Read Online The Babe and the Baron by Carola Dunn - Free Book Online

revolt against her momentary weakness, she threw off the comforting garment, folding and smoothing it. With a deliberate effort, she turned her thoughts to the problems of Mrs. Forbes's children.
    She had reached no solution when she heard the clop of hooves beyond the high ilex hedge. As she headed for the small white-painted wicket gate, Gareth appeared to open it for her.
    Handing him his coat, she said, “I am not cold, I promise you. I hope your aunt did not see you without it.”
    “Not unless she happened to look out of a window at the wrong moment,” he assured her, shrugging into it, “and then she might not have recognized me, at such speed did I pass. Old Daffyd was startled half out of what few wits he possesses.”
    “Is that the gardener?” She accepted his help to climb into the gig, a smart dark blue vehicle picked out in black, with a dapple grey between the shafts. “I spoke to him but understood not a word of his reply.”
    “Daffyd understands English but speaks only Welsh. I know enough to communicate when necessary. Drat, I had not thought. We shall have to drive as far as the lane before I can turn.” At his signal the grey started down the hill between the ilex and a hawthorn hedge bright with may blossom.
    “I don't mind. It's a beautiful day for a drive. Only, I fear your surveillance of me is keeping you from your usual pursuits.”
    “I have an appointment with my steward this afternoon, but no particular business until then. Rupert went out at dawn with the dogs and a gun, as if he had not enough of guns in the army. Aunt Antonia spends her mornings conferring with Mrs. Lloyd and Cook, and writing letters. Uncle Julius is still in his workshop, having slept there, I collect. I trust he remembered to eat. And Maria never appears below stairs before noon. I am quite free to keep you under surveillance for an hour or two yet.”
    “Then could we possibly drive into the village?”
    “Of course. Do you wish to make some purchases? I hope you will not be disappointed—there is only one small shop.”
    Laura shook her head. “No, I'd just like to see the place now, but... Oh, but we cannot go. You have no hat!”
    Surprised, he touched the top of his head. “So I have not. I forgot. When I saw you in the garden from my window, I did not stop for hat and gloves.”
    “How fortunate that you were otherwise fully dressed!”
    Gareth laughed. “I'll have you know I rose and went for a gallop while you were still abed.”
    “Only because I ate breakfast in bed, to spare my maid the horrid fate of those who disobey you,” she retorted.
    “I am not such a tyrant!”
    “Merely a dictator. No, Myfanwy said you are the kindest of masters.” She observed his flush with amusement. “What is more, I enjoyed breakfast in bed and shall probably make a habit of it, for the present.”
    “Splendid.” He fell silent as they reached the lane and he neatly executed the tricky business of turning the gig in the narrow space. As they started back towards the house, he said, “Any time you wish to go to the village, one of the grooms will drive you if I am not available. Do you ride?”
    “Yes, or I was used to before my marriage. However, I doubt it would be wise at present.”
    He heaved a deep sigh of relief. “Thank heaven.”
    “May I ask one of the grooms to drive me into Ludlow?”
    “Ludlow! That's ten miles!”
    “Myfanwy tells me there is a good, cheap draper there. I must buy material and make up some gowns before I split all my seams.”
    “I shall have samples brought here for you to choose from.”
    “Thank you, but no tradesman would come so far for so little as I can afford to spend.”
    Gareth turned to her, letting the reins slacken. The placid horse continued up the hill at its own pace as he said seriously, “Cousin, while you are under my roof, I shall pay for your clothes. You will choose the best materials for your purpose, without regard to cost, and the village