“I look forward to it.” He released her and stepped back to gesture toward the path. “Shall we see if Miss Melbourne is waiting for you?”
With a nod, she walked alongside him, her heart full. This couldn’t lead anywhere, she reminded herself, but was it so wrong for her to enjoy happiness during their brief time together?
~*~
AHALF-HOUR LATER,Joseph was riding with several other gentlemen, including Melbourne. This morning, they ventured in a different direction than where they’d previously explored.
However, his thoughts were consumed by the kiss with Harriet. While he’d expected it to be pleasurable given how he felt about her, he hadn’t expected the passion that had surged through him the moment their lips touched.
Pursuing a lady hadn’t been part of his plan, but neither could he turn away. She intrigued him on every level. It was as if they were kindred souls, attuned to one another both physically and emotionally.
He told himself he was exaggerating. They’d had less than a week to come to know one another, but it felt true all the same. He’d known from the moment Harriet had saved his mother that she was special and everything he’d learned since confirmed it.
“The village is just ahead,” Melbourne called out, bringing Joseph’s thoughts back to the ride.
The small village was charming and appeared to be thriving. Though modest in size, it boasted much of what the people who lived and worked in the surrounding area needed.
He couldn’t help but smile at the lending library on High Street that ran through the center of the village. Melbourne had probably seen to that considering how much his daughter enjoyed reading.
He and Harriet had come across Frances as they’d exited the forest earlier. He hadn’t missed the questioning look she’d given them both but had done his best to act as if they’d just come upon one another moments ago.
Luckily, Harriet seemed to understand his intent and played along. He didn’t want to cause any harm to Harriet’s reputation even with her friend.
Within the hour, the group of riders, smaller today, returned to Melbourne House. Joseph watched Melbourne, hoping to have a chance to speak with him. His luck seemed unbelievable thus far in the day, and he had to think he’d have the chance to talk to the man soon.
Just as he’d hoped, Joseph was able to time his walk from the stables to the house with Melbourne’s.
“The village seems to be flourishing,” Joseph said as he caught up to him.
“Indeed, it is. Much improved from when we first moved here. I feel it’s imperative to do what we can to help the community.”
“I couldn’t agree more. In fact, that concerns the proposal I wanted to discuss with you.”
“Oh, yes. I forgot. Why don’t you join me in my study, and you can share what you have in mind?”
Joseph did his best to mask his excitement. “I’d appreciate that. I think you’ll find it of interest.” He kept his tone casual, determined not to act as if it mattered overly much.
But it did.
While there were other wealthy gentlemen in England, none seemed as perfect a fit for Joseph’s plan as Melbourne. His concern for those who lived on his land, as well as the surrounding area, was obvious in the care he showed his tenants and those living nearby.
He followed Melbourne into his study, relieved when no one delayed them.
Melbourne held open the door then closed it behind Joseph before striding toward the large desk at the far end of the room. A globe on a stand stood to the side of it and shelves of books lined one wall. The space was masculine but not ostentatious. It would be a comfortable space to work with its dark wood and the bank of windows that offered so much light.
Rather than sitting behind the desk, Melbourne joined Joseph in the chairs before it, which allowed them a view of the fields that led to the forest. He couldn’t help but think of Harriet as he looked at the trees. Surely that was a positive sign as well.
“I’m pleased to hear you have an interest in providing for those on your estate,” Melbourne said. “Some gentlemen seem content to allow their agricultural endeavors to fall to the wayside and instead leave the grounds for hunting.”
“That is an easy path since it’s becoming less and less cost-effective to grow crops, isn’t it?” But that wasn’t what Joseph wanted on his family’s property. Not when it didn’t provide any income for them or their tenants.
“As we discussed previously, I’m relieved that food is becoming more affordable for England.” Melbourne leaned back and folded his hands over his stomach. “That hasn’t always been the case.”
“True. I would like to introduce other methods of income to local economies in addition to crops. However, it takes funds to do so and the banks in London seem less than interested in providing loans to areas well outside the city.”
“Banks are only willing to loan money to those who don’t need it, eh?” Melbourne laughed at his jest.
“Also true. Establishing a regional bank in the area that would take such endeavors seriously could improve the economy. They would be familiar with the people as well as the land and have a deeper understanding to see the potential of requests for loans.”