Before breakfast the next morning, Viola walked the grounds with Ulysses, pausing for the little dog to stop and sniff here and there. He enjoyed these outings and came to
expect them. She wandered over the soft lawns to the folly, a romantic arrangement of ancient looking columns covered in creeper with a small pool that the dog drank from. It was cool here and quiet and she liked to be alone with her thoughts.
The dog raised its head and the rippled water reflected a figure behind her. Viola turned.
"I saw you walk down from the house. You come here every day, don't you?" Hugh said.
Her heart picked up its beat as it always did in his presence. His dark hair looked unbrushed and he was dressed as if he'd rushed into his clothes.
She smiled. "I like the early morning."
"I remember how you liked to walk at Vale Park."
"And you like to ride."
He ran his hand through his hair, but it still flopped onto his forehead. Viola's fingers itched. "I'll go presently."
"I wish I could ride with you." It was out before she knew it.
His eyes brightened. "You might do so. If we take a groom with us."
"I can't though. I've promised to go on a carriage ride with Lady Clarissa. She wishes to show me more of the countryside."
"I see. Perhaps another time." He squatted to give Ulysses an indifferent pat. "I miss my dogs."
"They must miss you too." Any living creature would miss him, she thought.
He straightened and looked at her. "Do you enjoy your stay here?"
"I do. Very much." She wondered where this was leading.
He glanced around. "It's very...ordered, isn't it?"
"Yes," she said, completely in accord with his thinking, but unable to say so.
"A credit to my brother-in-law."
"Yes."
"And Vale Park is wilder, isn't it. I've never sought to tame it."
"Wild, yes, gloriously so," she almost whispered.
There came a pause, and her glance slid away, when she was unable to bear the look in his eyes. Wanting to go to him and kiss him, and run her fingers through his hair. He stood so tall, like a strong oak, and yet...and yet.
His eyes went to her mouth and he took a step forward.
Ulysses, perhaps sensing a change in the atmosphere, gave a high-pitched bark.
Hugh shook his head. "I'd better get that ride in before breakfast," he said, moving away.
"Yes," Viola said weakly. "It's going to be a lovely day."
He stared back at her. "Lovely," he echoed.
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