Percy turned his head and glanced at the open doorway that led to the hall and then back. “Listen, I have need of you to run an errand for me. I’ll have my coachman, Robert, take you.”
“Mr. Radcliff might not—”
He held up his hand. “I’ll tell Barrington where you’ve gone and that I requested it. I’m sure he won’t mind.”
“Yes, of course.” Daniel stood. “How might I assist you?”
Percy was slower to his feet, his knees cracking loudly. “I need you to go to Hatchard’s Bookstore on Piccadilly.” He bit his lip, as if trying to decide something. “And… pick up a book they ordered for me.”
“Certainly. What’s the title of the book I’ll be asking for?”
Percy’s mouth opened and closed. Had he forgotten the name? “I… Just tell them my name and that you’re there to retrieve my order. They’ll know.”
Daniel shrugged. “As you wish.”
A slow smile spread across Percy’s face. “And Daniel?”
“Yes?”
“Have a pleasant time.”
He nodded, but after he turned toward the door, frowned. A pleasant time? On an errand for a mad uncle?
~~~~
Daniel peered inside the bookstore through the large picture window as he walked to the entrance. The shop looked to be quite crowded. Hopefully he’d not have to wait long for the proprietor to fetch Percy’s book. Then Daniel could return quickly to his duties for Mr. Radcliff. He opened the door and slipped inside, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light of the store.
A large man jostled Daniel and turned, his mouth slightly open. He eyed Daniel up and down and closed his lips, uttering no words. Had he been about to apologize for bumping into Daniel but changed his mind when he noticed he was only a servant? With a huff the man pivoted and walked toward a group of men and women.
Of course I know I’m not like you. But must you be such an arse about it?
Letting out a sigh, Daniel peered around the room. Where was the proprietor?
Flashes of blond hair caught his eye. It was Leah, Mrs. Radcliff and yes… Mr. Kensington. How coincidental that Percy would have need of something at the same place where Leah had gone. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Daniel stepped behind a display of mystery novels. He’d rather Leah didn’t notice him. Would she think he’d followed her there? No… Daniel had made it clear that Leah should accept Mr. Kensington’s invitation. There’d be no reason for Daniel to pursue her now.
Though he needed to hurry and inquire about Percy’s book, Daniel couldn’t force himself to look away from Leah. Was she enjoying herself with Mr. Kensington? Was the other man being kind and courteous to her?
Don’t break her heart, please…
Laughter came from the trio. Leah. What had been said that had affected her so? Daniel clenched his hands at his sides. I’m the one who’s supposed to bring her merriment. Bring her joy. Not him.
No, you gave her up.
As if his feet had a mind of their own, Daniel edged closer to the tall display and peeked around the side. If one of the bookstore workers saw him skulking around, they might toss him out of the store. She’s not mine, but I must see what’s happening.
Something creaked as Daniel leaned a little too far forward. The display. He grabbed the edges of the shelves, praying that it wouldn’t topple and crash to the floor. Steady… hold tight, there.
Daniel relaxed his grip as the book-laden fortress wobbled slightly and then settled. He edged closer to Leah, but she was still a good bit away. Daniel picked up a book, not caring what it was, only wanting something to hold onto so his hands wouldn’t tremble. Seeing her there in the company of another man was harder than Daniel would have thought possible. With the book in hand, he stepped slowly toward a rack of shelves separating him from Leah. Her back was turned, as were those of Mrs. Radcliff and Mr. Kensington.
He shouldn’t be near her, should just leave the shop and wait somewhere outside until Leah left before finishing Percy’s errand, but a protectiveness for Leah deep inside keep him there, wanting to make sure she was enjoying her time with Mr. Kensington. That she was truly happy.
If I get close enough, will I be able to catch her scent of lavender? He closed his eyes, willing the fragrance to float his direction, and imagined his arms around Leah, her eyes drifting shut as he leaned in for a kiss. “Ahh…”
“Daniel?”
