Page 24 of Discovering Her Earl

“We’re about to cross a stream,” he warned.

Her eyes widened and she slid to the side of the carriage where she could grasp the door loop.

“Deep breath,” he said when he heard the first hoof hit the timbers of the structure.

When they were across, she calmed more easily than before.

“Thank you,” she said.

“It helps to be prepared.”

She offered a small nod and fixed her skirts.

“You must think me silly.”

“Not at all. And I hope you wouldn’t think me silly if ever you see me encounter a spider. Fears are often irrational, but does it matter if I’m large enough to fend off an insect?” He tapped his temple. “If our minds think otherwise, it is as good as truth, is it not?”

She stared at him for a moment before letting out a breath and shaking her head. “You’re doing it again.”

He didn’t need to ask what she meant. He simply offered her his brightest smile.

“I daresay, by the time we arrive, you will be my biggest admirer.”

“I doubt that whole-heartedly.” She flicked a bit of imaginary lint from her skirts.

“I can dream, Miss Bantham. I can dream,” he teased.

Rather than taking offense, she simply rolled her eyes. After a few moments of silence, she cleared her throat.

“If you are ever overcome by a spider, you have only to call for me. I shall come to your aid and protect you.”

She wasn’t mocking him. Rather she seemed completely serious. As if she wanted to reassure him as he had done for her.

Whether she’d wanted it or not, they had certainly become friends.

They arrived at Dalkeith Castle in the Highlands the following afternoon.

Julian explained that the grand, stone house was only a short distance from the castle ruins they would be exploring.

“It will be nice to spend our evenings in such comfort after spending our days digging about in the dirt like savages.”

This would be their home for the next two months. And until the Leightons arrived, they would be living there alone but for his staff.

“I imagine this is far different than our accommodations in Egypt?” he asked.

“Yes. Quite.” Her answer was short, as it often was on the occasions they spoke of the trip to Africa. As if she were unwilling to confirm he would be going.

It didn’t stop him from testing her resolve. He hoped to catch her off guard and get her to admit she planned to include him. He was much too impatient for such things as surprises or waiting to hear news on something.

This was torture.

“Mr. and Mrs. Leighton should already be here.” She seemed so happy to see the other couple. As if desperate to have a reason to get away from him.

He assisted her from the carriage when it stopped. It was a pleasant day though the skies to the east threatened to bring foul weather.

A few servants emerged from the house and Julian smiled when he noticed one of them as his valet.

“Ben, I hope your journey was without trouble.”