Romancing the Rogue (30 page)

Lucy was determined
to visit the Bird Sanctuary. And if that meant Anna tagging along, so be it. If only the older woman didn’t
dawdle
so. She took forever to decide what Lucy should wear.

Covering her mouth, Lucy stifled a yawn. She’d lost nearly a whole night’s sleep thinking about her father’s plans for her to marry Conrad. If only Mother were there. Surely she would have been able to convince him otherwise.

“Anna, I’m quite sure what I’m wearing will be just fine. I’m not attending a ball.”

“You must be presentable at all times. You never know when you might come in contact with someone who will one day be of importance to you.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. It was always the same. Anna was sure the right man was waiting just around the next corner, ready to profess undying love and hopes of marriage.

If that were true, Anna herself would have been married many, many years ago. Instead, she was a spinster of fifty and five. And if the older woman had hopes that Lucy would soon find a match, it would be so much easier if Lucy were given some freedom. Having her maid nearly attached to her at the hip when away from the house made it rather unlikely that a man would have a chance to strike up a conversation, much less make mad passionate love to her.

Hence her reason for sneaking away to the Bird Sanctuary the day before without Anna’s knowledge. Anna’s predictable morning nap made it possible. Now, though, Lucy’s father was on the scent, and would make sure Anna went everywhere that Lucy did.

Bother.

A green hat was thrust at her. Lucy tugged it from Anna’s hand. “I’m already wearing a hat.”

“But this one has pretty feathers.”

“Yes, that is a true statement. However, I’m wearing a blue dress. Hence, the blue hat on my head.”

“But…” Anna frowned. “Your dress appears green to me.”

Lucy smiled and patted Anna on the shoulder. Her maid seemed to have a problem with colors. Perhaps that was why she was dressed in a pink dress, blue shawl, and lavender hat. “Anna, I think we are both quite fetching. And I’m looking forward to sketching some more birds. Are we ready to proceed?”

Anna shrugged. “As you wish. I’m only trying to help you appear your best.”

“And I appreciate it. I certainly do.” She put her arm around Anna’s pudgy shoulders as she steered her toward the door and out to the carriage.

What Lucy’s father had said was true. Anna would protect her as a lioness with her cubs. The woman’s parasol could transform into a weapon in a snap. If only she’d let Lucy out of her sight every now and again. Perhaps then she’d have an opportunity to converse with some interesting fellow.

Or perhaps one particular interesting fellow.

One who went after a hat-stealing goose who’d taken to the water.

Lucy bit her lip. Would Mr. Barrow be at the Bird Sanctuary again? And would they have another chance to chat? She glanced at her maid, beside her on the carriage seat. There must be a way to entice Anna to find an interest other than constantly protecting
her.

A large brown bird darted past the window and in front of the carriage, causing Carlton to swear and the horses to whinny.

“My goodness. Someone should teach that man some manners. Such language!” Anna leaned toward the window as another brown bird flew past. “Lucy, do you happen to know what type of bird that is?”

“No, I don’t.”

“But you seem so interested in birds. And you’ve been visiting the Sanctuary.”

“True, but I don’t know what all of them are yet.”

“Perhaps there is someone there you could ask.”

“Well, Mr. Barrow—”
Oh no.

“Yes, dear? And who might that be?”

“Ah… just someone who… works there.”

“Really? I don’t recall meeting anyone by that name at the Sanctuary.”

Lucy twisted her hands together in her lap. “Well…”

“When did you meet this man?”

“I…”

“Lucy?”

“Yes?”

“Have you been sneaking out of the house again?”

“Anna, please don’t lecture me. Father already did that.”

“Very well. I’m only looking out for you, since you don’t have your mother here to guide you.” She sighed. “But if you don’t stop this unruly behavior, no man will have you.”

And if you don’t stop clinging to me like a summer vine, I’ll not have a chance to meet a man.
But
Lucy had no wish to hurt Anna’s feelings. She patted her hand. “Yes, I’m sure you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. I’m always right.”

A smile tugged at Lucy’s lips. Some things never changed.

The carriage pulled up to the gate. The groom opened the carriage door and assisted the women out.

She turned toward the driver. “Carlton, would you wait just down the lane a bit? We’ll be here for a little while.”

“Certainly, miss.”

Anna grasped Lucy’s arm as they headed toward the gate. The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves quieted as the carriage drew further away. If only Anna would give her some breathing room. There must be something to take her attention so Lucy might have a chance to converse again with Mr. Barrow.

If he were even
there.

A deep voice from behind them startled her. “Ah, Miss Ashbrook. Lovely to see you here.”

Lucy gasped in delight. He
was
there! A tug at her sleeve drew her attention away from the most arresting brown eyes she’d ever seen.

Out of the corner of her mouth, Anna said, “Who is he? Why is he speaking to you?”

A flicker of dismay settled in Lucy’s stomach. What Anna considered a whisper was always more of a thunderclap. So, of course, Mr. Barrow had to have heard the question.

