He was only mildly appeased by her statement. “You are not to leave Stapleton again on your own.”
“Then how am I to see you without anyone knowing about it?”
“You shouldn’t be sneaking off to see even me.”
Her lips set in a stubborn line he knew well. “You can’t stop me.”
He took a menacing step forward, or at least tried to look intimidating. “I could warn your mother and have her take the key away.”
“Oh, don’t you dare,” she complained. She pressed her hands over her bodice, which gave Gideon a clue as to where she was currently keeping the key. His pulse raced a little faster as the idea of retrieving it dawned on him. He clenched his jaw against the inclination. “Home. Now.”
“Yes, Gideon,” she said, all meek and compliant as she drew near once more. “I’ll go straight away. As long as you promise to call on me, and no more making me wait days between visits.”
He nodded slowly, knowing how stubborn she could be. He jerked his head toward the now dark manor house, though. “No side trips. Straight to your room and lock the door.”
Jessica turned back to him, grinning. “Don’t you trust me?”
He didn’t trust himself. Not with her anymore. But there was also Lord James skulking about, too. “I know you all too well, my dear. Remain another moment and there’s no telling the trouble you’ll find yourself in with me,” Gideon warned, nearing the end of his tether.
Jessica kissed him suddenly, and then danced back out of range of his reaching hands. “Good night, Mr. Whitfield. Pleasant dreams.”
“Good night, Lady Jessica,” he said, and then stalked behind her all the way home just to be sure she did go inside, waiting to be sure she did not come out again.
Chapter 12
Jessica moved swiftly toward the front steps of Stapleton Manor where a two-wheeled one-horse gig was reported to be ready and waiting. When she had extracted a promise from Gideon to call on her today, she had completely forgotten about the race. So had he apparently. Of course he could not come now, so she would go to him.
She did not even need to take a chaperone for the short journey. The gig was built for one driver and one Tiger on the back. Plus, he father was already at Quigley Hill and expected her there shortly.
She tugged on her soft kid gloves and went outside full of great excitement for the day ahead.
Young Paulson, a young groom new to the estate, was standing at the mare’s head, grinning madly. “Ready when you are, my lady.”
“Thank you, Paulson.”
She accepted assistance to climb into the carriage and arranged her skirts neatly around her legs. Once she had the reins and control of the horse, Paulson raced to the tiger’s perch at the back and jumped aboard.
She clucked the reins once he gave the word he was settled, and the mare eagerly obeyed. Once beyond the turns nearest the house, she gave the horse its head. They sped off down the drive toward the stream crossing. The wind of their passage whipped across her cheeks, and she laughed out loud. She’d never have this much fun anywhere else.
Behind her, Paulson whooped with joy. “Are we racing too, today, my lady?”
“I don’t wish to be late,” she called back, never taking her eyes from the drive ahead.
When the gates to Stapleton came into view, and the creek crossing she slowed to a safer speed for the turn and then directed her horse toward Quigley Hill. The house itself was actually closer when walking. By road and carriage, she had a mile or more to travel.
As she neared Quigley Hill, she noticed the front lawns were dotted with many people from the village. It seemed the whole town had come out to watch the start. There were picnic blankets and chairs set beneath the shade cast by trees. There were even children running around, chasing each other.
She turned off the drive and slowed the gig to a stop, staying far enough away that her horse would not accidentally trample anyone or spook.
Paulson jumped down from his perch and ran forward. “Shall I help you down, my lady?”
She glanced at her timepiece and then the crowd ahead. There were a great many people around, and pushing her way through them all would take more time and effort than she might have before the start.
“No, thank you. I’ll stay here for now, lad.”
“As you like.” Paulson rushed to the horse’s head and took charge of the bridle, though.
Assured of her safety, Jessica tied off the reins. She shaded her eyes and looked around, wishing she’d thought to bring a parasol with her. Gideon was standing close to her father, Lord Rafferty, and Mr. Napier, laughing.