Kitty did not know whether to be glad or sorry that the visit to Hestonroyd Mill attracted so little interest from Lord Harworth’s guests. On the one hand she would have been glad to discuss all she had seen there, but she was aware that any such discussions must involve mention of Daniel Blackwood and she would much rather not talk about him. She did not even want to think about him, but the wretched man kept coming into her head and cutting up her peace quite dreadfully.
He had not spoken a word to her once Lord Harworth and Ann had joined them on the road outside the mill and when he escorted them back to their carriage she heard him tell Lord Harworth that he would be too busy to call at Kirkleigh again for several weeks.
Kitty was determined to put him out of her mind. She knew the best thing to do was to stay busy so she made great efforts to keep herself occupied. The dry sunny weather continued and the guests at Kirkleigh whiled away their time with pleasant diversions. The younger members of the party played bowls and amused themselves in the gardens while the gentlemen rode, fished and shot and the older ladies spent most of their time reclining in easy chairs, fanning themselves and complaining of the heat.
Ann was determined that nothing should spoil their ride to Titchwell and resisted Lady Leaconham’s suggestions that they should postpone the visit until the weather was cooler.
‘Pho, Aunt, we are not such fragile creatures that we shall melt under a little sunshine. What say you, Kitty, are you not bored with sitting around the house? Do you not long to ride out in this glorious weather?
‘No, I am not bored,’ said Kitty, who was spending the long, lazy days at Kirkleigh practising upon the pianoforte, writing long letters to her mother or filling her sketchbook with scenes to show Mama and Aunt Jane when she returned home. ‘I am a little nervous of riding out with you,’ she confessed. ‘Selby is very encouraging about my ability, but I am still very much a beginner…’
‘You will be perfectly safe with us,’ Ann assured her. ‘We will enjoy the odd gallop but in the main we will keep to the lanes, so there will be no fences or ditches to cross.’ She dropped her voice so that only Kitty could hear her. ‘And think how wonderful not to have my aunt, or Mama or even Bertram telling us how to go on!’
Tuesday dawned fine and clear, and spirits were high when the young people gathered at the breakfast table. Lady Leaconham was still uneasy and pointed to the strong sunshine as a reason for deferring the ride.
‘To be out of doors in the height of summer, exposed to the elements for hours on end,’ she said. ‘Just think of the damage to your complexions.’
Ann was quick to disclaim.
‘We will have our bonnets, Aunt, and we can always stop under the trees if we need to rest.’
‘But you cannot dismount,’ objected Lady Leaconham. ‘Who will look after your horses if you do not take your groom?’
‘You may be easy, Mama,’ put in Garston. ‘Hamilton, Camber and I will be there to take care of the ladies.’
‘Let them be, Letitia,’ said Lady Harworth before her sister could speak again. ‘Young people must be allowed a little freedom. And what harm can they come to as long as they are on our land?’
‘But what if one of them should fall…?’
Kitty could see that her godmother was not reassured and she gave her a quick hug.
‘Do not worry, ma’am, we will be riding directly to Titchwell and back again. I am not proficient enough for anything more than the gentlest of rides, is that not so, Ann?’
‘We will proceed with great decorum, I promise,’ said Ann, twinkling. ‘You may expect to see us back here in very good time for dinner!’
In high good humour the riders gathered in the stable yard an hour later. There were several minutes of noisy confusion as the horses were brought out and everyone mounted up. Kitty looked askance at Selby as he walked up to her, leading a very pretty grey mare.
‘Dapple has cast a shoe,’ explained the groom. ‘The mistress ordered Bianca to be saddled for you.’
Kitty eyed the mare doubtfully. She had grown used to the little pony and although the grey mare looked beautiful, she doubted she would be quite as docile as Dapple. She was obliged to take an extra step up on the mounting block to reach the saddle and she tried not to feel too nervous as she gathered up the reins.
‘Just remember all I’ve taught you, miss,’ said Selby as he adjusted the stirrup and checked the girth. ‘She’s a sturdy little mare, and will carry you all day without flagging, never fear.’
‘I seem so much further from the ground,’ said Kitty, trying a little laugh.
‘You will be safe enough on Bianca,’ said Ann soothingly. ‘She has no vicious habits. And if we get separated,’ she added, as she turned to lead the way out of the yard, ‘just give Bianca her head: she knows her way home!’
