  "Traitor!"

  James's chuckle sounded in my ear and I turned to find myself nearly nose to nose with him. His eyes softened as he gazed at me. "Would you like me to let you go so that you can enjoy the water, Fairy Queen?"

  "No, thank you," was my belligerent reply as I turned my face away.

  "You're already wet."

  "Yes, and my heavy clothes will likely drag me to the bottom." I could hear the tones of panic and fear in my voice, but couldn't help it.

  "Are you afraid of the water, Marilee?" His voice sounded worried.

  "No." My voice caught on the single word.

  "Are you lying?"

  "Yes."

  He lifted me from the water, his hold on me secure. "You could have said something."

  "You wanted me to be brave."

  "And you were," he said, sloshing his way to the bank. "If I had known you had a fear of water, I never would have pushed you. Thank you for humoring me anyway." He dropped my feet to the ground and I stood there, dripping wet and wanting to stay mad. But the relief that swept through me washed out most of my anger. I looked up and the sight of James soaking wet brought a smile to my face.

  He squeezed some water from the hem of his shirt, standing back to look at my skirts. "I didn't realize just how heavy the water would make your clothing." His eyes lit with mischief and he was trying not to smile. "Would you like some help wringing them out?"

  I sucked in a breath. "No, you rapscallion!"

  He grinned, then sobered. "I do apologize, Marilee. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

  I just gave him a stern look and gathered up my heavy skirts. James turned his back and moved toward his horse, reaching over his shoulders to grab hold of the back of his shirt and pull it over his head.

  My eyes widened and I stared for a moment before realizing how inappropriate it was for me to be looking at all. I whirled around just in time to see Falstone smother a smile. I trudged toward my horse, which luckily was in the opposite direction of James, and shot Falstone an accusing glare. "Do you still think he's a good man?"

  "More than ever," he said, trying to keep a straight face.

  I passed by Angel and went behind a tree so that I could gather up the bottom of my skirts and try to wring them out. After several minutes of concerted effort and more than a little bit of cursing James's name, I concluded that I was as dry as I was likely to get and returned to Angel. James waited by Captain, his shirt back in place, but Falstone was not in sight.

  "Have you rid yourself of my guard?" I asked with an accusatory glare.

  "He's waiting further up the trail for us."

  I turned my back on him, facing Angel instead. "He trusts you too much."

  "He's a good judge of character."

  I grabbed Angel's reins and led her over to a rock.

  "What are you doing?" James questioned.

  "Trying to mount my horse."

  "Will you let me help?"

  I turned on him. "Can I trust you not to throw me in the stream?"

  His eyes softened. "Do you really think I would do that now that I know of your fear?"

  His question took me aback. "I don't know. I'm...out of sorts. I'm wet. I look ridiculous."

  "You don't, actually." He stepped closer, pushing my hair back into place. "You look quite lovely." He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my mouth. "Now, may I help you mount?"

  I nodded and he boosted me up, even helping me to arrange my damp, unruly skirts around me. Then he mounted his own horse and waited for me to join him before continuing down the trail.

  My wet clothing was uncomfortable, but I decided that the view of James's back through his wet shirt was worth it. At least my hair wasn't wet.

  When we came to another open field, I remembered Georgiana's suggestion. "Shall we race?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

  "We could." He looked at me, likely wondering why an amateur would challenge someone like him. "If you'd really like to."

  "Off we go then," I said and nudged Angel's sides without giving James any more warning.

  He caught up to me easily, but then stayed at my side. I urged my horse faster, as fast as I was comfortable, hoping to provoke James into a real race, but he just stayed by my side.

  "You're not even trying," I shouted over the pounding of our horses' hooves.

  He raised his eyebrows at me. "As you wish," he said with a kick of his heels. Captain shot forward, with James bent low over his neck. I was grateful that his overcoat was still tucked away, allowing me to appreciate his form more fully as he rode. Admittedly I didn't know very much about riding, but Georgiana had been right. He was magnificent. The wet clothing didn't hurt, either.

