“I had better go back.” She glanced at the woods and then back at the house. “I don’t expect it to take long. Do you want to continue, and I’ll join you where the path leads out of the trees to the north?” She pointed in that direction.
“Yes, perfect.” Harriet hoped she hadn’t latched onto the suggestion too quickly.
“I’m sorry,” Frances said. “I will hurry. I’ll tell Mother you’re waiting for me. She’ll surely allow me to do whatever task she has in mind once we return.”
“I’ll wait for you there.” Harriet paused until Frances started back before she turned toward the woods with relief.
A few minutes alone was just what she needed to regain her equilibrium.
Of course, Joseph had admired all those who’d performed. That was confirmation of how kind he was and one of the reasons she admired him so. It was just that she’d thought something special was budding between them, much like a bloom opening to the sun.
She need only remember his words in the library, when he’d said he wanted to know her better, to think that might be true. Surely that meant something. She couldn’t imagine him telling other ladies the same.
Yet he’d acted rather oddly when he’d come to the drawing room before dinner. She’d been hurt that he’d turned in the opposite direction of where she’d stood. He had immediately greeted Frances, and for a brief moment, she wondered if he’d guessed who was writing the messages.
When Frances had spoken to her in the music room without mentioning it, Harriet was relieved. How ridiculous when the time would soon come that he would either guess or Frances would find the courage to tell him. It was a matter of hours rather than days in her estimation.
But she wanted the chance to hold this bloom in her heart a little longer. To believe that her admiration and dare she say, affection, for the handsome viscount was returned. To pretend that a future with him was possible despite her past and the scars that marked her, always a reminder of what she’d done and who she was.
The forest beckoned and she entered the woods, welcoming the quiet peace that fell over her. She slowed her pace, not wanting to rush now that she was deep in the trees.
She walked quietly, wondering if she might see a deer or a squirrel along the way. Far better if she focused on her surroundings rather than the spiral of emotion that felt overwhelming.
With a watchful eye, she admired the foliage of the trees and bushes as well as the moss that grew along the ground. Yes, it resembled the color of Joseph’s eyes. Especially the edges of the moss that were gold and green with hints of brown. She crouched down to take a closer look, reaching out a finger to touch the velvety softness.
“Harriet.”
She jerked upright at the unexpected sound of her name to find the very man whose eye color held her so enraptured. “Joseph.” She pressed a hand to her pounding heart. “I didn’t hear you.”
“I’m sorry if I startled you.” He offered the apology with a smile. “I thought you would hear me, but you were so focused on the ground.”
His gaze shifted to the moss she’d been studying, and her cheeks heated with embarrassment.
“Are you an admirer of moss?”
“I am.” Since meeting him anyway. “The colors are so varied.” She hoped the explanation was sufficient, and he wouldn’t press her for more as she didn’t know anything about moss.
“You’re up and about early this morning,” he said.
“Frances and I were walking together, but she had to return to assist her mother.” She should feel guilty that she was the one enjoying a moment with Joseph rather than her friend. But she didn’t. She hated to think what that said about her. “She’s meeting me a little later at the end of the woods.”
He nodded. “May I accompany you?”
Her heart leapt. “I would like that.”
He turned to walk alongside her, the path wide enough for them to walk side-by-side most of the time. “We’re going for a ride soon, but I wanted the chance to walk first,” he said.
“It’s the perfect morning for it.” She glanced up at him, admiring the strong line of his freshly shaven jaw. Her father had always said a strong jaw was a sign of strength in character. The question of what it would be like to touch it sent flutters dancing in her stomach.
“I agree. Sunshine is lovely, but there’s something about a damp, cool morning that quiets the mind and soothes the soul.”
Harriet’s heart melted. “I couldn’t agree more.” She couldn’t keep the hint of wonder out of her voice and noted how he looked at her in question.
“Forgive me,” she said with a shake of her head. “I just didn’t expect you to feel the same way.”
He halted to face her, prompting her to do the same. “Nor did I. Think you might agree, that is.” He smiled again. “My thoughts don’t translate to words very well when you’re near.”
Harriet drew a deep breath certain her heart was nothing more than a puddle by now. “Joseph.” She didn’t know quite what to say.