Page 27

Her heart gave one thoroughly unreasonable beat. “Major Baines rode here, did he not?”

“He says his gelding requires rest after the journey.”

“Then he may take Orion.”

Edward began laughing.

Judith turned to him. “What is so amusing?”

“Nothing.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That family habit is becoming tiresome.”

“Orion? You refused Pembroke a ride on Orion only yesterday.”

“Mr. Pembroke rides as though he is engaged in a personal quarrel with whichever horse has the misfortune to carry him.”

“And Baines?”

“Major Baines was a cavalry officer.”

Edward’s grin widened. “I see.”

Judith wished cousins could be dismissed. “There is nothing to see.”

“Another nothing, forsooth.”

“Go away.”

“I came to ask whether you wished to ride.”

“I do not, thank you.”

“You always wish to ride.”

“I have work to do.”

“Of course.”

Judith gave him the look which had successfully quelled him at twelve, and found with satisfaction that it retained some power at five-and-twenty.

Edward rose. “I shall leave you to your accounts.”

“Please do.”

He reached the door before pausing.

“Jude?”

She refused to look up. “What is it now?”

“You do know Baines was watching you in the drawing room?”

Heat rose beneath her collar. “I had not noticed.”

That had been the wrong answer, of course. He knew Judith noticed everything.

“How interesting,” he murmured.