  Was it wicked of me to notice such things?

  He looked over his shoulder and, seeing that I wasn't following (not even attempting to keep up the charade of a race), he turned his mount and galloped back toward me. This time he didn't ride full out, but sat up in his saddle, and held on with only one hand.

  Wicked, wicked thoughts.

  He pulled up alongside me. "You didn't want to race?"

  I shrugged. "I was just enjoying the view. You sit a horse very well."

  He shook his head at my admission and fell into step beside me. His eyes were fixed ahead, ignoring my compliment.

  "You do," I insisted. "I'm certain that Edmund wouldn't compare."

  His eyes cut over to me. "Speaking of Edmund..."

  I groaned. "Must we? I shouldn't have brought him up."

  "How much longer does he plan to reside at Bridgefield?"

  "I don't know."

  "Has he ever mentioned leaving?"

  "Not that I can recall."

  He grabbed my horse's reins, pulling both mounts to a stop. "Do you want him to stay?"

  "No."

  "Then why haven't you asked him to leave?"

  "He feels a sense of obligation. He wants to make up for what Damian has done. Yes, I find his presence to be very trying, but I can't just refuse to allow him to mourn in his own way."

  "Do you feel safe with him there?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "When he found us in the alcove, I wondered if he would resort to violence."

  I looked away. I had wondered the same thing. "I have guards for a reason, James."

  "They shouldn't have to guard against a guest in your own house."

  "I will ask him to leave if I feel a need." I tried to gather my reins from him, but he held fast. "James," I warned.

  "We have more to discuss."

  "I'm done discussing." I yanked on the reins.

  He didn't let go. "Well, I'm not."

  I unhooked my leg and slid from the horse, yanking on my skirts when they got caught on the pommel, and walked away.

  "Marilee." He dismounted.

  I turned on him. "No. You don't get to chastise me for not saying no to him and then force me to stay where you want me."

  He pulled back.

  "I'm sorry that you want to say more, but I am finished with the discussion. Whether or not I ask Edmund to leave is my decision, not his or yours."

  "I agree. I do. But from what I've seen, it seems like he is the one making all the decisions. And I don't w
ant him to manipulate you the same way that..."

  "That what?"

  He let out a sigh. "I've seen him manipulate people. I don't want him to do the same thing to you."

  "Yes. I heard you."

  "Marilee, he's..." He pressed his lips together, struggling for the words. "I hate the idea of you in that house with him, day in and day out. I can't—" He blew out a breath, staring hard at the ground, struggling for composure. When he looked up again, his jaw was set, but most of the tension had drained from him. He moved closer, putting both hands at my waist, reminding me of the wet condition of my clothes. He leaned his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. "Marilee?" His voice was calm.

  "Yes?" I lifted my hands, toying with the collar of his shirt, which had nearly dried in the sun.

  "I'm going to kiss you again."

  I wanted to nod. "Isn't Falstone still watching?" I whispered with deep regret.

  James groaned and let his forehead fall to my shoulder. Then he sighed and straightened, taking a step back. "Now, what made you remember that?"

  I shook out my hands and tugged at my riding habit. "Believe me, I wish I hadn't."

  A breeze blew across the field, raising goose bumps on my arms. I crossed them as my damp clothes cooled considerably.

  "We'd best get you home." He helped me into my saddle and swung into his own. It was still impressive.

  "Though I am loath to bring up the topic again," he started, hesitance running through his words.

  "What?" I prompted.

  "How do you suppose Edmund will react to the state of your wardrobe?"

  I hadn't thought of that, but after a moment of reflection, I shrugged. "It doesn't matter what he thinks of it."

  A satisfied smile curved James's lips. I only hoped that I could live up to my own words.

  ***

  When we returned to the house, I gave James a wave from the front step and reluctantly went inside, closing the door between us. I leaned against the thick wood and resisted the urge to sigh. I refused to do something so adorably naive, but it would have encapsulated my feelings quite well. It was wonderful and terrifying to feel such an attachment to him.