It did not take Kitty long to settle on to her new mount and she soon felt very comfortable in the saddle. Ann suggested they should gallop through the park and Kitty found the mare’s speed exhilarating. It was gratifying to be able to keep up with her friends and their compliments upon her ability helped her to relax and enjoy the long ride into Titchwell. The landlord of the Star was looking out for them and his stable lads were waiting to take charge of the horses as soon as they arrived.
Kitty allowed one of the diminutive stable boys to catch at the reins, holding the mare steady while Mr Hamilton ran over to help her dismount. Ann had already jumped nimbly to the ground and was gazing intently at a paper nailed to the doorpost as Kitty and her escort walked across the yard.
‘Now what is that, Miss Ann?’ demanded Mr Hamilton, laughing. ‘What has caught your attention?’
Ann quickly tore down the paper handed it to Garston, who uttered a laugh.
‘A little added entertainment,’ he said, tucking the paper into his pocket as they all followed the landlord into the hostelry. Miss Camber and her brother immediately demanded to know what he meant, but Garston merely shook his head, and when they applied to Ann she would only smile mysteriously.
‘Come now, tell us what is on that paper,’ cried Mr Hamilton as they settled themselves around the table in their private dining room.
‘Something very dear to Miss Wythenshawe’s heart,’ announced Ann.
Kitty looked up.
‘I am sure I do not know what that might be.’
Garston pulled out the paper.
‘An Abolition meeting,’ he read. ‘At Harper’s Field, Chapeltown, this afternoon. Members of the Anti-Slavery Movement will address the meeting.’ He looked up. ‘These meetings are happening everywhere: I think it is time I attended one. Doesn’t do to be behindhand, you know.’
‘Chapeltown is not far from here,’ said Ann. ‘We could go there this afternoon.’
‘But we promised Papa we would go directly back to Kirkleigh,’ objected Miss Camber.
‘It is only a little deviation from our route,’ said Garston, studying the paper. ‘The meeting is for two o’clock: no doubt it will be over by three and if we do not tarry, we will still be back in plenty of time for dinner.’
‘Is Chapeltown part of Lord Harworth’s estate?’ enquired George Camber.
Ann waved one white hand.
‘It is only a couple of miles outside the boundary.’ She pouted. ‘I should have thought that you of all people would want to go, Kitty. You were very keen to support the cause in London.’
‘I am still a supporter, but this is not what we planned…’
‘We planned to spend the day riding.’ Mr Hamilton grinned. ‘If we were to take a look at the meeting on our way home it can do no harm.’
‘Perhaps Mr Clarkson will be there with his box.’ Ann turned to Miss Camber, her eyes wide. ‘You should have seen him, Lizzie, he pulled out thumbscrews and leg-shackles, all designed to subdue the poor slaves. I vow I almost fainted at the sight of such gruesome articles.’
‘By Jove, I wish I had been there!’ declared George Camber. ‘By all means let us ride over after lunch and take a look.’
‘We need not stay long,’ added Garston, ‘We do not want to be late for dinner.’
‘And I should like to see what this Clarkson has to say,’ added Mr Hamilton.
‘Let us take a vote upon it!’ cried Ann. ‘Who would like to ride over to Chapeltown when we have finished our meal?’
Kitty remained silent, but the others were all in favour. She tried to hide her unease. She guessed that a large crowd meeting in the open air might not be quite so well behaved as those gathered in Lombard Street. Something of her thoughts showed in her face, for Ann reached over and gripped her hand.
‘Do cheer up, Kitty. You were doubtful about the meeting in London, were you not? And those fears were quite unfounded.’
‘It did pass off very well,’ Kitty admitted.
‘And so will this one,’ said Ann. ‘Besides, this time we have three gentlemen to look after us.’
Mr Hamilton reached for the bottle of wine.
‘Don’t you worry, Miss Wythenshawe,’ he said comfortably. ‘We will take care of you all. And if we don’t like the look of the meeting, we can always ride away.’
‘Good notion, Hamilton.’ Garston nodded. ‘Is that the last of the bottle? Waiter, bring us more wine, and hurry!’
Because of their proposed detour the little party did not tarry over their lunch and they were soon on their way again, not riding back towards Kirkleigh but taking the road south to Chapeltown. It was a glorious day and the trilling song of a lark accompanied them as they rode between the thick green hedges that marked the lower valleys and provided a contrast with the dry stone walls of the hill farms. As they approached Chapeltown the road became noticeably busier.
