were filled with those making demands on her time and attention, many of whom put forth an amiable mask to hide their forthcoming petitions (which often revolved around her money). Yes, she had her friends, and Aunt Imogene was a dear, but so much of her world was filled with those more intent on taking than giving.
And when faced with Mr. Finch’s genuine care, Felicity’s heart couldn’t help but warm towards the capable man who assisted without making her feel incompetent or weak. Helping because he simply wished to.
“You are looking at me quite strangely,” he mumbled, glancing between his work and her.
Felicity sent out a silent prayer of gratitude that the air had a nip, for her cheeks were already rosy enough that her blush would not show. Reining in her ridiculous thoughts, she shook off that odd turn and smiled as though nothing were amiss. Romantic musings were best left alone; Felicity had not come to Bristow to fall madly in love with the first gentleman to show her kindness.
“I am admiring your skill with Duchess,” she said, which was true enough. “Even gentlemen who adore horses do not show such ability with the creatures and their equipment. If it does not involve them sitting majestically atop their steed, they think it an insignificant detail best left to stable masters.”
Mr. Finch leveled a wry smile at her. “I would hardly call it skill; it is something any groom can manage—even if Lady Lovell’s seems incapable. As a member of the light dragoons, I learned a thing or two about caring for horses.”
“Or three,” she added, but the gentleman shrugged, turning his gaze back to his work.
“The army may seem thrilling, but it is mostly monotonous with little to occupy one’s time. With a horse on hand that needed tending, I chose to spend my time in better pursuits than wagering and drinking.”
“And if I recall correctly, you weren’t terribly good at wagers.” Felicity scratched at her face in the exact place his scar rested and gave him a saucy smile, to which he replied with a good-natured scowl.
With a tug of the straps and another rub of Duchess’s neck, Mr. Finch came round to climb in beside her. “It should hold until Buxby Hall.”
Checking that his mount’s reins were still tied to the back of the phaeton, Mr. Finch took Duchess’s in hand, and they set off down the road. Felicity felt like gaping at the miracle that was a functional carriage and the wonderful Mr. Finch who’d brought it about.
Chapter 14
“So, Miss Barrows, what is it that has you in such a tizzy?” asked Mr. Finch. Felicity glanced at him, and he slanted her a look, adding, “You said it had been a trying day before I rescued you so heroically once again.”
Yet another reason to be grateful for Mr. Finch’s assistance, as she no longer needed to focus on steering Duchess and could enjoy the winter scene before her. Felicity cast her gaze out to the landscape as she pondered his question. Here may be a solution. Mr. Finch might have the answers she sought if she trod lightly.
For a brief moment, Felicity wondered if she ought to simply admit the truth of her situation. Mr. Finch had proven himself to be far more trustworthy than the others who had courted her affection. But even as she contemplated it, the past reared up to warn her to keep on her guard. Alastair Dunn had seemed honest; even now, Felicity struggled to see his duplicity in her memories of him. Yet he had turned out to be as false as all the rest. More so in some ways.
But no. Felicity could not imagine Mr. Finch behaving in such a manner. He was far too blunt and honest a person to maintain a facade. And yet, many of her newly acquired beaus were equally amiable when they hadn’t known she was in possession of a fortune. Only when they thought to snare her did they become wholly unbearable.
Better not risk it.
“I am concerned about a friend of mine who is struggling with her finances.” The lie burned in her stomach, but there was no good to be had in telling the truth at this juncture. Besides, the subject arose so infrequently that she hardly had to reinforce the falsehood regarding her finances.
Clearing her throat, Felicity continued, “She inherited a fortune, but she has been struggling to know what to do with it. I long to give her some