Page 28 of The Swindler’s Daughter

“Often, yes.” Maybe not so much lately. Lately he just came across as unflinchingly capable, but calling him that wouldn’t get a rise out of him.

“Well, if that’s the—” He stopped speaking, turning to look behind us. Then he grabbed my basket from me with one hand and wrapped his other arm around my waist, rushing me off the road and into the shrubbery.

“What’s—”

He pulled me to the ground, putting a hand to my mouth to shush any more words. I trusted him enough to stay quiet as we crouched behind bushes and foliage, his arm still anchoring me to his side as he craned his neck, trying to see the road.

I finally heard the approach of horses coming at a trot.

“It’s the constables,” he said quietly as he ducked his head close to mine.

“Are they looking for you?” I asked in panic.

“Likely, yes.”

I crouched even lower and held my breath, my heart beating in my throat as I waited for the horses to pass by. After several long moments, the clomping of their hooves faded.

Rowan let out a gust of breath beside me. “I think they’re gone.” For the first time, I heard nerves in his voice.

“Were you worried?” I asked as I stretched my neck, trying to see if the road was empty.

“For you, yes. If they catch me, I can handle it. I don’t know that I’d be able to handle it if you were blamed for something I’d done.” The sincerity in his voice left me at a loss. I suppose I hadn’t considered that his protectiveness extended to me.

I turned to look at him and found that he was already staring at me. Since he had yet to release his grip on me, our sides were pressed together and his face was right there. His light-blue eyes snagged my attention and warmth bloomed in my chest, making my breath catch. Suddenly all the places along my side that were pressed into him felt hot, and I was keenly aware of his hand that gripped my hip.

He didn’t let go right away. He seemed just as stuck as I was, his eyes roaming over my face, making my ears burn. But his was more a look of confusion, as if he was surprised to find himself in this position and wasn’t sure what to think.

Then he moved. His hand slid slowly from my hip and he leaned away, taking his warmth with him.

I broke eye contact and pushed my skirts out of the way so that I could climb to my feet. That hadn’t meant anything. He hadn’t really been looking at me in the same way I looked at him. He hadn’t truly meant to caress my back when he pulled his hand away. This was all in my head.

I was brushing leaves and dirt from my skirt as he straightened, hoping the sharp movements would clear my mind.

“Did the constables see your face?” I asked in an attempt to distract us both.

“I don’t believe so.” His voice was gruff when he answered.

“Good.” I shoved a bright red curl back behind my ear and picked my way through the undergrowth and onto the road. We continued on our way, neither of us acknowledging the oddly tense moment we’d shared. Though, to be fair, there was a chance that I was the only one who had noticed it. Perhaps Rowan hadn’t felt the pull that I had. Perhaps there had been no heat for him.

He did carry my basket the rest of the way for me though.

7

Life felt like it had slowed down. It had taken time for us all to adapt to our new pace, but there was an ease in our days that I knew I would miss when Her Highness and Sir James returned. I supposed this was what it felt like to be on holiday like lords and ladies. I’d appreciate it while it lasted.

Emeline and I were taking our time cleaning up after everyone had eaten their evening meal, talking about the day and enjoying the quiet candlelight.

A ruckus erupted in the main part of the house and we looked at each other, curious to see what had caused the hubbub.

“I can’t approve of such a thing,” Beatrice declared as she burst into the kitchen, followed closely by Oliver.

“Why not?” Oliver asked.

“Because it’s not done!” Beatrice insisted.

“But it could be done,” Johnny said with a smirk as he ducked through the doorway, Ansel and Tyson following behind him.

Beatrice pointed a finger right in his face. “You, young man, do not even work here. Stop attempting to corrupt my staff.”