The ordinary sense of words should be adhered to unless it results in some absurdity that makes no sense whatsoever.
The personal musings of Mr. Devan Farris
As Avalon asked the midwife to inform her immediately of any change in Annie’s condition, Henri and Devan unloaded the cart with the food and supplies for Annie’s house. Avalon had completely forgotten that she’d packed the cart full for Annie and Byrnn’s use.
When the cart was empty, they said their farewells, then all left the cottage together. Henri stood waiting for her mistress to join her on the ride back to Warwyk Hall.
“I’m going to walk back, Henri. I need the exercise,” Avalon called out.
Without a word, Henri nodded then hauled herself into the driver’s seat. She grasped the reins then turned to Devan. “Vicar, may I offer you a ride to the vicarage?”
“No, thank you. If the marchioness doesn’t mind the company, I’ll walk with her.” He stole a glance in Avalon’s direction as if asking permission.
She waved Henri on. “I’ll take your company, Mr. Farris.”
Her maid smiled as if happy with the arrangement, then with a click of her tongue engaged the team of horses to set off for home.
The wind whipped Avalon’s cloak tightly around her legs, but she barely noticed as she crossed the field toward home. Her thoughts whirled with Annie and what she should do to help the woman and her family. Only when Devan held his arm out, once they reached a stile staircase over the ha-ha, did she give him any notice.
“You must think I’m horrible company,” she said as she took his proffered arm and neatly climbed the three steps to the next field.
“Not at all. You have much on your mind.” He followed her ascent, and they continued their path to Warwyk Hall. “Once I see you home, I’ll take my leave.”
“What about dinner?”
A smile tugged his lips. “Well, after today, I’m not certain you’d want any further intrusions on your evening.”
“Nonsense. I invited you to dinner.” She stopped and turned to face him. The light of the day had faded but it was still bright enough to caress his cheeks. The soft glow only enhanced his attractiveness. She could easily see why women were enamored with him.
She shook her head slightly. It was as if a magical wood nymph had cast some sort of spell, making Avalon soften her regard for him. But why should she be so surprised? He’d been comforting and helpful when she’d needed assistance with Annie. He’d not allowed her to wallow in self-pity when she’d questioned God’s plans.
There were still a few hours before dinner. “I know it’s early, but Thane will be sorely disappointed if you don’t come.”
“I never asked him, but does he know how to play chess?” Devan’s gaze grew bright.
“I don’t believe so, unless one of his governesses or tutors taught him.” They proceeded to walk to the house. “Do you play?”
“Every chance I can get.” He beamed.
His sudden smile radiated warmth, and she wanted to bask in it. If she wasn’t careful, he could easily become a habit she could grow accustomed to.
But that tiny spec of doubt, the one that sought refuge around her heart, awoke. No good would come from trusting this man too much. His brother wanted to send her son away. Only she knew what was in Thane’s best interest—not the Earl of Larkton or his brother, Devan Farris. Besides the old vicar, Mr. Knightley, all the other men in her life had disappointed her. It was too early to tell what kind of a man Devan Farris was. He could be just like the rest of them.
“I’d like to teach your son how to play. With his interest in strategy, I think it’ll help with his logic skills, which inevitably would help him with his studies.” He stopped and surveyed the land in front of him.
She stood beside him. “I guess there’s no harm in that. There’s really no risk involved. I’m not in favor of Thane learning skills of chance.”
He didn’t turn from his study of the massive garden and the accompanying maze.
“Capability Brown designed the park for the previous marchioness, my late husband’s mother. I’ve never had cause to admire it before. It truly is a lovely landscape, one that invited people to enjoy the view as they walked the grounds.”
“It’s a beautiful home Lord Warwyk has inherited,” he said amiably. “Your responsibility is immense, as it is you alone who bears the task to teach him how to protect his ancestry.” He turned his gaze to hers. “And his fortune, while keeping the estate profitable.”
His green eyes seemed to flash as brilliant as any emerald she’d ever seen in her life.
“Shall we?” He extended his gloved hand as if inviting her to continue their walk.
Without answering, she continued their walk at a brisk pace. With his long stride, he easily caught up with her, then adjusted his steps to match hers.