He jerked out of his daydream, nearly dropping the book in his hand. Leah stood just on the other side of the shelving, peeking over the top, her blue eyes opened as wide as he’d ever seen them. “Good day, Leah, uh, Miss Hunter, um…”
“What are… how…” Leah’s cheeks colored an adorable pink, complementing her pale pink hat quite fetchingly.
All coherent thought left him. Why was he there again? Standing in the bookstore? “I, um… wanted to find a new book. For me. To read.” I sound like an idiot.
“I see.” She glanced over her shoulder.
Daniel looked in the same direction. Mrs. Radcliff and Mr. Kensington were speaking to an older couple several aisles away.
Leah’s boots tapped on the hardwood floor as she circled around the end of the shelving and came to stand by Daniel. With a raised eyebrow, Leah eyed the book in Daniel’s hand. One side of her mouth lifted. “Is that the sort of book you normally find interesting? If I’d only known, I have several and would have been glad to lend them to you.”
Daniel grimaced and studied the book. Forbidden Love. Heat rose from his collar and crept upward to his face. A romance novel. That’s what he’d picked up? What must she think?
She tapped the book’s cover with her finger. “Yes, I’d say a very surprising choice for you indeed.”
He swallowed hard. What a pickle he was in. Might as well play the jester once more. There didn’t seem a better way to save face on short notice. “You see, I think everyone should be well rounded. Read titles in all categories.”
“You do?”
“Certainly. Why you for instance could read something about say… small brown frogs who sail the high seas of a brook to search for turquoise treasure.”
Giggles bubbled from her lips. She pressed her fingers over her mouth and glanced around the shop. Several patrons paused in their conversations to stare at them. Leah turned back. “Oh dear,” she whispered. “I believe I’ve irritated others with my outrageous laughter.”
“Surely that’s worthy of a trip to Newgate.”
“At the very least.” She bit her lip, her even white teeth pressing into her succulent skin. “Do you think—”
“Miss Hunter?” Mr. Kensington stepped around the corner of the shelving and caught Daniel unawares. Blast.
Leah darted a glance at Daniel before turning to Mr. Kensington, a bright smile on her face. “Yes, Mr. Kensington?”
“Mrs. Radcliff has suggested we take a stroll along Piccadilly. Are you ready to depart?”
Leah blinked. “Of course.” With the barest of glances at Daniel, she took Mr. Kensington’s offered arm and walked away.
Daniel shoved the unwanted book back on the shelf, not caring if it was in the correct spot or not. Leah seemed content, and Daniel had work to do. Best to forget about her and get on with it.
He spotted the proprietor standing behind a long counter and walked to him. “Pardon me.”
The man turned with a smile. “Yes? How may I help you?”
“I’ve come to pick up an order for my employer.”
The man reached for a piece of paper from a shelf beneath the counter. “And the title of the book?”
Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. “I… That is, I wasn’t given the title. The name it’s under is Mr. Radcliff.”
The proprietor ran his finger down a list of names, shook his head, and repeated his search. He shook his head. “No, I’m afraid I have nothing for any Mr. Radcliff. Perhaps he meant a different book shop.”
How odd. “Yes, perhaps. Thank you.”
> As he left the bookstore, he frowned and then took out his timepiece. I’d better hurry home. Too much time has been wasted already. What was Percy thinking?
Chapter Twelve
At Percy’s insistence, Daniel once again ran an errand, having the coachman drop him off on a side street close to Rotten Row. From there he could cut through to Bond Street. When Percy had been told that the bookstore had no book on order for him, he had simply shrugged and smiled. Perhaps his advancing years were catching up with him and he’d gotten confused? The errand that day was to a shop on Bond Street to purchase a certain type of gloves that Percy said he preferred. At this rate, Mr. Radcliff was certain to become irritated at all of Daniel’s absences. Percy, however, had made it quite clear that he would take care of any trouble given by his nephew in Daniel’s stead. Daniel hoped that was true.
Determined to get the errand done quickly, Daniel hurried down the street.
Couples and groups of men and women strolled along the path, as others sat atop horses and rode beside the walkers.
He traveled a ways along the path, skirting gossiping women and blustering men, trying to locate the shop.
