Page 35 of My Fair Lord

Alfie shook his head and wiped his nose on his sleeve. “I like it here. I’ll make them eat the bar if they try that thing with the soap, don’t you worry. I haven’t got to touch the horses yet, only shovel their shit, but one day I’m going to ride one.”

Miss Wakechild coughed delicately and bent her head. Ned thought she might be hiding a smile rather than shock but even so, he shot Alfie a look over her head. It was hard to chastise the boy for his language when he had such determination in his voice that Ned could well believe he would ride his horse one day. After all, some dreams must come true, for some people.

ChapterTen

Florence and Ned returned Alfie to the stable yard and made their way back toward the house through the rose garden.

“I do hope we’ve done the right thing bringing Alfie here,” Miss Wakechild said.

Ned nodded thoughtfully. “I think we have. He’s looking healthier and he seems happy. He’s away from his dad and not getting beaten. He’s a quick lad. If your brother-in-law is happy to keep him, I don’t see why it won’t work out well.”

They passed through the beds of pink roses where the scent was strongest. They both inhaled deeply at the same time, caught themselves, and looked at each other. They both laughed.

“They’re the nicest scented,” Miss Wakechild said.

Impulsively, Mr Blake twisted off a flower from the nearest bush and held it out to her. “Here, now you’ll have the scent with you as we walk. I’m sure Lord Griggs won’t begrudge you one.”

Miss Wakechild broke into a smile. “Why, Mr Blake, how gallant of you. Will you fix it into my hatband?”

Ned leaned close and fixed the stem into the wide ribbon of her hat so that the bloom faced forward, slightly in front of her ear. Miss Wakechild titled her head to one side, then straight again. She raised her eyes to his, her pale lashes framing the hazel subtly.

“There, very pretty,” he said. He wondered if he should clarify he meant the flower but decided against it, realising that would imply Miss Wakechild wasn’t herself pretty. With the sunlight accentuating the deep golden tones in her red hair and the sweet expression in her eyes, she was very pretty indeed.

Ned still had his hands raised and it would be a matter of a moment’s work to place them onto her cheeks, draw her closer, and kiss her. His heart thumped as he considered doing it. Miss Wakechild’s lips parted slightly and she pulled slightly at the lower lip with her teeth. Was she considering the same thing? So much for high and mighty talk of not getting up to anything when they were unchaperoned! As much as he was tempted, sense overtook Ned. She was employing him to act as a viscount, not romance her. He stepped back and straightened his cuffs.

“You should have one too. But not a pink one.” Miss Wakechild walked to the next set of bushes and twisted a crimson flower off. “May I?”

Ned nodded and she slipped it into his buttonhole. “There, very handsome. We’ll make a viscount of you yet.”

“Viscount Rose,” Ned said.

They smiled at each other.

“Perhaps not.”

A gentle but unwelcome smattering of rain fell then immediately ceased. They both looked upwards. The clouds had finally won their conquest of the sky, gathering closely, and the next assault would be harder.

“I think our luck has finally run out and the rain is starting. We had better turn back,” Miss Wakechild said.

“Yes, you’re right. If we make haste, we shouldn’t get more than slightly damp.” Ned put his hands into his pockets and turned towards the house.

“Mr Blake?” Miss Wakechild twirled her parasol, looking at him. “I think now would be an appropriate time for you to offer me your arm, don’t you think?”

“Oh yes, of course.” He held out his arm and she looped hers through the crook of his elbow.

“There’s something I need to discuss with you, but we’ll have to do it as we walk,” Miss Wakechild said. “The day after tomorrow is the Charter Fair in the village. From what my sister tells me it’s great fun. I was hoping we could go together. I won’t introduce you as a viscount yet, but I think you will be able to pass as a gentleman and it would be good to take you out in a social setting.”

“That sounds lovely,” Ned agreed. “I would be honoured to accompany you for the day.”

“Oh I’m afraid it won’t be the whole day. The fair lasts all day but I can only attend in the morning.” She frowned. “I have to say I’m looking forward to that much more than the evening.”

“Why, what’s happening in the evening?” Ned asked, slowing down.

Miss Wakechild’s answer was frustratingly interrupted as a more violent spattering of large raindrops fell. On unspoken agreement they both quickened their pace and headed for the refuge of the covered pergola.

“Why will the day be better than the evening?” Ned asked again once they reached shelter.

“My father has begun to rumble about brokering a marriage for me. That’s part of the reason that we came here sooner than expected. The man in question has an estate somewhere near Manchester. My poor long-suffering brother-in-law is being asked to host him so we can meet.”