“I don’t know how to say this without being plainspoken, so please forgive me.”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention, and it wasn’t from the cold, as she’d pulled her fur hood to cover her head. “Go on.”
“Your son should not go to Eton.”
She stopped immediately at the happy news and placed her hand over her heart. “Thank you. I don’t know what else to say. I’m simply delighted that you share my opinion about the suitability of Eton. Thane wouldn’t be happy there.”
He narrowed his eyes and shook his head once. “You misunderstand.”
“How so?” she asked warily.
“He shouldn’t go to Eton because he’s not ready.”
“He’s not ready?” Avalon drawled as she narrowed her eyes.
Devan nodded briefly. “He’d be eaten alive by the other fellows if they even sniff how much he’s been coddled by you. Believe me, they’ll ferret it out.”
“Coddled,” she exclaimed. “He’s a sweet, gentle young man—”
“I know he is. That’s part of the problem. I was just like him when I attended Eton. On the first day, I was beaten to a bloody pulp. The other boys could sense my weakness. When I came home on break, Gavin taught me how to fight.”
“My son will not become a barbarian.” She took a step forward, and Devan stopped her progress by taking her hands in his to garner her full attention. He gazed down upon her, and the glimmer in his eyes reflected true concern.
“I didn’t have the blunt necessary to fraternize with the wealthier boys so I learned to compromise. I charmed them with my wit and good nature. Gavin and my other brothers, Niall and Hearne, taught me. I was fortunate to find true friends there. Lifelong friends. It could have turned out so different for me without my brothers.”
For a moment, she lost herself in the green depth of his eyes, then forced herself to turn away. She’d not be persuaded to change her opinion on Eton. “Thane is not suited to Eton. I need him here. There’s much to learn.” She let out a breath. “He’d never fit in.”
He gently tightened his grip on her hands. “Those are just excuses. What is the real reason you don’t want him to go?”
She bit her lip and slightly shook her head. The real reason was simple. She didn’t want Thane to be humiliated when he learned that his father had a bastard he loved more than him. She’d spare him such pain. She didn’t want to see Thane become embittered once he went away to school. Nor would she allow Richard and his edict that both sons attend Eton together have any impact on her son. He was hers to love and cherish.
“Thane wants to go to Eton. Doesn’t that count for something? He doesn’t have the support of older brothers, but I’ll help him. Avalon, he needs to learn how to interact with his peers.”
“I didn’t give you permission to call me by that,” she said sternly. It wasn’t from outrage, but a defensive position, as no one had ever faulted her as a mother. Now she had a too-handsome vicar who was a self-proclaimed heiress hunter trying to give her lessons on the proper manner of being a mother to her child.
“You didn’t, but when I called you by your name at Annie Dozier’s home, you didn’t object.” With care, he squeezed her hands. “I thought you were allowing me such a personal address, as I heard you call me Devan.” His gaze searched hers. “I liked hearing my name on your lips. I thought perhaps…”
She stared at his gloved hands holding hers. Through two layers of leather, she could feel the heat of him reaching her—filling her with a warmth she desperately needed. She closed her eyes to concentrate on his touch. “I apologize for my outburst,” she said. “I’m out of sorts.”
“It’s perfectly understandable. I apologize for my timing. I shouldn’t have brought up Thane and Eton with everything you’ve gone through today.” He squeezed her hands again briefly. “Forgive me?”
Surprised by his unpredictability, Avalon forced her gaze to his. He took her breath with the honest sincerity on his face. This man was dangerous on so many levels. If she possessed any sense, she’d send him on his way, then write the Earl of Larkton and say his brother was too familiar for her tastes and wasn’t a good fit for Thistledown.
Instead, for the first time in ages, she felt connected to a person outside of her family and staff. A man, no less. One who had a horrible reputation as a rake and a rogue, not to mention a man who possessed a talent to pick locks that thieves would envy, yet she clung to him like a buoy in a rough sea.
He’d proven his worth to her this afternoon with Annie. He hadn’t shied away when she’d needed his help even though it was common knowledge that Annie had a dissolute past. Perhaps he wasn’t as sanctimonious as she presumed.
“I forgive you if you do the same for me,” she answered.