“Pardon me, dear lady.” He stepped toward Anna. “I have indeed had the pleasure of meeting Miss Ashbrook. Yesterday, in fact. I also made the acquaintance of her unfortunate hat.”

Anna’s eyes grew round. “What are you speaking of? Her hat?” She backed away as if Mr. Barrow meant her harm, dragging Lucy toward a bench. The very same bench where Lucy had first met him. Anna yanked her down and sat next to her.

“Lucy, the gall of that man. A laborer, speaking of your personal apparel. Insinuating that he is your acquaintance.”

“But… he is. You see—”

“What? You’ve engaged in conversation with him? Oh no, that will never do. Never at all. Your father would be livid.”

“But—”

“You need to meet and marry someone worthy of you. Why he’s just… just…”

“A very
kind
man.” As opposed to Conrad.
Why oh why does Father
seem intent upon marrying me off to that toad?
She cared not a whit about titles and money. Marrying a common laborer such as Mr. Barrow would be vastly superior.

Anna lowered her brows. “Surely you don’t have an interest in him?”

“You see—”

“Lucy! You cannot be serious.”

“Watch your voice, please. He can hear you.” Glancing toward Mr. Barrow, Lucy’s face flamed. Oh yes, he’d heard. With crossed arms and a gleeful smile on his face, he pointedly stared. At her. Well, there’d be no secret now that she’d been thinking about him since yesterday.

Wait. Where is he going?
Mr. Barrow, with his brown eyes, broad shoulders, and adorable dimple, turned and headed up the path toward a small outbuilding.

Was that it? He’d overheard Anna’s words, surmised, albeit correctly, that Lucy had an interest in him and then
left
?

Fuming, Lucy faced Anna, determined not to give Mr. Barrow the courtesy of even glancing his direction.
How rude. How gauche
. Perhaps Anna was correct, and such a man was not fit company for her.

And more to the point, if he—

Steps pattered again on the path.

No. I won’t look. I won’t
!
But her head seemed of its own volition to pivot until once again his brown eyes were in her line of sight. Who was that older man with him?

The two men stopped in front of the bench. The other man smiled at Lucy, but when his gaze fell on Anna, his eyes lit up. Lucy’s glance at Anna showed her an identical expression on the older woman’s face. Looking from one to the other, Lucy shook her head. It was as if lightning had struck that very spot, drawing together two people who’d never before laid eyes on each other.

And from their expressions, they liked what they observed. The man stood taller and straightened his shoulders. Anna adjusted her hat, even though it hadn’t needed it.

The couple stared at each other, not blinking. Lucy had never seen the like. What possessed them to forgo all form of proper manners?

Mr. Barrow stepped forward. “Good day, Miss Ashbrook.”

Lucy clasped her hands together in her lap. If her heart were to beat any more rapid, the organ would surely burst forth from her chest. It was necessary for her to calm herself. She swallowed against dryness in her throat and then managed to utter, “And good day to you.” She glanced at the other man. “Would you be so good as to introduce your friend, Mr. Barrow?”

“Certainly. I’d like for you to meet my friend, Mr. Warner. We… work together here at the Sanctuary.”

Lucy smiled. “Delighted.”

“Mr. Warner, I'm honored to present Miss Ashbrook.”

Mr. Warner nodded and smiled. “Delighted as well, Miss Ashbrook.” Turning expectant eyes to Anna, he flexed his fingers at his sides. And waited. Was he nervous to make her acquaintance?

Taking another step nearer to the bench, Mr. Barrow gave a shallow bow in Anna’s direction and waited.

Lucy turned slightly toward Anna. “Mr. Barrow, I’d like you to meet Miss Colbert.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Colbert. Allow me to introduce Mr. Warner.”

Anna nodded but never removed her gaze from Mr. Warner. Mr. Warner focused on Anna, even leaning a little forward. To see her better?

A blush stained Anna’s cheeks and she fluttered her eyelashes. Was the maid flirting? “I’m
very
pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Warner.”

Mr. Barrow tapped his friend on the shoulder. Mr. Warner glanced at him, nodded, and looked again at the new object of his interest. “Miss Colbert, perhaps I could interest you in a stroll about the Sanctuary?”

“Oh, how lovely. But…” She bit her lip and caught Lucy’s eye. “I’m supposed to be… that is, I need to…”

“Perhaps we could all take that stroll. Together?” Mr. Barrow wasn’t looking at Anna. His eyes, those glorious brown, warm eyes, rested on Lucy.

The two couples, older in front, younger lagging behind, strolled about the Sanctuary. Lucy kept her voice low. “Thank you.”

Mr. Barrow turned his head. “For?”

“It was sweet of you to introduce Mr. Warner to Anna.”

“The way I see it, now I can get better acquainted with you.”

Warmth rose to Lucy’s cheeks. “Oh.”
He wants to be better acquainted!

