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“Did you… um…swim this morning?” he asked for want of anything else to say.

Color burst onto her cheeks. “No. It was raining this morning too. And, well, I…”

She had stopped swimming since his arrival here. He had embarrassed her by catching her dipping in the pond. Damn, he was making this woman’s life a misery. Somehow, he would have to find a way to fix that.

“You should start again. No one shall interrupt you, I can promise you that.”

She squeezed her hands together. “I shall think about it.”

Theo sighed inwardly. He knew little about women, and even less about young women. How he could make Lucy happy, he did not know. “I shall leave you to your trees.”

He didn’t wait for a response before heading back to the stables. It probably made him appear rude, but Miss Lucy Jameson was tying him up in knots. He hardly knew which way was up and which way was down. He needed to get away from here more than ever. Unfortunately, if they were to ever get this inheritance, he must remain. Who knew if Mr. Barton would surprise him with another visit? The man would not even update him on his siblings’ progress.

Theo would have to write to his mother to see if she knew anything of them—particularly Minerva—though it was unlikely they would get much communication from her whilst she journeyed through Scotland.

When he arrived at the stables, it was empty. The grooms had to be busy with exercising the other horses. Theo opted to unsaddle the horse himself and give the mare a thorough brush down. He needed to do something with all this pent-up energy inside him—pent-up energy that was created by one person and one person only.

Lucy.

Damn, why was she occupying his thoughts so much? Was it just guilt? He had left her alone for so many years, barely giving her a thought and only thinking of himself and his anger at his late wife. He felt an idiot for staying away so long.

Though, if he had realized Lucy had grown into such a beautiful woman, he might have stayed away longer. The woman was distraction in itself.

He stopped by one of the stables to check on the new stallion. Theo was aware they had gained a new horse as he communicated closely with the estate manager and the head groom, but he had yet to see the animal. Apparently, he still needed to be broken in and was prone to kicking and biting. But Theo could see why he had been a good purchase. He was a thoroughbred, and it showed in every inch of the animal.

He finished tending to his own horse and settled her back in the stable. One would have thought a ride followed by a good brushing down of a horse would be enough to expel the agitation within him but apparently not. He should probably throw himself in the pond just as Lucy did and swim a good several lengths. The icy water would surely knock some sense into him. He blew out a breath and swiped the straw from his breeches. There was only so long he could hide outside, after all, he did have duties to attend to.

When he stepped out of the stall. He scowled. The stall gate which kept the stallion at bay was open. He inched closely, aware that the animal could still be in there and rush at him.He kept his breaths measured and peered around the side of the stall. A young woman—a maid by the looks of it—was in the stall with the beast. The animal towered over her, his black shiny coat dwarfing the tiny woman. She was cornered, her skin pale, her body shaking.

Christ.

The animal gave a derivative snort. Breath held, Theo slipped into the stall. The stallion had yet to notice him, but it was only a matter of time. He inched around the edge of animal. The maid’s gaze latched onto his, her eyes wide. He eased out a hand, and she slipped her fingers into his. He dragged her toward him, aware of the stallion having noticed him. In one swift move, he twisted so that his back would protect the woman and flung them both out of the stall, kicking the gate shut behind him. Keeping a firm grip on the girl, he hauled her out of the stables and released her.

“What the bloody hell were you doing?” he demanded.

“I… I…I wanted to see the animals. Mr. Lewis had said he was beautiful.” The woman’s lip quivered.

“He’s a raw, untamed beast. He could have killed you.” Theo was aware his voice was raised, but he could not quell his anger and fear. A maid had very nearly been killed in his stables.

“I…I know. Forgive me. I did not realize…”

He thrust a finger toward the house. “Get inside where you belong. I do not want to see you around the stables again.”

“Yes, my lord.” The girl burst into tears and scurried back toward the house.

He rubbed a hand over his face. Damned foolish woman nearly got them both killed.

“Was that really necessary?”

When he opened his eyes, Lucy was standing in front of him. Hands to her hips, her eyes were full of rage.

“Yes, it was necessary,” he bit out.

“You made her cry. What on earth could she have done to deserve such a scolding?”

“She damned well—”

“I know you are the marquis, and the servants are yours, but that does not mean you can treat them however you wish! They still deserve your respect, especially for all the hard work they’ve carried out in ensuring your house is well looked after in your absence.” Her cheeks were splotchy and red.