The Earls lie or a scoundrels promise

A spirited ride

CHAPTER TWO - A SPIRITED RIDE

Nearly a fortnight had passed since Lord and Lady Phillip's ball. Nearly two weeks had passed since Blake had met the most intriguing female he'd met for a very long time. He was drawn to her, something pulled him to her, and he had revealed himself to her yesterday, he should never have gone to her house. He had helped her how he could that night, how any gentleman would, his assistance and discretion, but there was no reason for him to call round and ask the well being of someone he does not know, someone he does not know but had envoked such feelings in him.

He was still mentally kicking himself for that situations.

He thought it over a hundred times in the days and weeks since. What gentleman would not see to a damsel in distress, he asked himself.
What kind of man would lead an innocent to a secluded hallway and co what he did?

Blake had raked his brain trying to come up with a reason why those event's had taken place that night, and then what had followed, how was the Baron involved?

But from what he had seen he very clearly was, so surely it was only natural that he should want to know her well? And that was all it took, almost a reason. So he could call in to check on Miss Walker, but only long enough to know she was well.

Elizabeth was reading in the morning room when her Aunt joined her and announced they had a guest. Her hopes picked up, Could it be...

'Mr Peck, Are we receiving today?'

Elizabeth slumped back slightly with disappointment, No of-course it wasn't him. But company was desperately sought after while she was house bound, even from Mr Peck, one of the gentleman Aunt Lucy is convinced will ask for her hand soon enough. Not that she is encouraging him in the slightest. A pleasant man is James Peck, with a mild fortune, and a pleasant if not slightly boring manner. They could rub along well together.

' Yes Aunt, lets.'

Elizabeth rose to greet James when he casually strolled into the room, yes he is handsome, nice kind eyes, good teeth and fair hair. Much fairer hair than...Lizzie, cut it out.

'Good morning Mr Peck, what a pleasant surprise, can I offer you some refreshments at all, we have just sent for some tea?'

'Good morning Miss Walker, Mrs Bold a fine morning indeed, thank you but I shan't stay' he turned to lizzie ' I must continue to insist you call me James'

Lizzie smiled. It was good to have some other company after such a long boring week. Josie, daughter of her Aunts closest friend Mrs Goodwin had visited once, they had all become firm friends through the seasons, But she could never relax as she had to insure her story was straight for them all, so no one grew suspicious about what actually happened at the ball and neither of them knew the truth of what happened nearly 2 years ago. Something about James did make her feel a little more relaxed, he had a good nature about him.

'You have been unwell Miss Walker?'

Aunt Lucy interjected quite suddenly, before Lizzie could utter a word

'Ah yes it came on quite suddenly at Lady Phillips ball of all places, can you believe it? I took my dear niece home with much haste'

James turned back to Lizzie

'That's why you disappeared so suddenly? I thought you were avoiding me.'

He smiled softly at her, she knew he was only teasing, but Aunt Lucy looked little amused.

'Oh I am most sorry I did not seek you out to explain before I left'

'Not at all madam, if you were so unwell that Mrs Bold saw fit to whisk you away so urgently, apology accepted. But you are well now I hope?'