Miss Winbolt and the Fortune Hunter by Sylvia Andrew Page A

greatcare to see that you’re not…upset again.’ Another pause. ‘I promise.’ She looked at him un certainly.
    â€˜Come, there’s still some time left,’ he said persuasively. ‘Your brother gave us an hour and, to be honest, I would prefer to see you easier in your mind before you go back to them. Try to trust me.’ He waited for her reply, surprised at how important it was to him.
    â€˜I suppose we could walk as far as the folly,’ she said slowly. ‘Rosa won’t mind waiting a little longer—the sun is warm, and she is always happy in Philip’s company.’
    William hid his relief, keeping his voice casual as he said, ‘They seem a devoted couple.’
    â€˜They are. They are exactly right for each other.’
    There was an opening there for what he wanted to say, but as they walked up between the trees he was careful to keep the conversation once again on conventional grounds. This was not the right moment for what he hoped to find out from his com pan ion. Not yet. He asked her further about her interest in gardens and listened to her comments on the plants and trees she had found in Charlwood’s grounds. Once or twice he even coaxed a smile from her. By the time they had reached the folly she was completely at her ease again, and before re turning they sat for a short while on the steps. The view in the late afternoon sunshine was glorious. Charlwood lay surrounded by its grounds against the gently sloping backdrop of the Downs.
    â€˜Such beauty,’ said Emily, surveying the scene. ‘And such peace.’
    â€˜I am glad you think so.’
    They sat in silence for a while, then Emily got to her feet. ‘We must go back. Rosa will be wondering whereI am.’ She smiled at him. ‘ Really wondering where I am. I’m sure the hour went by some time ago.’
    â€˜You are very close to her.’
    â€˜Why shouldn’t I be? Though she is very sharp-witted, she is the kindest-hearted creature in the world. It’s rare to find the two in one person.’
    â€˜Didn’t you find it hard when your brother married?’
    Emily pulled a face. ‘You’ve been listening to gossip, probably from Mrs Gosworth. I’m surprised at you. I love Rosa dearly, and think Philip is a very lucky man. I was de lighted when they married and wouldn’t change the situation for the world.’
    William decided to take the plunge. ‘But you were unhappy the day we met.’
    She looked at him, startled. ‘What…what makes you say that?’
    â€˜I’ve said before, you puzzle me. Every time we meet I see something new about you. And the more I think about that first meeting…’
    â€˜Really, Sir William,’ she said, no longer at ease, ‘I thought we had agreed to put that dreadful episode behind us. I can’t go on trying to explain something I don’t even under stand myself…’
    â€˜Please! I don’t mean to distress you, but to reassure you. I have long dismissed the notion that you are like some ladies I’ve met in London who seek excitement in secret affairs. The idea is absurd. The more I think about that first meeting, the more convinced I am that your behaviour that day was what you say—completely out of character. You were shaken by the escape from the bull, of course. But there was more to it than that. I think you were looking for reassurance, comfort even.’
    â€˜Why on earth should I need reassuring?’
    â€˜That is what has puzzled me. You don’t appear to be suffering from an unfortunate love affair…’
    â€˜Oh, I recovered from that a long, long time ago,’ she said before she could stop herself. ‘And in any case I had never—’ She stopped short.
    â€˜What had you never…?’
    â€˜It doesn’t matter.’ She paused, took a breath and said, ‘You asked me to trust you. Well, I will. I