A Stolen Season (14 page)

Eric stroked the horse’s neck. “Tessa is a modest fifteen-point-two hands. She’s a steady and safe mount, I promise.”

Sarah didn’t doubt his word. He pulled her toward him and cupped his hands together. “Here, let me help you up.”

Sarah turned and mounted the horse, securing her leg around the horn, then fixing her skirts.

Eric walked over to his own horse and mounted with ease. Sarah envied his breeches and wished she could have donned a pair to ride. At least if she fell off, breeches wouldn’t go over her head, revealing her undergarments and embarrassing her more.

“Are you ready?” Eric asked.

“Yes,” she said. Sarah peeked over her shoulder and noted no one was following them. She frowned. “Eric, should we not have a groom with us for propriety’s sake?”

“No.”

“No?”

Eric stopped and waited for her to pull up alongside him. He ran a finger down her cheek and cupped her chin before leaning over and kissing her.

“I want you all to myself.”

Sarah ran her hand down his jaw. Oh, he was temptation incarnate. “You should not kiss me here where everyone can see.”

“I do not care.” He sat back and smiled. “I would like to show you Westerham before I take you on a picnic.”

Sarah nodded as panic lodged in her throat. She couldn’t go back into town. The very town she’d run to on the night she’d killed Lord William. “Perhaps we could leave seeing Westerham for another day?”

He smiled and kicked his horse into a trot. “It will not take long.”

They rode across fields and after some time, small cottages popped up along the road leading into town. Sarah remembered Westerham well, as not a lot had changed since the morning she and Richard had fled to London. Dirt footpaths ran alongside the small businesses, and the few locals she could see hurried about with their chores. A large man with an apron stood before a food supply store, specializing in horse grain with the bonus services of a smithy. Just ahead, Sarah could see the Watermill and Brewery. The town really was lovely even if it did harbor the people who could see her hung.

Men on the streets waved as they passed, and Eric responded to each and every one with their given names.

“I’m surprised you know them all so well, my lord. I doubt there are many earls who could say the same,” Sarah said, smiling herself at a passerby. She adjusted her seat and refused to look in the direction of the inn as they passed. “Tell me, how is it a son of an earl is so friendly with the locals?”

“My father was a good man, and instilled qualities in me which I abide by. One of those is to look after my tenant farmers, their families, and this township. We’re all reliant on one another. It would be foolish of me to mistreat or ignore them.”

“Do you let the common people hunt on your land?” Sarah watched Eric and prayed his answer was to her liking.

“I do. I know a lot of land owners do not, but I’m not one of them.”

Sarah touched his arm, an overwhelming urge to hug the generous earl. “That is so very kind of you, Eric. You’re a true gentleman.”

“Lord Earnston, a word if ye please.”

They stopped, and Sarah felt the blood drain from her face.
Oh God no
.

“Mr. Adams, how can I be of help?” Eric said.

The innkeeper waddled over as best he could considering his size, his steps faltering when he looked up and saw her. The man frowned and narrowed his eyes.

Sarah smiled and hoped by doing so she would dispel the suspicion that he knew her. Had seen her before. The night Lord William had died …

“Ah, I wanted to talk to ye about old Joe Dee down the road. He’s ill and needs caring for, but his family is not around these parts. He’s too proud to ask for ye help, so I thought I’d take it on myself to ask.”

Eric nodded. “Write down everything I need to know to organize his transportation to his family. My steward will take care of it.” Eric paused. “Is there something else I can help you with, Mr. Adams?”

Sarah met the man’s gaze head on. To do anything else would be a catastrophic mistake.

“Do I know ye, Miss?”

Sarah shook her head. “I don’t believe so, sir.”

The innkeeper scratched his tousled hair. “I’m sure I’ve seen ye before.” He rubbed his chin. “Where have I seen ye before?”

Eric frowned and Sarah shrugged. “I’m a guest at his lordship’s estate. Perhaps you saw us arrive early this morning.”

Mr. Adams nodded then shook his head. “Nope, not that.” He smiled. “Doesn’t matter, it’ll come to me, have a great memory ye see miss. Don’t forget a thing.”

