Free Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness by Deb Marlowe

she’d turned, her face had been lit from within.  Happiness had shone from her and reached out to tug at his gut.  But he saw the veil fall, too.  Watched her wipe her expression clear and lift her chin high.
    “Lord Brodham.”  Jane Tillney smiled faintly up at him.  “What a surprise.”  He gave her credit for keeping her eyes from flicking elsewhere.
    He couldn’t say the same.  “Miss Tillney,” he answered with a nod that included the entirety of the group.  But his gaze remained firmly on Liberty.  “I hope it is a pleasant surprise.”
    “Indeed!”  Ashburn beamed.  “Brodham, Vickers and I were at school together,” he announced.  “Just a bit of good luck that I ran into him yesterday.”
    “Yes,” Miss Tillney echoed.  “What good luck.”
    Liberty said nothing, although her eyes blazed.  Brodham’s pulse quickened in the thready, eager beat that only she stirred up. 
    “Come, sit!”  said Ashburn.  “The servants will fix you a plate.”
    He did, choosing a seat on Ashburn’s blanket with a clear view of Peter, reclining next to Felicity Carmichael and within a few feet of Liberty, who was still studiously ignoring him.
    The easy, cheerful chatter resumed.  Brodham ate without tasting anything.  He listened to those next to him without truly hearing what was said.  All of his attention stayed centered on his opponent.
    She, in turn, gave every indication of being absorbed in her companions.  Vickers could be dangerous, but he looked as distracted as Brodham felt.  The other gentleman basked in her attention.  Brodham frowned until he at last placed the man.  Sir Benjamin Something or Other.  Minor peerage.  He could not recall more.  Neither could he enjoy his obvious infatuation with the American girl. 
    He might have had to do something about it, had the air between Liberty and himself not been charged with promise and expectation.  Had he not known that, appearances aside, she was as intent upon him as he was her.
    Point proved when Peter stretched and climbed to his feet.  “A first-class spread, Ashburn.  Thank you.  But now I feel the need to walk a bit before we tackle the challenge of the maze.”  He held out a hand to Miss Carmichael.  “Care to join me?”
    “Maze?” Brodham asked as he watched them move off.
    “Mother’s pride and joy,” Ashburn explained.  “My grandfather put it in, but she’s spent a good deal of time replacing the hornbeam with studier yew and she’s added a few specialties of her own.”
    “Don’t worry, Brodham,” Worthe joked.  “There are platforms positioned just above and beyond two of the side walls.  A footman will call down directions, should we lose ourselves.”
    “Yes.  No need to frown, my lord,” Liberty had clearly been following the conversation.  She addressed him at last as she rose to her feet.  “A maze must surely be your natural milieu, given your twisted nature.” 
    He stood as well, and moved just a bit too close.  “Every tangled knot has a beginning, Miss Baylis.”  He leaned in and spoke low.  “And I believe this one started with you.”
    “I’ll end it as well,” she said with dark promise.
    “We shall see.”  He stepped away.  “Now, I believe I would enjoy a stroll as well.”
    “We’ll see you down there,” Miss Tillney called as he moved away.  “Just take the stairs in the midst of that far border!”
    He waved in acknowledgement and set off, his next move forming in his mind as he went.
     
    Liberty hurried down the stairs before the main group could organize themselves to set off.  Peter and Felicity were still roaming somewhere, as was Brodham.  She must accomplish her mission before he returned.
    The maze spread out before her as she descended.  Green, vibrant and beautifully maintained, it also looked like it wouldn’t be so simple to navigate.  From this vantage she could see the lovely courtyard in the middle, its drooping willow and