He reached for her arm, giving her a slight touch, and then lowered his hand. She stopped on the path. Leaning closer, he whispered. “Perhaps they would like to become better acquainted as well.”

Anna and Mr. Warner walked along the path, quite close to one another. As close as two people could walk side by side without physically touching.

“Yes.” She smiled. “I believe you are right.”

“Do you think they would notice if we rested here for a time?” He pointed toward a bench nestled beneath a large tree.

Another glance at Anna and her new friend showed them still walking. Mr. Warner had placed his hand lightly on her shoulder. “No, I don’t think they would notice if a thunderstorm crashed about them.”

Lucy settled on the bench and laid her reticule on the seat between them. That, at least, would give a little space and would hopefully stave off any talk of impropriety of the few other groups of people who walked about the Sanctuary.

Chiff-chaff! Chiff-chaff!

Startled, Lucy jumped. “Goodness, what was that?”

Grinning, Mr. Barrow pointed above them. “Surprisingly enough, it’s called a chiff-chaff. One of a few birds who actually says its own name.”

She tilted back her head to better see the bird a few feet above them. A small songbird perched on a spindly branch. Its head and wings were brown and its belly was yellow.

“How can such a small being have such a big voice?”

“It’s amazing, isn’t it? Their whole inside must be lungs.”

She giggled and lowered her gaze. And gasped. How had her hand gotten on his arm? Yanking her hand away, her face heated. Again. Mr. Barrow would surely think she spent half of her time in a full blush. Had that seemed rude when she’d pulled her hand away? She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “Well… what do these birds — chiff-chaffs — eat?”

A smile as bright as the sunshine lit Mr. Barrow’s face. The wonderful dimple again made an appearance. He must delight in discussing the birds. It seemed she could not have asked a better question to ease any discomfort between them after yanking her hand away.

“The chiff-chaff’s main diet is insects.”

“Hmm. That doesn’t sound appealing.” She scrunched her nose.

Laughing, he shook his head. “Not to us it wouldn’t. However, they love it. And their favorite? Are flies.”

She grimaced. “How detestable.”

“I agree. To them, though, it’s like the sweetest honey.”

“That’s hard to imagine.” A few seconds went by. She didn’t want their conversation to end. “What else can you tell me about these birds, Mr. Barrow?”

He paused. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Of course. Is there something special, something unique about them?”

His face reddened. What could be so bad that he might be embarrassed to say it? “I… they… you see, chiff-chaff… when they return for their second, um, breeding season there is no recognition of the
mate
they had before. It’s quite sad, really.”

She swallowed. “I… see. Yes, that is sad.”

“On a brighter note, while the, uh, couple is together for a season, there is never any polygamy.”

“Ah…” Her breath caught in her throat. Thoughts of that… Doing that… brought images of Mr. Barrow wrapping her in his muscular arms and pulling her close… so close she could smell mint on his breath, his lips touching hers, first lightly… then more pressure, until—

“…Miss Ashbrook?”

“Wh-what?”

“I asked if you were well.”

“Oh. Yes. I’m… quite well.” Reaching into her reticule, she grabbed her fan. “It’s… hot today, is it not?”

He ran his finger inside of his collar. “Yes. Quite… quite hot.” He looked away. “Perhaps you would like to continue our walk?

She jumped up from the bench as if sitting on hot coals. “Yes! Um, yes, that would be nice. Thank you.”

There was no sound save their footsteps on the path and the twitters and chirps of nearby birds. Lucy wished the day could go on forever. But she’d only just met this man yesterday. Why did it seem as if she’d always known him? While at the same time, as though she had been searching for him the whole of her years? Was this what her mother felt for her father? They had such a wonderful, caring marriage. Did they begin their courtship like this? Father had indicated it took them years to fall in love. But had there been something that sparked an immediate interest between them?

Courtship. She was getting ahead of herself. They were newly acquainted. And even though she cared not a whit, her father would not approve of her relationship with a common laborer. He’d always made it known that she would marry someone of her own station or higher.

As much as she admired and was attracted to Mr. Barrow, they could never be more than friends. A deep, stirring sadness wrapped around her heart. Just when she’d found a man who brought out in her a longing so deep, so profound, that if he asked for her hand this day, she would agree, it could not happen because of her wealth. And his lack thereof.

Life was not fair.

“Lucy? Come here, dear.” Anna was waving her over to the pond. She and Mr. Warner appeared content in each other’s company. If they chose to someday be a couple, to marry, society would not bat an eye. Because they were both of the working class.

But Mr. Barrow…

It would do her no good to dwell on it. The problem would not resolve itself. Could never resolve itself. So if friendship was all she could have with him, friends they would indeed be.

“Coming, Anna.”

She and Mr. Barrow walked toward the pond. Was he disappointed their private talk had ended? Lucy certainly was. They reached Anna and Mr. Warner. Why did they want to meet at the pond? Warmth spread through her as Mr. Barrow lightly guided her across the grass with his hand at the small of her back. Oh, to have him touch her hand and face as well.