Sarah nodded and swallowed the bile threatening to choke her. Shit! If Mr. Adams did remember who she was, she and Richard would … Sarah shook the thought away. She didn’t want to think about what Eric would do to them. Whatever it was, it wouldn’t be good.

“Well,” Eric said, pulling her away. “Good day to you, Mr. Adams, and don’t forget to send my steward the details of Joe’s family when you have them.”

“Right ye are, my lord,” Mr. Adams said and left.

Sarah took a calming breath and welcomed the old barman’s departure. They rode out of the town in silence before Eric turned off the main drive that led toward his estate.

“Apologies for not being present when you arrived. The home farms needed looking at without delay. A storm passed through some days ago and some roofs were damaged. I thought I would be back in time.”

Sarah waved his concerns away. “Will it take much to repair the damage?”

Eric placed the reins over his arm and took off his top hat before running a hand through his hair. Sarah’s mouth instantly went dry and her hands itched to run her fingers through his long locks, pull him down for a brazen kiss.

“All but one cottage will require repairs, though none are too serious. I’ve assured the families it will be carried out forthwith.”

Sarah squeezed his hand. “You’re a kind and good man, Eric. I may not have known your father, but I’m sure he would be proud of you.”

Eric pulled his horse to a stop. “Do you know what I think, Sarah?”

“What?” she asked.

“I think Kent suits you, and your temperament would be agreeable to this life and title as my wife.” He smiled and put his hat back on.

Sarah raised her brow. “That is to be decided,” she reminded him softly.

He tried to hide the disappointment in his eyes, but not quickly enough to escape Sarah’s notice.

Eric led her into a meadow before he turned onto a narrow path that led into the woods. The path looked well used by animals and humans alike. “William and I used to play in these woods. There are some old ruins not far from here where we used to pretend to be knights.”

Sarah came abreast of his horse. “You miss him.”

Eric frowned. “I do. He was the best of men.”

Sarah looked away, not wanting to see the raw emotion on his face. She blinked back the tears and refused to cry. If only she could tell him she hadn’t meant to kill his brother. Let him know everything that transpired that night. Perhaps he could forgive her if she just told the truth.

“I abhor them.”

“Who?” Sarah asked.

“The couple who broke into our home looking for this,” Eric said, pulling the device out of his pocket. “I swore on William’s grave I would make them pay for his death, and I will not rest until I do.”

Sarah said nothing. What could she say? No, she couldn’t tell Lord Earnston the truth. He was still so angry, he’d likely shoot her dead on the spot, and think about his actions after the fact. And yet, she couldn’t blame him. She, too, would have wanted revenge, had she found a family member the same way Eric had.

Her stomach cramped, from fear or hunger she wasn’t sure. Sarah glanced a quick peek at Eric and caught him staring at her.

She shifted in her saddle, uncomfortable with the knowledge he was unknowingly courting the woman responsible for his sorrow. How could she, in all conscience, allow him to fall in love with her? She should just steal the damn mapping device and leave as Richard suggested. She was being cruel and for no reason, except her own selfish desires.

“Is there a river nearby, Eric? I think I hear water,” Sarah asked to distract him and her guilt.

Eric looked away. “It’s the Darent. And it’s where we shall picnic today.”

They walked a few hundred yards before Eric pulled his horse to a stop. He dismounted and came over to help her down. Sarah’s body quivered as his hands clasped her hips. She beat back the urge to lean down and kiss him, to beg his forgiveness for a tragedy entirely her fault.

Sarah looked about and spied the picnic basket beside a large boulder and shaded by an overhead tree. “It seems the food fairies have already arrived.” Sarah smiled and Eric laughed, placing her hands on his shoulders so he could help her down.

Sarah sucked in an aroused breath when he deliberately slid her down his body.

“The fare is sure to be mouth-watering and satisfying.”

Sarah stepped out of his embrace with a laugh. “You, my lord, are flirting with me.”

He threw off his hat and laughed. “I must admit I am. Now, perhaps you could come back over here so I can continue my flirtation while holding you.”

Sarah threw him a saucy look. “Maybe later,” she said and walked over to the basket of food while Eric tethered their horses to a tree branch.

“Tessa is a lovely horse.” Sarah walked over to him and patted her mare.