‘No need to fret about getting lost,’ grinned Mr Hamilton, bringing his horse alongside Kitty’s mare. ‘I have just spoken to one of the men. He is a local, and says everyone is going to Harper’s Field. All we need do is to follow the crowd.’
Ahead of them Kitty could see the people stepping off the road and into a field, where a number of carts and carriages were already drawn up close to a small copse, taking advantage of the shade. One farm cart had been stationed out in the open, and Kitty guessed it was to act as an improvised stage for the group of serious-looking gentlemen standing close by. She looked around. From her vantage point in the saddle she had a good view of the whole area. There were one or two better-dressed gentlemen sitting in the carriages under the trees, but the large crowd comprised mainly working men. Farm labourers, she guessed, with a few women amongst them and a noisy crowd of very young men in one corner that she thought could well be apprentices.
‘You see,’ said Ann, ‘everyone is perfectly amiable.’
‘They are also perfectly noisome,’ giggled Lizzie Camber, holding a handkerchief to her nose. ‘Let us move away from the crowd, shall we?’
‘Aye,’ agreed her brother. ‘We could tether the horses in the shade. That fellow over there has a flagon of ale. I wonder if he would sell it to me. It’s dashed hot here today.’
‘Good idea, George. Let’s get the ladies into the shade and we’ll come back and ask him.’
They began to walk their horses towards the trees. Kitty noticed that more people were arriving, one or two on horseback but most were walking, including a large group of rough-looking men who strode purposefully into the field. Very quickly the festival atmosphere disappeared. The late-comers were carrying thick sticks that they brandished threateningly. The air was now full of menace and Kitty watched, horrified, as they began to force their way through the crowd, lashing out at anyone who got in their way. Angry roars replaced the laughter and chatter as fighting broke out amongst the men. Kitty looked towards the apprentices. With a loud halloo they charged into the crowd, fists flying. Behind her she heard Garston utter an oath.
‘We should get out of here,’ he said sharply. ‘Camber, look to your sister. Ann, Kitty, come along.’
They turned towards the gate, but Kitty could see that their exit was blocked by even more people pouring into the field. Behind her, shouts and yells filled the air: men were grappling with each other, women screamed and people were running in all directions, trying to avoid the rough-looking men brandishing the cudgels.
‘This way!’ shouted George Camber, turning his horse about, but everywhere they looked there were groups of men, fighting. Lizzie Camber began to cry.
The crowd was spilling out around them. A man cannoned into Ann’s mare, which reared and snorted nervously. Garston pushed his own horse closer and urged Ann to move away. Kitty fought down her nerves, trying not to snatch at the reins as Bianca sidled and fretted beneath her. A scream made her look round. A woman with a baby in her arms was being pursued by a black-jowled man in a leather waistcoat. The woman was turning, using her body to shield the child from the blows he was aiming at her with his short staff. The man was gaining on his victim; another few strides and his huge paw would close on her shoulder and she would be lost.
Without thinking Kitty kicked Bianca, forcing the horse between the woman and her attacker.
‘No! Leave her alone, you fiend!’
The man pulled up quickly and narrowly avoided crashing into Bianca. He raised his head and glared at Kitty, his face contorted with rage. With a snarl he lifted his stick, whether to attack Kitty or Bianca she did not know, but even as she tried to move the mare out of the way, a huge black horse thundered up, its rider kicking out one booted foot to knock her assailant to the ground.
‘Daniel!’ Kitty gazed at her saviour, dizzy with relief.
He said nothing, merely grabbed at her reins and led her away from the immediate danger. Ann and the others trotted up. Kitty noticed that George Camber was riding very close to his sister, who was sobbing quietly.
‘Blackwood, thank heaven—’ began Mr Hamilton, but Daniel cut him short.
‘We need to get out of here, immediately.’
Garston nodded, looking pale.
‘I know,’ he said, ‘but the gateway is blocked with carriages and men fighting…’
‘We will have to jump the hedge,’ said Daniel shortly. ‘The longer we delay the more chance that we will be attacked. Go on,’ he ordered as George Camber began to protest. ‘We must get the ladies out of here!’ He held Bianca’s rein to prevent her following as the others set off towards the far corner of the field. He turned to Kitty. ‘You will have to jump, too. What practice have you had?’
She swallowed, her eyes fixed on Ann as she galloped up to the hedge and flew over it, skirts billowing around her.
