A flicker of what looked like fear flashed in her eyes, but disappeared so quickly he couldn’t decide if it was real or imagined. She pressed her lips together for several seconds, then said, “I meant there is no longer a threat of danger to my health. I’m feeling very well, and Milton and my staff can fully see to my needs. Without any assistance.”
Understanding dawned, along with a healthy dose of annoyance, and, damn it, hurt. She wanted him to leave Little Longstone.
“I can arrange to have my carriage at your disposal tomorrow morning,” she continued. “While I appreciate your kindness and thank you for escorting me home, I wouldn’t want you to sacrifice any more of your valuable time away from your work in London.”
Before Andrew could think of a suitable reply-having wisely decided that Hell no, I’m not leaving was not suitable-a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in,” Lady Catherine said.
The door opened, and Spencer shuffled into the room. His smile faded as his gaze bounced between his mother and Andrew. “Is something amiss, Mum?”
She appeared to square her shoulders, then offered Spencer a smile. “No, darling. Did you need to speak to me?”
Spencer looked clearly unconvinced. Instead of answering his mother’s question, he asked, “What were you just talking about?”
Lady Catherine set down her drink, then crossed the pale green Axminster rug to bestow a kiss upon Spencer’s cheek. “Transportation arrangements. Mr. Stanton will be leaving us tomorrow to return to London.”
“Leaving? Tomorrow?” There was no mistaking the boy’s dismay. He turned toward Andrew and gazed at him with eyes brimming with confusion and hurt. “But why? He only arrived yesterday.”
Lady Catherine said, “Mr. Stanton has many responsibilities in London, Spencer, even more with your uncle Philip unavailable. While he was kind enough to leave his work at the museum to escort me home, he must return to his duties.”
“But why must he leave so soon? We’ve only just started-” He clamped his lips together and shot Andrew an imploring look.
“Started what?” Lady Catherine asked.
“A surprise for you,” Andrew cut in. “Something Spencer and I discussed yesterday afternoon. I promised to lend my assistance.”
She raised her brows. “What sort of surprise?”
Pure chagrin washed over Spencer’s face. Before the boy could reply, Andrew again spoke up. “If we told you, it wouldn’t be any sort of surprise.” He shot Spencer a conspiratorial wink. “I believe we need to fetch the dictionary for your mother, Spencer, so she can look up ‘surprise. ’ ”
“I know you’re not normally fond of surprises, Mum,” Spencer said in a rush, “but you’ll like this one. You’ll be proud of me, I know, when we’re finished.”
“I’m already proud of you.”
“Then you’ll be more proud.”
She studied her son’s face for several seconds, then she turned toward Andrew. “You promised him this… whatever it is?”
“I did.”
“You did not mention this to me earlier.”
“It had not occurred to me to do so as that is the nature of a surprise. Also, I hadn’t anticipated my visit here being quite so short in duration.”
Silence filled the room, and Andrew could almost hear the wheels turning in her mind. Why was she suddenly so anxious to get rid of him? Was there some aspect of her life that she worried he’d discover? Her earlier words, this man’s capture means that there is no longer a threat of danger to me bothered him greatly. The fact that he’d detected fear in her eyes more than once since the shooting made her explanation of “danger to my health” ring untrue. Had she lied? If so, why?
There were only two other reasons he could think of that would make her anxious for him leave. If she were interested in forming a relationship with a man-like perhaps one of her many bouquet-sending suitors- Andrew’s presence in her home could put a damper on her plans. But that made little sense since she’d made it plain that she did not wish to form an attachment.
The other reason made his heart pound with hope. If she vehemently did not want to form an attachment, yet found herself attracted to me…
She’d want him to leave. As soon as possible. Could that be why she’d acted so prickly around him lately-because she was fighting desire?
He shook himself from his reverie and looked at her. She looked very disgruntled-rather the way Andrew imagined a general would if his brilliant military campaign was just outmaneuvered. Hmmm. This was very promising.
“How long will this surprise take to complete?” she asked him.
“At least a week,” Andrew said, certain that a halo magically appeared above his head to accompany the angelic expression into which he arranged his features.
“A week!” There was no mistaking her dismay-or the suspicion ripe in her voice.
Spencer instantly brightened. “You can stay that long, Mr. Stanton?”
“Yes,”Andrew said.
She shot him an undecipherable look, then turned toward Spencer, whose eyes were filled with a heartbreaking combination of excitement and hope. There was no mistaking she was torn. Finally, she reached out and ruffled the boy’s dark hair.
“A week,” she agreed.
Spencer’s smile could have lit a darkened room.
“Well, now that that’s been settled,” said Lady Catherine, “I shall depart for my visit with Mrs. Ralston.”
“Is your friend’s home on the way to the village?” Andrew asked.
“As a matter of fact it is. Why?”
“Would you mind if I came along? There are some items I need to purchase and would like to visit the local shops.”
“What do you wish to purchase?”
He made a tsking sound and waggled his finger at her. “Cannot tell. All part of the surprise.”
“Perhaps we have on hand whatever these supplies are.”
“I’ve already ascertained that you don't.” He turned to Spencer. “Would you care to join me, Spencer?” he asked casually.
Andrew instantly sensed the tension that filled the silence. He knew Spencer rarely left the security of the grounds, and perhaps it was too soon to encourage this outing to the village, but they’d made such great strides this morning during their first horseback-riding lesson, Andrew hoped to keep their momentum going.
Several more seconds of silence passed, and Andrew could see Spencer was conflicted.
Lady Catherine cleared her throat. “That is very thoughtful Mr. Stanton, however, Spencer doesn’t like to venture-”
“I want to go,” Spencer cut in.
“You do?” There was no mistaking his mother’s amazement.
Spencer nodded vigorously, and Andrew wondered if the lad was trying more to convince his mother or himself of his decision. “I want to help with the surprise.” He lifted his chin. “I’ll be fine, Mum. Mr. Stanton will keep me safe. I want to go. Truly.”
She hesitated for several heartbeats, and Andrew could plainly see her surprised pleasure at Spencer’s words. Indeed, he fancied she blinked back tears. Finally, she smiled at her son. “I’d be delighted to have the company. I’ll have the carriage brought around. You can drop me at Mrs. Ralston’s cottage, then continue on to the village. No need to return for me-I‘d enjoy a brisk walk home.”
“Can we use the curricle instead?” Spencer asked.
“That way Mr. Stanton can show me how to handle it.” He turned to Mr. Stanton with a hopeful expression. “You do know how, don’t you?”
Andrew nodded. “Yes, but a curricle only seats two people.”
“We can all squeeze onto the seat,” Spencer insisted. “I do not require much room at all. Besides, it’s only a short ride to Mrs. Ralston’s, and then there’d only be two of us since Mum wishes to walk home.”