Page 46 of Miss Devon’s Choice

Christian couldn’t resist shaking his head at her, emitting a long-suffering sigh. “I suppose it’s true. There have been inconveniences.” He watched her expression from the corner of his eye, seeing her eyebrows draw down. “But I believe for every situation you’ve described, you’ve had only the kindest of intentions.” Indeed, all she wished to do was come to know him better. Despite his efforts to remain closed to her, Rebecca had managed to chip away at his defenses. When was the last time he’d felt capable of speaking so freely to another?

Of course, that was the very reason he’d written his grandfather.

“I am not certain if that is a compliment or an insult,” she said, raising her nose into the air and affecting a lofty manner. “You had better explain yourself, Christian Hundley.”

He actually laughed. Not a full, loud laugh, but the sound which escaped him certainly felt good. “Rebecca, carina, you are a kind soul. No matter what the future brings, never doubt that I see you as anything else.”

Her whole expression softened and she looked down at her hands, twisting her horse’s reins. “Thank you,” she said, her voice nearly too quiet for him to hear.

“You are welcome. But come, we are hardly making any progress. Your family is waiting for you.” It would be an excellent release for the pent-up energy in his chest and would end a conversation which had become far too personal. Though he meant every word he spoke to her, Christian it was best to try to maintain some distance.

Rebecca took up the challenge, her grin back in place. “You wish to race? But I have an unfair advantage, my lord. I actually know where we are going.” She batted her eyes prettily at him, then gave her horse a kick that sent them down the lane at a gallop. Christian followed, King Lud easily keeping up, and they made short work of the rest of the road.

Chapter Seventeen

The Gilbert home was wreathed in bright, colorful grounds. Thomas and Christine Gilbert lived in his family’s home, along with his parents. It was Thomas’s mother who tended to the plants, with the aid of a gardener and his son. Flowers thrived beneath her gentle care. Rebecca had admired the gardens since her childhood.

No sooner had they come in view of the house beyond the front gardens than the door was thrown open. Rebecca released one hand from the reins to wave, leaning forward on her mount.

Christian chuckled. “It seems you are eagerly anticipated, carina.”

“One day, you will have to explain that term of endearment to me,” Rebecca said, regarding his reaction from the corner of her eye. If anything, he looked smug. “I am fairly certain my sister is eager to meet you.” She gave her horse a light nudge and the sweet mare picked up her pace. She heard Christian chuckle behind her.

What had come over him? He’d been smiling, laughing, and generally pleasant since the moment she ran into him in the hall. It was almost as if he were a different man altogether. The change was refreshing but left her uncertain. It would take further study for her to determine what had caused the change and if she could make his good humor last.

For the time being, Rebecca allowed her attention to turn to her sisters. Julia stood on the steps of the Gilbert home, Christine at her side, both waving as though they hadn’t seen her in a decade. For the first time in ages, Rebecca’s mind burst free of worries. She slid off her horse and ran to her sisters, her arms open.

Julia intercepted her first, wrapping Rebecca in a strong, eager embrace. Christine joined them, wrapping her arms around the pair of them. They were all laughing, but Rebecca’s eyes flooded with tears too. Everyone started talking at once.

“I missed you so,” Julia said, at least three times.

“This is marvelous. Oh, thank heavens we’re all here,” said Christine.

“How did you manage to get away from Bath? How long will you be here?” Rebecca asked.

“A week, and then we must go back. Nathaniel has found a physician to see to any emergencies—”

“When did you find out I’d invited her?” Christine asked.

“Only this morning, not half an hour ago. Christian kept it a secret—”

“Christian?” repeated both sisters, with wide eyes, and Rebecca immediately blushed.

“Have you two grown so familiar so quickly?” Julia asked, one dark eyebrow raised almost skeptically.

The viscount had dismounted and waited at the bottom of the steps, gloves and hat in hand.

Christine was shaking her head. “Rebecca, he’s—”

“He needs an introduction.” Rebecca went down the steps and slid her hand through the crook of his arm.

His impassive mask had slid back into place. His countenance did not give away any emotion. Rebecca sighed and pulled him forward, up the steps.

“Christian Hundley, Lord Easton, I wish to present Mrs. Hastings to you. Julia, this is Christian.” Rebecca put the emphasis on his name with purpose and accented her words with a grin. It was something of a breach in etiquette, but with her sisters, she didn’t care. “And don’t let him fool you. He challenged me to a race to get us here quicker.”

Julia, though the oldest, was the shortest of the sisters. Her delicate build gave her already sophisticated air an added hint of refinement. When she curtsied to Christian, it was with every bit of respect afforded to a viscount. But when she straightened after accepting his bow, Julia spoke playfully.

“You ought to know something about my sister, my lord. She is a terrible cheat at nearly every game she plays. Take that as warning, should you wish to challenge her at any other sport.”