‘A few small jumps with Dapple, nothing at all with this horse…’
‘This is Miss Harworth’s mare, is it not? I cannot imagine her keeping a horse that could not clear a barn.’ Daniel let go of the rein and rested his hand briefly over hers. ‘You can do it, Kitty. Follow me, hold on tight and leave everything to the mare.’ Kitty nodded and Daniel squeezed her fingers. His eyes crinkled as he gave her a quick smile. ‘Good girl!’
Another shout told them the mêlée was closing in on them again. Daniel kicked his horse into a trot and Kitty followed. Soon they were cantering across the grass. They were obliged to swerve to avoid a running man, but Kitty kept her eyes fixed on Daniel riding ahead of her, trying not to think of the hedge looming like a solid green wall in the distance. It was not high; she could see the others gathered on the far side, waiting for them. She forced herself not to pull on the reins and instead tried to push down on to the saddle, tightening her leg firmly around the pommel and struggling to remember everything Selby had taught her.
Daniel’s horse took the hedge with barely a break in its stride, then it was Kitty’s turn. She felt Bianca check slightly and gave her a little flick with her whip, urging her forwards. Suddenly the mare pushed off from her haunches and they were flying through the air, clearing the hedge easily and landing gracefully on the far side. The jolt as they hit the ground almost unseated Kitty, but she clung on, aware of her friends’ cheers as they applauded her. She realised she had been holding her breath and let out a huge sigh as she straightened in the saddle and pulled on the reins to bring Bianca to a walk.
Nothing happened.
Bianca continued to canter across the field with Kitty pulling ineffectually on the reins. She heard Lizzie Camber scream, her brother shouted in alarm, but Bianca’s pace only quickened. They were galloping away from Harper’s Field and Kitty could do nothing to stop the mare’s headlong flight.
Kitty tried to relax her tense hands on the reins and commanded herself not to panic. She needed to concentrate upon keeping her balance and staying in the saddle. Bianca showed no inclination to swerve or buck but she had the bit between her teeth and was in no mood to slow down. Kitty managed a quick look behind and was relieved to see Daniel pursuing her. She settled into the saddle: his horse was so much bigger and faster, he could not fail to catch her very soon, she knew it.
By a cruel twist of fate the short turf was giving way to bracken and rough heathland with a narrow track through it, wide enough for a single horse. Kitty’s heart sank a little: Daniel would only be able to follow her. She tried tugging on the reins again, but Bianca’s neck was rigid, her ears flattened and she had no intention of stopping. There was nothing for it but to hang on.
‘Very well,’ muttered Kitty. ‘Run if you must, you will tire eventually.’
On and on they went, the mare negotiating the twists and turns of the path with sure-footed ease. The others would follow her, she was sure, even though she dared not look around: she needed to keep her eyes on the path if she was not to be thrown off balance with any slight change of direction. The shouts and screams of the crowd had long ago disappeared and now the only sound was the thud of hooves and the creak of leather. The wind tugged at her bonnet, the ribbons came loose and she was unable to take a hand from the reins to prevent it being whipped away. As they rode further on to the moors she felt its chill seeping through her riding jacket. The path took a sudden upward turn and the mare’s headlong pace began to slow. Kitty seized her chance. She pulled hard on the reins and felt the mare respond, slowing to a walk just as the track widened.
Almost immediately Daniel was beside her. He reached over and caught the mare’s bridle, bringing both horses to a stand. Kitty realised she was shaking.
‘I c-couldn’t stop her.’
‘You did very well not to fall off.’
She managed a small smile.
‘Yes, I think so, too. Where are the others?’
‘I sent them home. If none of you arrives in time for dinner there will be panic at Kirkleigh.’
She nodded, then frowned at him.
‘But what were you doing in Harper’s Field?’
‘I know several members of the Anti-Slavery Society in this area. I had heard there was to be an open-air meeting at Chapeltown but it was only this morning that I realised how close you would be if you rode to Titchwell.’
‘So you came to join us?’
‘No! I came to get you away,’ he retorted. ‘These outdoor gatherings often end in rioting. I rode to the Star to tell you that you should avoid Chapeltown on your return journey, but I arrived too late. The landlord told me you had already set out for the meeting.’
‘I did not realise.’ Kitty shivered. ‘Everything started so well…’
‘Aye, that’s the devil of it. The innocent and the curious find themselves caught up in violence. Those opposed to the movement often pay gangs of men to break up open meetings such as this one. There’s more than one man in this area that would not be above such tricks.’
