She smiled, and the beauty of it hit him hard in the chest. “With any luck, they will both receive sufficient care and attention. The other horse refused to budge, and so the poor fellow must return to fetch him.”
Was the last comment her way of asking for shelter? Perhaps he should make the offer. In such treacherous conditions, one must be charitable.
The lady removed a glove and blew gently on the tips of her fingers. To most people, the innocent action would rouse pity; she must be frozen to her bones. The fact he saw it as a prelude to something far more sinful confirmed he was not ready to wed one of the dull ladies in the drawing room.
“Forgive me, I stand here dripping water onto your floor and have not even told you my name.” Her words dragged him from his fanciful musings. “I am Miss Lara Bennett. Granddaughter of Lord Montague Forsyth.”
Suspicion flared.
How convenient that a lady of aristocratic breeding should arrive at his door on a cold winter’s night.
Was this all part of his mother’s wicked plan?
Did she hope to attack from the rear and catch him unawares?
“Lord Forsyth permitted you to travel alone?” Mistrust rang in his tone. He caught himself, unsure what shocked him the most. That such a prestigious gentleman had little regard for his granddaughter’s welfare. Or that in asking so abruptly, he sounded like a jealous husband.
“My companion took ill in London and was not well enough to make such an arduous journey. I promised my grandfather I would return home to spend Christmas with him.” She sighed deeply. “I should have stayed behind, too, but I refuse to break an oath once it is made.”
Guilt pricked Hugo’s chest, stabbed and prodded with its sharp blade. For the last two hours, he’d fought with his conscience, desperate to break the promise he’d made to his mother.
“But tomorrow is Christmas Eve. How far must you travel?” Hugo knew that she had no hope of venturing more than a few hundred yards by carriage.
“To Chippenham.”
“Chippenham? But that’s twenty miles away.”
Miss Bennett shrugged. “A man in Netheravon said we might expec
t rain.”
Only if they sacrificed the firstborn child in every family. “Then I shall pray for a miracle.”
“As will I.”
A brief silence ensued.
Hugo stared at her. Miss Bennett was of average height, not too short, not too tall. Perfect for him really. In terms of figure, he preferred a lady to have soft curves, not look as though she’d not eaten a meal for a week. Unable to determine what lay beneath her thick cloak, he had faith she was perfect for him in that regard, too.
“Welcome to Wollaston Hall, Miss Bennett. I am Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham.” Hugo bowed. “You are more than welcome to rest here until the snow clears.”
In truth, the lady had little choice.
Miss Bennett appeared perturbed. He doubted it had anything to do with his title. As the granddaughter of a peer, she must be comfortable around members of the aristocracy. Even so, she had not been presented at court. He would have remembered her cheerful countenance, and those plump lips made for kissing.
“Thank you, my lord,” she began. From the break in her voice, he knew she was about to decline the offer. “That’s most kind, most gracious. But I cannot stay here without a chaperone. My grandfather would call you out when all you have done is extend your hospitality. I merely ask that you direct me to the nearest village.”
Disappointment flared at the prospect of her leaving.
How odd. He hardly knew the woman.
“Your grandfather would call me out?” he said merely to distract his mind from the thought that Miss Bennett might join the list of eligible ladies eager to be his bride. “Remind me of his age.”
“Sixty-four, though is still one of the best shots in all of England. He can hit a target from a hundred yards while wearing a blindfold.”
Hugo swallowed deeply. “Then how fortunate my mother is in residence. Indeed, there are other guests here to celebrate the festive season.” And to watch a self-proclaimed bachelor bow down to his mother’s constant demands.
Miss Bennett pursed her lips. “And what if your mother objects to playing chaperone when there are guests in need of her attention?”