Free A Curious Courting by Laura Matthews Page A

found her delightful in her confusion, and smiled. “Think nothing of it, Miss Easterly-Cummings. I had just said that I will look forward to hearing from you, and that I thought it time I took my leave. Thank you for a delicious meal. I hope your dog has enjoyed those dishes we did not.”
    “Oh Scamp will eat anything, the graceless pup. Henry even feeds her turnips. I appreciate your bringing him home, Mr. Rushton, and for keeping an eye on him today.”
    “I only wish we might have prevented the accident, but these things do happen.”
    Her face clouded and the brown eyes grew troubled once more. “Yes, of course.” She gave a firm tug to the bellpull. “Did he have so much brandy that he will feel wretched tomorrow?”
    “I doubt it, though if he is totally unfamiliar with such strong spirits. . .” He eyed her questioningly.
    “No. No, he has had brandy any number of times before.” Selina turned to McDonough as he entered. “If you would show Mr. Rushton out, please.”
    When Selina offered Mr. Rushton her hand, he had an unaccountable desire to lift it to his lips, but satisfied himself with pressing it gently before he reluctantly let it go, only to watch it flutter nervously to tug the shawl tightly about her.
     
    Selina looked up from the breakfast table to survey her cousin. “How are you feeling this morning, Henry?”
    He screwed his face into a grimace. “I’ve been better, but I’ll live. My arm aches like the devil.” A mischievous twinkle lit his eyes. “Do you think I could convince Dr. Davenport that I was unable to do my lessons because of it?”
    “No, I don’t. It’s not even your writing hand.”
    “True, but I could tell him that the agony of it distracted me too much.”
    “Henry, he has already cut your lessons in half. Have you written to Lord Leyburn?”
    “Not yet.” When she frowned, he hastened to add, “I have not found the best way to phrase my wishes as yet. I’ve tossed a dozen sheets on the fire.”
    “Perhaps I could help you later.” Her eyes wandered toward the window where a warm sun was at work melting the snow. “Do you think I should sell the vale to Mr. Rushton?”
    Henry lifted his brows comically. “Never say you have reconsidered! I thought your word in business matters was law.”
    “Mr. Rushton pointed out that his construction project would provide numerous jobs for the men hereabouts. You know that has no little influence with me, Henry. I really have no use for the vale, except for walks and picnics, and as you said, there are other places for that. I have never wished to sell the vale to Lord Benedict because. . . I just never have,” she said abruptly. “The case is different with Mr. Rushton. Lord Benedict would not build anything there, but would likely clear it and use it for grazing land as he does the areas around it.”
    “And Rushton would build a hunting-box? Lord, you should see him in the field, Selina. Even Sir Penrith can’t top a flight of rails with such ease. And almost no one else even tried to jump the brook. I know I didn’t. Perhaps when I have had more experience, but not now.”
    Delighted to learn that her cousin had shown some caution the preceding day, Selina smiled. “I’m pleased that you enjoyed yourself. If you take care of your arm, I imagine it won’t be so very long before you’ll be able to repeat the experience.”
    “And you won’t mind? Even after what happened this time?” he asked incredulously, his toast suspended half way to his mouth.
    “I will become accustomed, I feel sure,” she returned ruefully. “About the land, Henry. You see no objection to my selling it?”
    “No, how could I? It’s a lovely spot, but entirely cut off from the rest of Shalbrook. Might as well let someone have the use of it, and if you don’t want to sell it to Lord Benedict, why not Rushton? He’s a good chap.”
    “Is he? I suppose so. He has made a generous offer for the land, and I have a mind to accept