A yelp from his right startled him from his reverie. A trio on horseback approached. He leaned forward, trying to catch a better glimpse.
It was Leah.
On horseback?
Daniel had never seen her ride or even mention that she’d done it. Perhaps she’d just not thought to bring it up.
The riders drew closer. Mr. Kensington was in the lead, and Mrs. Radcliff followed closely behind. Leah, however, white-faced with a death grip on the reins, looked as if she was being led to the gallows.
Daniel took a step forward, wanting to help her, comfort her. Who was he kidding? He longed to pull her from the horse and hold her tight.
They were nearly in front of Daniel now, so close he could see the fright in Leah’s eyes. Poor girl. She was terrified.
Mrs. Radcliff peeked over her shoulder. “How are you faring, Leah?”
Leah bit her lip but then gave a tremulous smile and a single nod. Daniel glanced ahead. The blackguard Kensington didn’t even give her a look. Did he not care that she might need some assistance? That she might not be the horsewoman Mrs. Radcliff seemed to be?
A small brown bird darted over the riders and swooped down near a group of young women. One of the ladies shrieked, a sound so shrill that Daniel’s skin tingled.
Leah’s horse startled, its eyes nearly rolling back in its head, and took off at a trot.
No!
Without a qualm, Daniel darted into the fray of walkers and then right into the path of a group of men on horseback.
“Say, have a care.” A heavyset man cursed at Daniel and tried to kick at him, but Daniel kept his focus on Leah. She and her horse were several yards ahead now. Daniel ran at full speed, dodging other riders and their insults. Leah’s horse became trapped behind a large group of riders and reared up on his hind legs.
With a scream, Leah hunched forward against the horse’s mane as soon as the animal was again on four feet. Sweat poured from Daniel’s brow. Thank goodness Leah hadn’t been thrown.
Her horse whinnied, which gained the attention of the horses blocking it. Two riders nudged their animals out of harm’s way and Leah was once again on the run. Daniel wanted to reach her but couldn’t. He yelled her name.
Leah turned, her eyes opened so wide they appeared to cover a third of her pale face. “Daniel!”
“Leah, pull back on the reins.”
“What?”
“Pull. Back. On. The. Reins!”
She obeyed, tugging back hard on the leather straps.
By some miracle for which Daniel didn’t quite believe but would be forever grateful, the horse slowed and finally stopped.
Tears streamed down Leah’s cheeks. Her lower lip quivered as she stared at Daniel. Without hesitation, Daniel held out his arms, and she slid down the side of the horse. Daniel caught her, pressing her close to his chest before realizing what he’d done, then just as quickly released her.
Leah peered up at him, tears wet on her cheeks. “Thank you. I was so frightened. I wasn’t sure what to do. If you hadn’t—”
“It’s over now. You’re safe.” The longing to hold her again was nearly overwhelming, but he forced his arms to stay at his sides.
Horse’s hooves smacked the dirt as Mrs. Radcliff and Mr. Kensington reached them. Mrs. Radcliff was first to dismount, running to them. She glanced at Daniel, her brow lowered in puzzlement, but immediately rubbed Leah’s back, murmuring whispers of concern.
Finally, Mr. Kensington dismounted. He hurried toward them. “Miss Hunter, my goodness… Are you injured?”
Daniel wanted to glare at the man, to tell him that he’d been remiss in taking care of Leah, but instead averted his gaze.
Leah shook her head. “I… I’m fine.”
Mr. Kensington stepped closer, concern written on his face. “I’m so very sorry. Please forgive my stupidity. I should have kept a closer eye on you during our ride.”
Leah gave Mr. Kensington a tremulous smile.
He turned to Daniel. “Thank you so much. I’m in your debt, Mr…”
“Barlow. You’re welcome.” He glanced down, wanting to keep his gaze on Leah, but he couldn’t. Not now. Not with the other man standing right there.
“Here, let’s get you over to that bench to rest.” He took hold of Leah’s arm. With a backward puzzled look over his shoulder at Daniel, Mr. Kensington helped Leah to the seat.