‘Do—do you mean they c-came with the sole purpose of fighting?’ Kitty shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. ‘I thought it was merely the heat, and too much ale…’ She swayed in the saddle and Daniel quickly slipped from his horse.
‘Come,’ he said. ‘You should rest a little.’
She kicked her foot free of the stirrup and slid down into his waiting arms.
‘I d-do not think my legs will hold me.’
‘They will not need to.’ In one smooth movement he swept her up, just as everything went black.
When Kitty opened her eyes she could not at first remember what had happened. She was lying on a bed of soft bracken, the smell of peat and hum of insects filling her senses. She moved her head and saw Daniel standing beside the horses. He had removed his jacket and waistcoat and was wiping the sweat from Bianca with handfuls of dried grass, his arm sweeping over the mare’s flanks in a smooth, graceful arc. As if aware of her eyes upon him he turned, and after giving the mare a final pat he threw away the makeshift brush and strode towards her.
‘So you are awake.’ He dropped down beside her. ‘How do you feel now?’
She did not answer immediately and instead looked sleepily at the way the slight breeze rippled the fine linen of his shirt, outlining the muscled body beneath. She closed her eyes again as the pleasant image was marred by returning memory. She struggled to sit up and immediately his arm was around her shoulders, supporting her.
‘Oh, dear,’ she muttered, ‘how…how feeble of me to faint off like that. I must get up…’
‘Do not try to stand just yet. There is no hurry.’
‘But there is! I must get back to Kirkleigh before dark.’
‘Impossible.’ Kitty stopped struggling. He said, ‘It is at least two hours’ ride and the sun is setting. We will ride as far as we can while it is still light, then we must take shelter until the moon rises. You are very pale,’ he added quietly. ‘I wish I had something for you to drink…’
She dragged up a smile.
‘I will be very well again in a moment. You have done more than enough for me already, coming to my rescue.’
He shrugged. ‘That was nothing; you had already regained control when I reached you.’
‘No, not for following after me, although I am very grateful to you for doing so! I meant back at the meeting, when that man was about to attack…’
She shivered and as his arm tightened around her it seemed quite natural to shrink towards him and rest her head against his chest.
‘I would not let anyone harm you.’
His words and the solid, steady thud of his heart beneath her cheek was very soothing. She closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar, reassuring scent of him, a mix of wool, soap and spices.
‘You are a good friend to me, Daniel.’
He did not reply, merely squeezed her fingers and for several minutes they sat together in silence, staring out across the heath. It was so peaceful that Kitty was almost disappointed when Daniel suddenly jumped to his feet.
‘We should move on, if you are able.’
He put on his waistcoat and shrugged himself into his jacket. His tone was brisk and Kitty felt a stab of guilt. No doubt he had made plans for this evening and they would now be ruined.
‘Yes, of course,’ she said quietly. ‘I feel much better now.’
Silently she took the hand he held out to her and allowed him to pull her up. He walked her over to the grey mare and without ceremony he put his hands about her waist and threw her up lightly into the saddle. She looked down at him, a slight frown creasing her brow as he adjusted her stirrup. His face was stern, almost forbidding, but as if aware of her gaze he glanced up.
‘Do not look so anxious,’ he said gently. ‘You will be back at Kirkleigh soon after midnight.’
‘Yes, of course. It is very good of you to give up your time for me like this.’
His brows rose.
‘Would you have preferred to find your way alone?’
‘No, of course not, but the others…’
‘They were all shaken by what they had witnessed. Miss Camber especially was very distressed. I thought it best they should return together. Besides, Marnie was by far the fastest horse, so it was logical for me to come after you.’
His answer was so matter of fact she felt quite daunted and did not venture to speak again. He scrambled into the saddle and led the way across the heath towards the road that could be seen snaking through the valley below them. As they rode Kitty watched a line of thick grey cloud bubbling up in the west. As soon as the path widened she brought Bianca alongside Daniel’s black mare.
‘When the sun drops behind that cloud it will very soon grow too dark to go on.’
He nodded. ‘We have a little time yet: we will head for the road. It will be easier to find shelter down there. I doubt you had anticipated such an adventurous day’s ride, Miss Wythenshawe.’
‘Certainly not!’ She tried to match his bantering tone. ‘I expected the most exciting part of the day would be a short gallop.’
‘Lord Harworth will take care not to let you go out alone in future.’
‘Will he be very angry, do you think?’