He smiled, a true smile that seemed to light him from within. It made him breathtakingly handsome, and she inhaled deeply, catching a scent of orange, spice, and the musky scent of a man that combined into a fragrance she didn’t think she’d ever tire of. With his hair too long, and his eyes gleaming, she could easily see him sailing a ship as a privateer determined to find his fortune or perhaps that elusive heiress he sought.
For that singular moment, she wanted to be that heiress. She wanted to belong to him, and he to her in return.
My God, what was she saying? Too much fresh air had rattled her senses. This was Devan Farris, the Earl of Larkton’s brother, and all six feet plus however many inches of him were the biggest thorn she’d ever had in her side. His duty to his brother required he spy on her. He turned up wherever she was—invited or not. Plus, he called her Lady Warlock.
But most importantly, somehow during this walk on a chilly afternoon with a gray sky over their heads, the new Thistledown vicar had made her believe for the first time in a long time, she might have someone who was on her side.
Which made him not just a thorn, but a very dangerous one at that.
“Come, let’s continue before you catch a chill.” Devan took Avalon’s arm and walked toward the manor.
She nodded briefly, not really paying attention as it seemed her thoughts had traveled elsewhere.
He dipped his head to garner her focus. “Forget what I said about your son.”
“No, I want to hear your thoughts.” She exhaled a deep breath and a rush of white vapor plumes escaped. “It’s getting colder.” She tilted her gaze to his. “Do you think Annie and Mrs. Jennings are warm enough?”
“I would wager on it. By now, your Henrietta has probably sent over two footmen to keep watch over the house.” He patted her hand that rested lightly on his arm. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if during dinner we hear that she’s delivered a healthy baby girl.”
“How would you know about such things?” she challenged.
“I’m a vicar. We know everything. Including all the gossip. The odds are two to one at the village pub that Mrs. Dozier will have a girl this time.” He offered this last tidbit as a way to summon a smile from her.
And was rewarded for his effort.
“I suppose you’ve had your fair share of births and deaths in your line of work,” she acknowledged.
“Some of the happiest and saddest times of my life.” He dropped her hand and held up a low-hung branch of an oak tree that blocked their path. “But the truth is I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Do you know why?”
She shook her head and preceded him on the path. He carefully dropped the branch so it wouldn’t hit either of them in the backside, then quickly caught up with her, securing her hand around his arm once again. “It reaffirms life and all its glories.”
“I can understand that thought.” When she tilted her head to his, her hood fell back, revealing those luxurious brown curls.
It took every piece of willpower he had not to stop and feel the texture of her hair. The locks glowed like dark brown satin, and his fingers itched to play with them. Suddenly, an urge, a want, slammed into him, something that could only be called desire surged through him, heating his blood, making him want to kiss her right then and there in the cold air.
After all those years of learning how to subdue his desires, his willpower had seemed to have gone on a holiday over the last week. He swallowed and studied the landscape. He forced himself to ignore her rose scent. More importantly, he convinced himself to ignore the softness of her hand that was barely concealed by her leather gloves. The simple touch of her hand resting on his arm burned through the wool of his greatcoat and his black morning coat. It singed the linen of his shirt until his skin felt on fire.
In an act of self-preservation, he took his other hand and placed it over hers, the one resting on his arm. Though the truth was that deep down inside, he had to touch her. For this afternoon, a truce had been called between them. How long it lasted was something he didn’t want to hazard a guess at.
“What would you know about gossip?” she asked.
“Hmm?” he responded, completely distracted by her.
“You said that you knew all the gossip.” She bent closer and lowered her voice. “How would you, a newcomer to our town, know any gossip?”
“Never doubt my powers, my lady.”
She stopped and studied him with a seriousness that made him smile.
“What?” he asked.
“I believe you.”
“Meaning?” he asked.
“You do have special powers.” Her gaze drifted from the top of his head to his well-worn boots. “The only question I have is whether it’s a power from heaven or from the devil.”
He couldn’t help himself. He leaned back and laughed at the sky overhead. Though it was almost dark, the sky had turned into a marble of grays, white, and a tinge of red from the setting sun that broke through the clouds and demanded attention.
“Perhaps a bit of both,” he said through his laughter.
“I knew it all along,” she said, joining in with his amusement. “After all, I am the resident witch.”
“And a lovely one at that,” he murmured with a grin.