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Marcus rode up next to them. “Doust suggests we take the route he mentioned before. Going north through Coldstream, and from there on to Edinburgh. He says it will cut twenty miles from our journey. The road might not be as good, but it won’t be as crowded either.

I’ve already sent a rider ahead to notify the baggage coach.

We’ll stop at Wooler, about ten miles or so from the crossroad. ”

She stole a quick glance at Kit, who nodded. “Very well. When do we turn north?”

“There is a major crossroad with an inn. Apparently it cannot be missed.”

“We shall see.” Kit laughed. “Generally when one says that, missing the object is the easiest thing in the world.”

That was a true statement, but when had she begun thinking of him as Kit again? Mary gave herself a shake. She needed to stop being such a pea goose.

Marcus left, leaving her and Kit alone again. After a few miles of skirting lakes, barely visible through the trees, on one side and pastures on the other, they entered dense forest.

She shivered.

“Are you cold?”

The horses must have felt her unease as well, as they picked up their pace. It couldn’t hurt for them to trot for a bit. A nervous laugh burbled out. “No. It’s just that the road reminds me of all the stories I’ve heard of highwaymen.”

“It is rather dark.” He edged closer to her, and despite her confusion about how she felt for him, she was grateful for his warmth.

A half hour later, the view opened to cultivated fields, and a large fortified building stood at the crossroad, proclaiming itself to be the Runside Inn. She and the horses heaved a collective sigh of relief. “Ah, here is our turn.”

Mary guided the pair onto the road going north.

She anticipated Kit would move away from her, but he did not, instead remarking, “I expected more sheep in this area.”

“Not at all. We have good soil in this part of the county. Wheat and various types of corn are grown here. I believe the closer to Scotland we travel, you’ll see more sheep.”

“You are . . .” He stopped, and cleared his throat. “We have another hour at least until we reach Wooler. Are you still comfortable driving?”

That hadn’t been what he was going to say, which was most likely something about the land.

Drat! She was doing it again! Why could she not simply appreciate his kindness for not saying anything and accept his concern for her?

“I’m fine for the present. I shall give you the ribbons when we make our pause. ”

Until now, the only travel she’d experienced were the mad dashes her family made from their estate to Town, and the one to Rose Hill.

It seemed none of them were capable of leisurely journeys.

Cattle had been always stationed along the route and teams changed out with great speed and regularity.

It was nice to finally be able to enjoy the scenery and stop at an inn for more than a quick night’s sleep or a cup of tea.

There would be no changes of cattle on this road, and a couple of times, she had to remind herself to nurse the pair along so as not to blow them.

Kit entertained her with comments on their surroundings.

At times comparing it with other places in England, he drew her out about her home county, which he had visited only briefly.

As much as she wanted to be in a city now, Mary came to realize how much she loved being in the country.

“Which do you like better, Town or the country?”

He took a few moments before answering. “Although there is much to recommend Town, the theater for example, I am more at home in the country. Each time I visit one of my father’s properties, the people in the area always make me feel welcome. I like the closeness.”

Hmph. The country ladies probably looked forward to a chance to show themselves off to him.

“What about you?” he asked.

“I love the country. Though I wish I’d had more of an opportunity to shop and visit the theater and opera.”

“I recall Huntley saying Edinburgh has a theater. It would be my pleasure to escort you.” His voice trailed off as if he didn’t know how she’d respond.

She had never heard him so unsure of himself. That must be part of what Caro had noticed. In the past, Mary would have thought Kit didn’t truly wish to accompany her. Now she saw it differently. Was it true that he was no more sure of her than she of him? “I would love it.”

Each time they passed another vehicle or a person walking along the road, Kit inclined his head and called a greeting. She had never been around anyone so genial to his fellow man as Kit was, and it gave her a warm, joyous feeling that she was with him.

Not more than two hours later, they reached the outskirts of the market town where they were stopping, and she was more than happy to pause for a while.

Mary pulled up beside a footman in Huntley’s livery who had waved at them.

“My lady, Mr. Maufe said to tell you we are at the Red Lion, which has the advantage over the Black Bull.”

“Thank you.” She started the horses again. They too would be pleased to rest for a while.