Eric nodded. “She is the foal to one of my best hunt horses. Alas, she never quite grew high enough to jump herself, but she has a beautiful temperament.” Truly, Eric did not have one bad tempered bone in his body. It was quite refreshing considering who his mother was. Sarah masked her shudder of revulsion at the woman and took his arm.

“Shall we eat? I’m a little hungry.”

Eric picked up her hand and kissed it. “Of course.”

They walked into the meadow and sat beneath an oak tree not far from the crystal clear river. Sarah watched the water flow over rocks, creating little waterfalls near the shore.

Eric smiled at her and her heart thumped hard in her chest. What was he doing to her? She pulled out two glasses from the basket needing a drink more than ever to calm her nerves.

“They’ve forgotten the champagne,” she said, watching as Eric headed toward the river. He bent down beside the riverbank, his muscles bunching as he pulled on a rope. Sarah’s gaze hungrily devoured him. Was he teasing her on purpose?

“Here it is,” he said, holding up a bottle and looking rightfully pleased with himself.

Sarah held up the glasses. “I was wondering what was supposed to go in here.” Eric poured the bubbling liquid into each glass and sat back down.

He loosened his cravat and pulled off his jacket. This close, Sarah could make out the broad, muscular form beneath his shirt. A light dusting of hair peeked from his opened top and it took all of Sarah’s self-discipline not to push him down upon the cool grass and …

She grabbed a serviette and fanned her face, the day suddenly all too warm.

He searched through the picnic basket and handed Sarah a plate. She smiled her thanks then helped him dish up a meal for them both, making sure they sampled at least one of each little delicacy.

They ate in silence and Sarah looked about, taking in his magnificent estate. How lucky to have been born and raised in such an idyllic location.

Eric sat with knees bent and one arm lying lazily over his knee. She laughed when he kicked off his high-boots and flexed his stockinged feet. He threw her a cocky smile, and Sarah couldn’t wipe her own smile from her lips. Never had she thought an earl could be so … enchanting.

Enticing.

Loving.

Finishing her meal, she placed her plate back within the basket. Eric sighed and lay down, shutting his eyes. He looked so comfortable, she impulsively shifted the basket out of the way and lay down as well.

Eric opened one eye and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. “Are you trying to seduce me, Miss Baxter?”

Sarah snorted. “I’m not the one stripping my clothes off.” She grinned. “Thank you for today. I’m already having a wonderful time.” She wrapped her arm about his chest. “It’s so beautiful here, one would wish never to leave, I think.”

Eric leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I agree.”

He rolled to his side and Sarah found herself lying on her back staring up at him, dappled light coming through the trees above them.

Her breathing increased as he slid a finger down her nose and across her lips. “What are you doing?” she asked, kissing the end of his digit.

“Trying to seduce you.” Eric bit his lip and grinned. “Is it working?”

She met his gaze and was unable to look away. His deep blue eyes were enough for anyone to drown in. He was a warm, masculine, wonderful man. Not a breath of wind or sound of an animal scurrying broke the magic that hummed between them.

A pained expression crossed Eric’s face and he took a deep breath. “There is something I need to tell you, Sarah.”

Sarah pushed a lock of hair from his face. “Is it bad?” Eric took another deep breath as if to speak, but didn’t. Unease skittered across her skin. What was wrong with him?

He ran a hand over his mouth and jaw then nodded. “I’ve never done this before.”

Sarah pushed him off to sit up and face him. “Never done what before?”

He smiled and met her gaze. “Told a woman I loved her.”

Sarah shut her mouth with a snap and tried to control the half thrill, half panic racing through her body. “And are you now?”

He smiled and pulled her onto his lap. “I am. I’m utterly, devotedly in love with you.” He smiled. “And I want you to marry me.” He gave her a little shake. “Marry me, Sarah.”

Sarah shifted and straddled his legs. Never in her life had a man declared himself so honestly and with such heartfelt sentiments. Her heart ached at her inability to own what she felt herself. Dealing with her abandonment would be bad enough for Eric when she left, without piling on her own declarations, too. At the end of the season, he would hate her. Would think her a murdering tease who ruined families for the enjoyment of it.

“You said you would give me time, Eric.” She felt him tense beneath her and he frowned.