‘No, no. He will be anxious, of course, but you may have noticed that his sister can wind him around her finger.’ A smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. ‘My own sister is just such a minx!’ He paused. ‘Harworth is a good man at heart, and a responsible landlord. However, there is a lot he has to learn about running a mill.’
‘And can you teach him that?’ she asked, turning her head to look at him.
‘I shall try. It is something I have grown up with.’
‘Has your family always been involved in spinning?’
‘With cloth, certainly. My grandfather was a merchant. He was obliged to travel widely throughout the north, collecting pieces—woven sections of cloth—from the weavers who lived in the little villages throughout the area. He traded in all sorts of cloth, calimancoes, serges, camlets and so on. Grandfather encouraged his younger sons to build a mill, just over the Pennines in Lancashire. Using Arkwright’s new cotton machines they soon had a thriving business. My uncle still owns that mill, but my father wanted to return to Hestonroyd so he built his first mill there. I grew up with the business. I have worked beside my father in each new venture.’
‘It must be very rewarding.’
‘It is, but it is not to be undertaken lightly.’
Daniel began to explain to her about the responsibilities of a mill owner and she listened, fascinated as he told her how his father had built sturdy new cottages for the workers, schools for the children, about the doctor he employed to make regular visits to his mills. She put in questions occasionally, but they were hardly necessary: he was eager to talk.
‘Why are you telling me all this, Mr Blackwood?’ she asked him, when at last he fell silent. ‘Do you explain your business to everyone in such detail?’
He did not answer her immediately, but kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead of them.
‘Lord Harworth has excellent intentions,’ he said at last. ‘But I fear that he may not understand that a mill requires constant supervision. It is easy to be tempted into cutting costs and making short-term profits at the expense of the workers. I believe that you will be in a position to remind him of his duties, when other interests distract him.’
‘I—I fear I do not understand,’ she stammered.
‘You will be able to look after the welfare of your people, when you are Lady Harworth.’
The sudden disappearance of the sun made Kitty aware of the chill breeze cutting through her riding jacket.
‘I…I think you are mistaken,’ she muttered. ‘L-Lord Harworth has not made me an offer.’
‘Perhaps not, but it is his intention to do so.’ He glanced at her, his face shuttered. ‘It is what you want, is it not?’
‘I—’ Kitty swallowed. ‘Why…yes, I suppose…’
‘As Lady Harworth you will be in a position of influence,’ he said. ‘You will be able to ensure your mill-workers are treated well. Yours will be a very important role.’
Kitty was silent. So Daniel, too, thought Lord Harworth would offer for her. She bit her lip. Surely she should be happier than this at the prospect, but all she felt was confusion. The darkness that was enveloping them seemed to enter her very being, weighing her down.
‘We will have to stop soon.’ He pointed to a rocky out-crop looming over them. It had been quarried away to form a large semi-circular space beside the road. ‘We could shelter there for an hour or so, or we could go on; there should be an inn somewhere along this road…’
‘Let us stop here,’ Kitty begged, exhausted as much by the tumult raging within as by her ordeal.
They moved into the shelter of the rocks and Daniel lifted Kitty from her horse. This time he released her almost before her feet touched the ground, increasing her feeling of desolation.
While Daniel saw to the horses she walked over to sit on a low ledge that formed a natural bench, the stone rising smooth and sheer at her back. Night fell rapidly. Bianca became a vague grey shape and she could not make out the black horse at all. When Daniel turned and walked towards her she could see only the pale blur of his face and his white neckcloth.
‘What if the cloud moves in to cover the sky?’ she asked him, a slight edge of panic in her voice. ‘What if there is no moonlight?’
‘There will be. The cloud is breaking up already.’ He sat down beside her and they both leaned back against the hard stone. Kitty was very conscious of the gap between them. It was only a few inches but it was as if Daniel had put up a barrier between them. He continued, ‘The moon will rise in a couple of hours. As soon as it is high enough to light our way we will move on.’
‘Until then we must sit here.’
‘Yes.’
Kitty shivered.
‘Are you cold?’
‘A little.’ She put out her hand, saying quickly, ‘No, I would not take your jacket! If we could sit a little closer…’
He put his arms around her.
‘Is that better?’
‘Yes, thank you.’
She leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. Would any other man make her feel so comfortable? she wondered.
‘You are always coming to my rescue, Daniel,’ she said sleepily. ‘In another life you would have been a knight, I think. A knight in armour. Rescuing damsels.’
There is only one damsel I would ever wish to rescue.