Mrs. Radcliff watched Leah for a moment and then turned and focused on Daniel. “It was quite extraordinary that you happened to be right there at the very instant that Leah was in need. How on earth did that occur?”
“I was on an errand for Uncle Percy and just happened to be close by.”
She shook her head. “I will be forever grateful to you for helping her.”
He nodded, unable to say anything. Not capable of expressing his fear and how his heart would have broken if anything had happened to Leah.
She smiled and wished him good day.
Daniel returned her good wishes and watched Mrs. Radcliff join Leah. His heart raced at the thought of what could have happened to Leah.
Taking a deep breath to help calm himself, Daniel continued on, entered the arcade and found the shop. When he stepped inside, he was relieved to find that the shopkeeper was the only one in the store. He stepped to the counter. “Good day.”
“Good day. How may I be of assistance?”
Daniel told the man the type of gloves Percy wanted to purchase.
The man frowned. “I’m afraid I don’t carry that kind. Never have, in fact. Perhaps another shop?”
Daniel gave an inward sigh. Again? What was Percy thinking? He thanked the man and returned home.
~~~~
“So Daniel, how did the errand go?” Percy hurried toward him, nearly tripping over his own Hessian boots as he made his way across the library floor.
Daniel sighed. “The good news is Leah wasn’t trampled by a horse.”
“I say, isn’t that always good news?”
“Um, yes.”
“I take it there’s bad news, then.”
“To put it mildly.”
“Out with it, my boy. I’ve been sitting here like a mother bird on her nest, waiting for something to happen beneath my bottom.”
Daniel desperately wanted to roll his eyes. “About your errand—”
“No time to discuss that now. Tell me what happened.”
“I caught sight of Leah, Mrs. Radcliff, and Mr. Kensington on Rotten Row—”
“I guess you wouldn’t have known about the whole not being trampled by a horse otherwise.”
“Right. Anyway, Leah, Mr. Kensington, and Mrs. Radcliff were all on horseback.”
“Pardon me. But were they all three on the back of the same horse? No wonder Leah nearly fell to her death.”
“Uh no. Three riders. Three hor
ses.”
“Ah, that’s good then.” He squinted. “You know, it would make it easier on the listener if you included all the pertinent details during the telling.”
“I’ll try to remedy that.”
“See that you do.” He moved his hand in a circle. “Continue.”
The man wanted more detail? “When they passed by me, as I stood beneath a tall tree along the side of the dusty road, the tree’s long branches shaded my face from the sun and—”
“No need to be ridiculous with the details.”
“Pardon. As I watched them, something happened to startle Leah’s horse. I—”
“Did the horse gasp when startled?”
“No. No gasp. It did jump and begin to panic, trying to move past the riders in front of it.”
Percy harrumphed as if disappointed the horse hadn’t gasped. “Fine. Go on.”
“Anyway, Leah appeared terrified, as you can imagine.”
“Yes. I can imagine it quite well. Her eyes opened wide. Knuckles white on the horse’s reins, hair blowing loose from her—”
“Thank you for that, uh, addition to my story.”
“You’re very welcome. I always try to give aid where I can. It’s a gift of mine you see.”
“Well… I ran after Leah and called out for her to pull back on the reins. She finally did.”
Percy leaned forward. “You can’t leave me in suspense. What happened?”
Daniel lowered his brow. “The horse stopped.”
“You must tell me these things, otherwise I’ll imagine all sorts of terrifying scenarios where Leah was flung from the horse to land in a tree, or some huge bird dove from the sky and carried her off or—”
Daniel held up his hand. “Rest assured, Leah was not injured.”
Percy let out a sigh. “Saints be praised. The idea of her being carried away to some bird’s nest to become a nanny to the chicks had given me chilblains on every part of my body.”
The man was mad. Although without Percy having me run his errand near Rotten Row, Leah might very well have had something appalling happen to her on that horse. Daniel was fairly certain that a chick nanny wouldn’t have been one of them. “In any case, Leah is unharmed, thank goodness. And I’m loath to say it, but once I finally did get to the shop, the man said he had no such gloves.”
Love Birds: The Complete Collection Page 62
