Free Bought for Revenge by Sarah Mallory Page B

making short work of the last stretch of new road and all too soon they were dropping down to Holmeclough, from where they made their way back through the winding lanes towards Stanton. They passed few carriages, but there were several figures in the fields who straightened up to watch them race by and Mr Keighley’s words came back to Annabelle.
    ‘I fear we shall be the subject of some gossip, Mr Monserrat.’
    He flicked a glance at her. ‘Riding in an open carriage, with my groom perched up behind us? There is no impropriety in that.’
    ‘No, of course not, but—’
    ‘Are you not enjoying yourself, Miss Havenham?’
    ‘Oh, yes, very much!’
    ‘Would you like me to curtail our drive and take you home now?’
    The very idea made her heart sink. ‘No!’ Sheput up her chin. ‘As you say, we are doing nothing improper, and we have my father’s blessing for this trip.’ Having persuaded herself that no one could object, she settled herself more comfortably beside him. ‘Where do we go now?’
    ‘I am going to take you to Morwood, if you are agreeable. We have ridden around the land and you have seen the building work, but there is one improvement you have not yet seen. What do you say?’
    Belle had readily agreed and soon they were driving along the tree-lined drive to the house. Not only was the road much improved, but the trees on either side had been thinned out and the undergrowth cut back, allowing sunlight to dapple their path. Instead of turning towards the house, Lucas kept his team on the path around the edge of the park, making for the Home Wood. As they approached Belle gave a little gasp.
    ‘You have opened up the drive to the lake!’
    ‘I have indeed. I set a team of men on to it after our first visit there.’
    Where she had known only an overgrown track there was now a wide carriageway. Fresh gravel scrunched beneath the wheels as they followed the meandering route down through the trees to the lake. The new drive ended in a turning circle close to the water’s edge.
    ‘Eventually I want to extend the carriageway all around the lake, to rebuild the bridge and refurbish the boathouse, as it used to be, but for now this is as far as we can go.’ He drew the curricle to a halt, facing the calm waters of the lake.
    ‘An amazing transformation,’ she declared, looking about her. ‘Your men have worked so hard, but why, when there is so much yet to do at the house?’
    ‘I have more than enough men working there. These were hired specifically to clear this path.’
    Lucas knew he should not have done it, for it was outside the budget he had allowed for the rebuilding work, but Annabelle’s reaction made it worthwhile.
    ‘Extravagant, Mr Monserrat.’
    She was smiling and Lucas felt the breath catch in his throat. She exuded happiness, her beaming smile, the bright sparkle in her eyes and the delicate flush on her cheeks. He wanted to lean closer, to soak up her radiance.
    He returned her smile, holding her eyes, enjoying her innocent friendliness until he became aware of a subtle change. She was still smiling at him, still trusting, but anticipation filled the air around them. She was expecting something—that he would kiss her, perhaps? He wanted to do so, he wanted it very badly, but even as hishead began to dip towards her, Samuel’s parting words echoed in his mind.
    Take care of my daughter, sir!
    A sudden, delicate cough from his groom settled the matter.
    ‘You won’t want to be keeping your horses standing too long, Major, there’s a sly breeze coming off the moors.’
    Lucas drew back, but when he looked at Annabelle she was not blushing, there was no conscious, awkward look. Instead her eyes were brimming with laughter and the desire to take her in his arms was greater than ever.
    Warning bells clamoured in his head. Lucas knew he must be careful. To become enamoured of Annabelle Havenham would not suit his purpose at all. He decided he would have to forgo the pleasure of