Daniel glanced down. He could see very little in the darkness but he felt her curls tickling his chin. Desire stirred within him and he cursed silently. Damnation, did she not realise the temptation she presented?
‘I am not as chivalrous as you think me,’ he muttered.
She raised her head.
‘Why do you say that?’
Her face was very close, a pale blur in the darkness. He could feel her warm breath on his cheek.
‘Because being here with you in my arms, I want to…’
He turned his head slightly and his mouth brushed her soft lips, as he had known it would. She trembled but did not recoil and he kissed her gently, savouring the taste of her, the scent of fresh flowers that clung to her skin. Her lips parted beneath his even as she melted against him, the movement slight but deliciously inviting. Slowly and with great care he lowered her down on to the ledge, half-hoping, half-dreading that she would protest and he would be obliged to draw back. Instead she gave a little moan and clutched at his coat, pulling him down with her. They were stretched out together and Daniel thought he would never want a more comfortable bed than this stone ledge with Kitty nestled against him. Passion threatened to consume him. By sheer force of will he contained it. With infinite tenderness he kissed her eyes, her cheek. He had no idea when she had removed her gloves but he felt her fingers driving through his hair, tormenting him with thoughts of how it would feel to have those same hands on his skin, stroking his chest, the fingers raking down his back. He sought her mouth again and while he kissed her he smoothed his hand over the tightly fitted riding jacket, following the curve of her waist up to the swell of her breast. Kitty shivered and arched towards his hand. His pulse leaping, Daniel unbuttoned the jacket. He gently pulled aside her neckcloth and opened the mannish shirt she wore beneath. It was too dark to see anything but shadows so he lowered his head and pressed his lips to the bare flesh of her neck. Kitty moaned as his fingers slipped beneath the shirt and found her breast. She shifted restlessly against his hand, her body arching when his mouth slid downwards, his tongue circling and teasing one erect nipple while his fingers caressed the other. Kitty gasped. Her hands clutched at his hair but she did not try to pull him away, rather she held him closer. She moaned and writhed beneath him, every movement an invitation for him to go further. If only she knew it.
Daniel’s hand stilled. Her responses were instinctive; she had no idea how she inflamed him. Any man could be excused for taking this to its natural conclusion.
But he was not any man.
‘Daniel?’
She whispered his name, her hand reaching out. He caught it and pressed a kiss into its palm, trying to control his ragged breathing.
‘We must stop now, my dear, before we do something we will regret.’ It was too dark to read her face but he sensed her confusion. He leaned down to kiss her one last time. ‘You are too, too alluring.’ He spoke lightly, not wanting to embarrass her. ‘I confess this is a delightful way to pass the time but it will not do. You are as good as promised to another man.’
He waited for her to contradict him. When she remained silent his disappointment was bitter as gall. She struggled to sit up.
‘We—we are destined to bring out the worst in each other, are we not?’ There was a catch in her voice, as if she was trying not to cry.
The worst? Is that what she thought of his love-making? He was aware of her every move as she sat beside him, re-tying her neckcloth and fastening her jacket. His senses were heightened so much that when she touched his arm he flinched.
‘Do you mind if we sit like this?’ Her tone was hesitant, anxious. ‘I am not comfortable, alone in the dark, but if it disturbs you…’
He put his hand over her fingers.
‘There is nothing to be afraid of here.’
‘You are not angry with me?’
‘Angry with you? No, never.’
‘Then you will let me sit here, beside you?’
He signalled his acquiescence by squeezing her hand.
‘It will not be long now.’ He stared up at the sky, a vast velvet curtain studded with diamonds. ‘Look, the cloud has dispersed. As soon as the moon rises we will move on.’
Daniel settled back on the ledge and beside him Kitty made herself comfortable. When her head dropped to his shoulder he did not move away. Nothing stirred. The starlight was sufficient to see a faint line where the land ended and the sky began but little else. A few feet away the horses stood quietly, Kitty’s grey mare a paler blur in the darkness.
Daniel did not sleep. His senses remained alert to the sounds of the night, the distant call of a night bird, the rustle of some animal in the bushes. A sigh escaped him. He could wish for nothing more than to be allowed to sit here for ever with this girl-woman beside him, but all too soon they would have to return to their worlds—very different worlds, for she was destined to be Lady Harworth. It was her wish, her dream, was it not? Sometimes he thought she cared for him and when she returned his kisses he was aware of the passion within her, but that was for her husband to awaken, not him. She snuggled closer and he had to grit his teeth to keep his desire for her under control, to sit perfectly still when he really wanted to pull her into his arms and cover her face with kisses.
