Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

~ * ~

Tobias wiped the sweat from his brow and then tested the ropes one last time. Everything Blythe wished protected was lashed to the wagon and ready for transportation. He just couldn’t quite decide why he was freely offering her possessions sanctuary. Perhaps it was the things she would not say against her stepson that had caused him to act as he did. A beautiful woman, a widow, should not be so anxious about her family coming to visit.

He came about, wondering where she was. He hadn’t laid eyes on Blythe for some time. He hoped she wasn’t hiding from him now that everything was settled for the temporary move.

The housekeeper bustled out with one last wrapped package and slipped it into a narrow gap between the legs of a child’s chair. “That’s everything.”

Tobias nodded. “Good. We’ll return with the wagon shortly.”

“Oh, no, no, no. I’m not going to be left here wondering where you’re taking her ladyships belongings. I’m coming with you to see them properly installed. Besides.” Her lips curved into a warm smile. “My mistress requires a chaperone if she’s to go anywhere with a man like you.”

Tobias’ mouth dropped open. “I’m not. . . She’s perfectly safe.”

“Balderdash. A good looking man like you, she’d be putty in your hands. No, I’m going with her. And that, sir, is final.”

Tobias raked his fingers through his hair. While protecting Blythe’s reputation was certainly a good idea, being saddled with the inquisitive housekeeper was not. She’d been peppering him with questions all afternoon and he’d begun to feel a little hunted.

“Where might I find Lady Venables?”

The happy smile on the housekeepers face faded. “I’m sure she’ll return shortly.”

Tobias glanced about again. The gardens were deserted. “Where did she go?”

“I don’t like to disturb her.” The housekeeper and groom exchanged a long look. “You may as well know, she’s gone to see her boy again.”

Tobias should have anticipated that. And luckily he did know exactly where Adam was laid to rest—on the far side of the house and hidden from sight. Since Blythe insisted on seeing where her possessions were to be stored he strode off, skirting the house and heading into the woods. The burial plot wasn’t far and he caught sight of the headstones long before he saw Blythe. She crouched at the foot of a grave. He could just hear her talking.

Tobias scuffed his boot on the ground to let her know he was nearby, but waited at the boundary of the plots. This was how he’d seen her the first time, dressed in black, and weeping over the two bodies buried here. Her husband and her son. He folded his arms across his chest while he waited.

After a time, she rose to her feet and moved to join him, wiping tears from her eyes. “You must think me foolish.”

“No, I really don’t.” He shuffled uncomfortably. “Most people still living don’t receive the love you so clearly show even after all this time.”

Her gaze flew to his. “Sometimes, I forget they are gone,” she whispered.

He didn’t quite know how to respond to her so he placed his hand upon her shoulder and squeezed. “The wagon is ready.”

She nodded, her eyes drifting to the crypt behind her.

Tobias gently slid his arm behind her back and urged her to come with him. After a few steps, she drew in a shuddering breath and drew herself upright again. Tobias dropped his arm and walked along at her side, puzzled by the compassion she stirred in him. If she wanted to mourn for her past that was her prerogative, but he didn’t think it healthy.

He glanced down at her.

She did puzzle him.

She annoyed him.

Yet her behavior stirred something in him that he was completely unused to experiencing around women. Protectiveness.

Blythe tugged on his sleeve. “Is that my housekeeper sitting on the back of the wagon bed?”

“Ah, yes.” Tobias drew in a deep breath. “She insisted on coming with the furnishings.”

“Whatever for? Adam’s things are only going to be stored.”

“That is exactly what I told her, but she wants to do the job herself, and she thinks you need a chaperone.” He muttered the last part quickly as they reached the carriage. Blythe heard and her gaze flew to his. What could he say to reassure her that one wasn’t necessary except for keeping up appearances? Likely nothing.

He shrugged, caught her about the waist, and lifted her to the bench seat next to the groom. The feel of her tiny waist between his hands shook him to his bones. Perhaps they did need a chaperone after all.