a valid point. He understood why they were behaving as they did. He had sisters, and knew how protective he was of them. However, Daniel also had a mother who did not allow him to control their movements.
“You know precisely what I mean.” Thea glared at the brothers.
“She is our sister, and we love her, my lady. Our only concern is that she will fall into trouble and we will not be there to aid her.” Daniel had noted that Michael was quieter than his brothers when they’d met, but he guessed no less determined.
“I understand that, and it’s very admirable of you all,” Thea said, softening. “But let me ask you a question. What would your reaction be if someone was smothering you the way you do your sister?”
Daniel watched each of the men squirm in their saddles as Thea glanced at them.
“She is a woman,” Zach said, and to Daniel’s mind he had not given his words a great deal of thought. Thea would likely make him pay.
“And therefore without brains?” The sweet tone of his sister-in-law’s voice fooled no one.
“I think that will do, Thea,” Daniel said, feeling sorry for the men. Plus, it was likely he would be missing his next meal if this carried on for much longer.
“Yes, well, I believe I have said enough. Now we must be off. Good day,” Thea said with a tight smile.
Daniel nodded to the men, and then they were rolling away.
“That was enlightening,” he said.
“They are idiots,” Thea growled.
“I hadn’t realized there was a sister, but she has my sympathies. I know those men in a business capacity only, and they are ruthless, especially the eldest.”
“To be fair, I think, as does Oliver who would know, that their reputation has been embellished, but there is always a basis to rumors, Daniel. I think in part this is why they control their sister, as they know what men are capable of more than most.”
It was then he saw the woman he’d seen earlier. She was some distance away, but he felt it again. Awareness.
“Thea, would you continue without me for a while? I see someone I have been trying to speak with for some time.”
“Who? Is it a she or a he?” Her head was turning left and right.
“A he,” he lied. “I shall return soon.”
“Oh, very well, and I see Hannah, Primrose, and Phoebe over there. I shall stop and talk with them awhile, and we shall discuss more prospects for you.”
“And yet, still I have no wish to marry.” He kissed her cheek. “Behave yourself.”
Her answer was to swat his arm before he left the carriage.
Daniel followed the path the two women had taken; it wound around some trees and down to a pond. He would simply stroll by, glance casually at the woman, then move on when he’d confirmed it was not Abby. He found her throwing bread at the ducks with considerable force. She got one on the head, and it quacked its protest loudly.
Moving past slightly, he looked back and saw it was Abby. She was even more beautiful out here in the daylight. Her dress was cream, and she wore a deep blue pelisse and matching bonnet. He thought fleetingly that being a governess must mean she had to dress well, then he shoved his hands in his pockets and approached.
“Abby?”
She turned quickly, stepping toward him, her blue eyes lit with pleasure.
“Daniel!”
“Forgive me, I do not mean to intrude, but I saw you from my sister-in-law’s carriage.”
Her eyes went to where an older woman stood.
“I’m sorry, is she your employer?”
“Ah… yes, she is.”
“And clearly displeased we are talking, if her glare is any indication.”
“In all honesty, she always looks like that.” The side of her mouth kicked up. “But I really must go.”
“I want to see you again.” She wasn’t getting away from him this time. “Please.”
“I want that.” Her words were whispered. “I-it’s complicated.”
“Most things worth fighting for are.”
She looked at him, and he saw the longing.
“Abby, please let me see you again. Could we meet at the Duck and Goose in daylight hours this time?”
Her eyes shot right and then left before returning to his face. Was the old woman such a tyrant that she terrified Abby?
“Evening is better for me.”
“Tuesday, then?”
She nodded, looking nervous. “I will try.”
“So are you a companion or a governess? Because that woman doesn’t look like she needs the latter.”