A Rumored Engagement. Lily George
Чтение книги онлайн.
Читать онлайн книгу A Rumored Engagement - Lily George страница 15
Название: A Rumored Engagement
Автор: Lily George
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Исторические любовные романы
isbn: 9781472072993
isbn:
“No, this is my first opportunity.” He cast a lighthearted grin her way and took the basket. “Wither are you bound?”
“To find food. The bounty you sent from Goodwin has dwindled.” Her responses were brief, but some of the brittleness had gone from her voice. That was a good sign.
“You could join me at the Hall for dinner.”
Susannah halted in her tracks, staring up at him with an exasperated frown. “How would that be remotely proper?”
“It wouldn’t be proper. But it might be fun. And we agreed to be friends.” He quirked an eyebrow at her. “After all, what do you care what anyone says? Aren’t you your own woman now?”
“I am, but as a working lass with my own business, I should hold myself above reproach.” She made a move to swipe the basket from him and he skipped back a pace, grinning. “Oh, do stop, Daniel. You look ridiculous, and people will see us together.”
He gave an exaggerated sigh, as though admitting defeat. “Very well, Miss Prim-and-Proper Siddons. I shall conduct myself with great deportment if you will answer my first question, about your first day. And I shall accompany you to any store you desire, so that you may buy food.”
“To the bakery, then,” Susannah ordered, pointing out the way as though he were a newcomer to the village. He stifled a grin. Susannah always was at ease ordering people about. “My day went very well, thank you. I have three new customers, all of them gentry. I think it shall turn out well. I am cautiously hopeful.”
“That is excellent news.” His heart surged with pride. Susannah could accomplish anything she set her mind to, that was for certain.
“And how was your day?” she asked, her tone polite and even. She must be adhering to her own inner conscience, reminding her that she had promised to be friendly, after all.
“ʼTwas...” He paused. While she had toiled at her shop, he’d slept, ate a vast repast, bathed and finally, at this late hour, ventured into the village in the hopes of running into her.
Not that he was seeking her out, of course. But he was interested in her little shop and how well she fared.
“’Twas quite...relaxed.” He shrugged. “Not as exciting as yours.”
“I doubt that.” She looked up at him, a smile hovering around her pretty lips. “With such a large estate? I am certain it keeps you busy morn to night.”
She halted before the bakery, the spicy scents of cinnamon and cloves beckoning them in. “I should go. I need to feed everyone and put us to bed in time for church tomorrow morning.”
“Church?” He laughed incredulously. “The closest one is St. Mary’s. In Crich. Don’t you remember? Nearly a four-mile ride.”
“Oh.” She looked crestfallen, as she bowed her head. “Yes, you are right. I haven’t been there since I was fifteen years old. I forgot how far we used to journey on Sundays. Well, I shall have to simply have my own little service in the morning. I’ve much to be thankful for, you see.”
“I see.” He handed her the basket and touched the brim of his hat. “Well, I am glad you had such a good day, Susannah. With so much to be grateful for.” He turned to go.
“Thank you, Daniel.” The warmth of her voice took him off guard. He glanced at her from under the brim of his hat and was rewarded with a smile—the first genuine one she’d bestowed on him since he’d stopped her from breaking her own door down.
He smiled back and struck out across the moor for Goodwin. Paul was gone, so he would be completely and utterly alone. He suddenly hated social conventions with a passion that startled him. How nice it would be to have dinner with Susannah and her two sisters, just as friends, nothing more.
After all, she’d made it quite clear that even friendship was a stretch after the wrong he’d done her.
Chapter Seven
The sun crept over the moors Sunday morning, illuminating their small living quarters with hazy sunlight. Susannah suppressed a shiver as she wrapped a quilt closer about her person. Already the faint chill heralded autumn’s approach. She’d have to earn a good deal of money—enough to purchase firewood, and to buy wool to make gowns for her sisters, and—oh, gracious, it was all too much.
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.