Free More Than a Stranger: A Sealed With a Kiss Novel by Erin Knightley Page A

circumstances that weighed like boulders hanging from Benedict’s neck. And he was not yet ready to confide in his friend. Richard surely saw no reason why Benedict couldn’t enjoy himself while they were there, especially since Richard knew what an accomplished horseman Benedict was. Having no way to get around it, Benedict nodded reluctantly. “A hunting expedition would be most agreeable. It would be my privilege to accompany you.”
    “Excellent. I’m certain we will be able to find a horse for you that will suit. Buttercup, perhaps?” Richard laughed at Benedict’s look of disgust.
    He was sorely missing his own horse, but he hadn’t intended to go traipsing across the countryside when they left him behind in London.
    “Ah, here are the lovely ladies now,” Granville interjected, turning to watch his wife and daughters file into the room. Dressed in their elaborate evening gowns, the young girls smiled broadly while Evie and her mother followed more serenely. White slippers peeked from beneath the gowns as the girls walked, their skirts swishing around with each step, and white gloves covered their hands.
    As if of their own accord, his eyes immediately sought out Evie. Her calm manner was a distinct departure from her younger sisters’. The candlelight added a gentle, golden tint to her slightly—and unfashionably—tanned skin. The effect was surprisingly attractive. He swiftly averted his gaze. It wouldn’t do to be caught as he had been in the garden earlier.
    As the marquis offered compliments to the girls, Lady Granville smiled to Benedict. “Good evening, Mr. Benedict. You are looking quite rested. I trust you are enjoying your day?”
    Benedict bowed before responding, “Absolutely, my lady. One cannot help but take delight in a grand house such as this.”
    “And the grounds? I caught a glimpse of you touring the gardens earlier.” Her eyes were alight with interest, and he inwardly groaned. If she had spied him in the gardens, he could imagine with whom she spied him.
    “Equally lovely.” He decided to continue before she asked about his conversation with Evie. “Fortuitously, it appears I will have the opportunity to explore the estate at large. Lord Granville and Richard have just invited me on a hunt to be held at the end of the week.”
    A groan escaped Richard. At the same moment, Evie’s features lit with pleasure. “A hunt? Oh, fantastic! I have been positively cooped up for days. A hunt would be just the thing.” She rubbed her hands in anticipation.
    Richard clamped a hand on Benedict’s shoulder. “Oh, now you’ve gone and done it. I was hoping we could sneak off without her noticing so I would have half a chance at the hunt.” He dropped his hand and sighed. “Now she’s going to be there to show me up. Can’t a man ever catch a break?”
    Benedict blinked. Evie participated in the actual hunts ? Apparently, a lot had changed since the last letter they exchanged. He knew very well she was an exceptional rider, but to actively participate in a foxhunt was rather beyond the pale. He didn’t know whether to be massively impressed or absolutely appalled. He decided to go with the former; she was, after all, still in one piece—for now.
    Evie chuckled at her brother. “Oh, don’t be such a spoilsport. It will be a fair fight, I assure you.” She grinned innocently at him. “I may even allow you to have a head start.”
    “My, aren’t you just the very soul of fairness and generosity,” Richard grumbled. He shook his head in Benedict’s direction. “My father should have never allowed her to join us. Mother protested, but Evie is a bit, uh, strong willed, shall we say?”
    He laughed when Evie smacked him, rubbing his arm before continuing. “Well, you did pester him for almost a year before he finally gave in to your demands and allowed you to accompany us on our hunts.” He turned back to Benedict. “Only on Hertford’s estates, mind, and so long as only family