Free The Wolf's Promise by CLAIRE THORNTON Page A

Angelica turned abruptly away from the shelves.
    â€˜On the other hand,’ said Benoît smoothly, before she could speak, ‘if you don’t feel too bruised from your journey yesterday, perhaps you might like to explore some of the surrounding countryside.’
    Angelica glanced at him, startled and not quite sure of his meaning.
    â€˜I take it you do ride?’ he said, lifting an enquiring eyebrow.
    â€˜Of course, but—’
    â€˜Then since this is your first visit to this part of the country, I would be honoured to show you around,’ he offered politely.
    He spoke in the unexceptional tone of a good host doing his best to entertain a difficult guest, but there was an amused glint in his eyes as if he had read Angelica’s mind and knew exactly how she felt about a day spent in the library.
    â€˜The scenery isn’t spectacular, but we’re quite close to the sea,’ he added encouragingly.
    â€˜I know,’ Angelica replied dryly, wondering why he always managed to make her feel at a disadvantage.
    He grinned, unabashed at her implicit allusion to smuggling.
    â€˜What do you say?’ he asked, the challenging light in his eyes almost daring her to decline his offer.
    She hesitated, meeting his gaze with fearless, lucid blue eyes. She already knew she was going to go riding with him—it would be far too craven-hearted to refuse his implicit challenge—but she couldn’t help wondering, briefly, about the propriety of his suggestion. She stifled her conscience with the thought that she was extremely unlikely to meet anyone she knew.
    Above all, the prospect of riding freely in the crisp open air was irresistible, and she was suddenly filled with exuberant anticipation. She smiled, her expression lighting up with unexpected radiance, her blue eyes almost dazzling with luminous excitement. She met his gaze without reservation, unaware of the impact her happiness might have on him.
    â€˜I would be delighted, sir,’ she said eagerly. ‘Oh!’ Her face fell. ‘Unfortunately I didn’t foresee the need to bring a riding habit. I’m afraid…’
    Benoît had been watching her internal struggle to justify riding with him with an appreciative half-smile. But now he was gazing at her with an arrested expression in his eyes, almost as if he had been taken by surprise by something. He seemed to absorb her last, disappointed words with an effort, but then he responded with his customary competence.
    â€˜I dare say my mother will be able to make good that deficiency,’ he said briskly, ringing the bell. ‘I will have a couple of horses saddled and we will set out as soon as you are ready, my lady.’
    Angelica had no time to reflect on the wisdom of her decision. Besides, she was too excited at the unexpected treat in store for her to worry overmuch about propriety. Shedressed as quickly as she could in the old-fashioned riding habit Mrs Faulkener lent her, eager to get out of the house and anxious not to keep Benoît waiting.
    â€˜Well, it’s not what I like to see you wearing, and it’s to be thanked that no one we know will see you in it, but it will do,’ said Martha grudgingly, although she was secretly pleased to see the renewed glow of life in Angelica’s eyes.
    Angelica’s preoccupation with her father’s problems—and her increasing anxiety about him—had worried Martha. But she had been unable to think of any advice which might help.
    â€˜Oh, Martha, it’s fine!’ Angelica protested buoyantly, hastily checking her appearance in the mirror.
    The riding dress was charcoal grey, severely cut and very plain. It was a trifle too loose around her waist, and it fitted very snugly across her bust, but it was undoubtedly smart. The doctor’s wife had had style—still did have, Angelica reflected. There was nothing of the vulgar, provincial housewife about Mrs Faulkener.
    Angelica