Why did he not do just that? Why not keep her here all night? She would have given herself to him earlier this evening, so why did he not kiss her again, re-awaken her desire and make love to her? If they did not return to Kirkleigh until morning her reputation would be ruined—there could be no question of Harworth marrying her then. He gazed up at the stars but although they winked and twinkled at him they gave him no encouragement.
Daniel closed his eyes. If he took advantage of her, what future could there be for them? He would make her his wife, but would she always resent him for forcing her into marriage? With sudden, blinding clarity he knew what he wanted: he wanted Kitty to choose him and only him. But it had to be her free choice; he did not want to force the decision on her.
So he would ask her to marry him. Not now of course, when she might think he was only doing it to save her reputation, but once they were back at Kirkleigh. He would make her an offer; present himself as a suitor to rival Bertram Harworth. A silent laugh shook him. He had never made any great show of his family’s wealth but perhaps it was time to puff himself off a little. Even without the land and mills he would inherit from his father, his own fortune was comparable with Harworth’s. He would tell Kitty as much: she should choose her own future.
And his.
The decision made, Daniel was impatient to be moving. Beside him, Kitty’s regular breathing told him she was sleeping and he turned his head to press a light kiss on her tumbled curls before settling back to watch the horizon for the first signs of the rising moon.
Kitty heard Daniel’s voice calling her. As she awoke she realised her head was resting on his shoulder, the soft wool of his jacket pressing against her cheek. She was reluctant to open her eyes: it was so comfortable to be snuggled up beside Daniel, just the two of them alone together. She really did not want to think about anything else. He spoke her name again and reluctantly she sat up, yawning.
‘Oh!’ A fat, butter-yellow moon was resting on the rim of the far hills. ‘Is it time to go?’
‘Very soon. You have been asleep for some time: perhaps you would like to stretch your legs a little before we begin our long ride back?’
He stood up and held out his hand to her. She allowed him to pull her to her feet.
‘Daniel, what happened here, earlier—I was too forward, I must apologise…’
He put a finger to her lips.
‘Hush. There is no need to say anything.’
‘But I want to—’
‘Once we are back at Kirkleigh this will all be forgotten.’
She gazed up at him, trying to pierce the shadows that masked his face. Did he mean that he wanted to forget? She wanted to talk about it, to know if he too felt that irresistible tug of attraction whenever they were together. That he desired her she had no doubt, but Mr Ashley had desired her, and she knew that did not mean he really liked her. She wanted to ask him to explain himself but Daniel was already leading her across to Bianca. Silently she allowed him to throw her up into the saddle. Then, with the moon climbing in the night sky and turning the world from black to silver-blue, they set off along the road to Kirkleigh.
Kitty had never been on a horse for more than an hour before today and now her body ached, but that was nothing compared to the pain inside. When she thought of Daniel kissing her she found herself melting all over again. She could not deny that she had wanted him to kiss her. Once again she had offered herself to him and once again he had been the one to break away. She thought that he must indeed care for her to be so protective, but that was small consolation and the heavy cloud settled more firmly around her heart. He did not desire her sufficiently to declare the world well lost when she was in his arms. She glanced across at him as he rode beside her. There was no sign of fatigue in his upright figure; his face in the moonlight was unsmiling, as still and inscrutable as stone. He might have been hewn from the quarry where they had taken shelter.
‘Is anything amiss, Miss Wythenshawe?’ He looked across at her.
Kitty hesitated. Should she ask him why he had not taken advantage of her? Perhaps she had disgusted him. Her godmother had talked with contempt of the forward behaviour of some of the young ladies in Town, and had not Mama told her that on no account was she to allow a gentleman to go any further than kissing the tips of her fingers? She had allowed Daniel to do a lot more than that!
‘I am very tired,’ she managed at last. ‘I have never ridden so far before.’
‘And you have done very well. Look, there is Kirkleigh village ahead of us. Another half-hour and this nightmare will be over. You will be home.’
She nodded, too miserable to speak. So he thought of this whole episode with horror. For her, once the danger was past she had thought of it as a glorious adventure: the elation of successfully jumping the hedge, galloping headlong across the heath, kissing Daniel. Especially kissing Daniel.
I am undoubtedly a very wanton young woman, she told herself miserably. And after tonight I should not be surprised if Godmama sends me back to Mama and wishes to have nothing further to do with me!