“Jennette, I believe someone is coming. If you don’t get out now you know what will happen.”
She licked her lips and nodded. “I see. Good night, then.”
“Don’t take the main path back to the house.”
She turned and walked to the door. After cracking the door open, she paused, and said, “Thank you for not compromising me, Matthew.”
He watched her depart and prayed no one would see her leave the greenhouse. Hearing voices, he picked up the candle and walked to the door. He headed straight for the couple walking up the path.
“Somerton,” he said with a nod. “And the ladies Selby, nice evening, isn’t it?”
The dowager Lady Selby eyed him and the greenhouse. “Yes, I believe the weather has become so much more pleasant.”
“Indeed it has.”
“I’ve heard there are some interesting plants in the greenhouse,” the younger Lady Selby commented. “Would you care to join us?”
“Actually, I am just returning from the greenhouse.” He looked up at Somerton. “There is nothing much to see.”
Chapter 16
As the sun broke through the clouds the next morning, Matthew strode out of his room furious at himself for thinking Jennette would ever come willingly to him. She’d loved John, not him. The frustration he felt was eating at him. There was only one way to rid himself of the aggravation—a good long ride.
After walking to the stables, he waited while a lad saddled a gelding for him. He admired the horse, wishing he could afford such quality horseflesh again. At the rate this plan with Jennette was going, he might never be able to buy another horse.
He climbed into the saddle and headed down the path toward the valley. The gray November sky and cool wind chilled him but did nothing to ease his ineffective anger. With irritation nipping at his heels, he spurred the horse to a run. The brown and gray scenery flashed past.
As he crested a small knoll, the ivy-covered dowager house came into view. He slowed his horse to a canter while he examined the home. Coming nearer, he noticed a horse tied to a post in front.
Odd, there was only one horse, so he doubted it was a liaison. He wondered if a rider might have become ill or hurt and stopped there for a rest. Knowing he had better check, he reined in next to the other horse. The mare appeared to be fine.
Walking into the house, he shouted, “Hello?”
In the small parlor, dusty white cloths covered all the furniture and cobwebs hung from the ceiling. Why would anyone willingly enter this old house? Walking back into the hall, he approached the staircase and shouted, “Is anyone up there?”
“I’m upstairs,” the muffled feminine voice replied.
“Is everything all right?” he asked, striding up the stairs as fear etched its way down his back. Something had to be wrong for a lady to be in this ruin all by herself. The place was all but falling down.
“Matthew?”
Just as he reached the top riser, he saw Jennette walk out of one of the bedrooms. Fear turned to anger. “What the bloody hell are you doing here? Are you meeting someone? Ancroft perhaps? Or maybe Huntley is more your taste.”
She dropped the pad she’d been holding and crossed her arms over her chest. “How dare you imply such a thing!”
He stepped closer as anger mingled with jealousy to create a dangerous combination. “Oh, I dare. Why else would a woman be in this hovel alone?”
Her eyes glittered like the icy North Sea as she took two strides toward him. Before he knew what had happened, she’d slapped his cheek. The tingling crossed his face feeling like a hundred splinters of wood.
“My maid was ill. You of all people should know I don’t take lovers,” she hissed.
Why did she bring out every bit of jealousy imaginable in him? Deflated, he replied, “You’re right. And I must apologize for my reaction.”
“Pardon me?”
Pulling her closer to him, he smiled down at her. “I said, you are right.”
“Why are you here, Matthew?”