“I’d be interested to know,” Kit said, “what the difference is.”

She might like to know as well, but not right now. “As long as I can walk for a while and have something to eat and drink, I do not think I care.”

“There on the left.” He pointed.

Kit’s groom was ready to take charge of the horses, while Kit lifted her down from the curricle, keeping his large hands on her waist until she got her feet back under her again.

For several moments, she stared at his nicely tied cravat, which was a little silly.

Mary raised her gaze to his. A smile hovered on his lips, and his eyes were as warm as his hands had been.

Butterflies took up residence in her heart. “Thank you. I think I can manage now.”

“If you’re sure?” he said, not removing his hands.

“Mr. Maufe’s waiting, my lady,” Dent said, interrupting the moment.

“Positive.” Yet she did not want Kit to move.

As they strolled to the door, she placed her hand on his arm. Once inside, Mathers was there to take Mary to a clean but sparsely decorated chamber. A long mirror filled one corner of the room. “Oh dear. I didn’t realize how much dust I’d have on my gown.”

“Thought that might be the case. I’ll brush it off a bit now. I’ve got your pelisse for when you leave again.” Mary stood still while her maid cleaned the worst of the dirt off. “How was your drive?”

“It was delightful.” And it truly was. She’d had fun handling the pair, and Kit had been entertaining.

Mathers cut Mary a cryptic look.

“No, I am quite serious. I’ve never driven for such a long distance, but the fresh air and views made it a wonderful experience.

” Not to mention Mr. Featherton had been a perfect companion.

After she’d stopped taking umbrage at everything and had given him a chance, that was.

“I believe I’ll see some of the town until the others arrive and have refreshed themselves. ”

Kit was waiting for Mary when she strolled out of the inn. He’d been pleasantly surprised they’d spent so much time together without him getting on her bad side. That was the first time that had happened. “I’d planned on exploring the town. Would you like to come with me?”

She placed her hand very properly on the top of his arm. “I had the same idea.”

Damn if he’d allow her to keep putting distance between them.

Considering he was wooing her, he tucked her hand securely in the crook of his arm as they turned right onto the busy main street and began snoodling toward the church.

“The landlord tells me the town burnt down and was re-built about a hundred years ago.”

“That would explain why it looks so modern, even the church. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a newer one.”

They continued up a flagstone path lined with bushes just beginning to bud. He opened the door to the church and a wave of cool air rushed out. The interior was whitewashed plaster, detailed in the local stone. “Very pretty and peaceful.”

“Yes, it is.” She smiled softly, glancing at him. “The windows let in a great deal of light.”

He could envision them standing at the altar, pledging their vows. “It makes me wonder if this plain and simple interior is the way of the future.”

She raised a brow, but her eyes twinkled with wickedness. “Not if Prinny has anything to say about it.”

This was the first time she’d made a joke around him. He laughed. “Have you seen the Brighton Pavilion?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ve heard about it. Grandmamma was not at all impressed. She also accused him of quacking himself.”

He agreed with the dowager duchess. If Prinny didn’t eat so many rooster stones, he probably wouldn’t be so fat. “His physician should put him on a reducing diet. He would be in better health if he lost some weight.”

“According to Grandmamma, he used to be quite handsome.”

“So I’ve heard.” He gave a shudder. “I will only advise you that unless you wish to hear the subject discussed ad nauseam, do not mention it around any older ladies.”

Mary laughed, and the sound filled his soul. Kit wished she’d do it more often .

They strolled to the other end of the high street. By the time they returned to the inn, Kit was congratulating himself for remaining on her good side thus far.

He was glad the rest of their coterie had arrived so that they could eat. “I hope nuncheon is ready. I’m starving.”

Mary nodded. “I’m feeling a bit peckish myself, and it is not even noon yet.”

“We broke our fast much earlier to-day.”

Caro and Huntley sat on the window seat of the large private parlor situated on the inn’s first floor.

Huntley rose. “Good, you’re here. Now we can eat.”

“We were just saying something of the sort,” Kit responded. He helped Mary to a chair next to Caro’s at one end of the long table laden with meats, cheeses, bread, and two savory pies. He filled a plate for Mary, and Huntley did the same for his wife.