Don't Rain On My Love Story!

Chapter 3- Almacks

"Nathaniel Blackbury at your service." He smiled at her and decided that the formalities could be dropped. After all, he didn't think bowing would warm her to him. Especially since he was still carrying her comfortably in his arms and the indignant expression on her face was almost too amusing to interrupt.

She glared at him, "Put me down! er-sir!" and began to pushing fiercely at his arms.

"I think not, didn't you have an ankle problem?" he said mildly, and continued on confidently towards the hardwood door at the end of the hall.

"My ankle is fine, thank you." the lady said dignifiedly. "I would like to use my legs now."

Nate ignored her. He'd been surprised to find, on his way back from the stables, the girl lying in the rain, screaming at rocks and wondered, what was she doing all by herself in the rain? She certainly did not act like most ladies of the ton he had met so far, and was nothing exceptionally looking as far as he could tell. Except for those sky-blue eyes, he amended as she glared at him again, that seemed out of place on a brown face. Her black hair was curling down over his arms and he could feel droplets drip from the damp spirals .

"If you will not do the right thing, sir..." she said sweetly, and proceeded to hit him fprcefully over the head.

"Ow! Blast it, what are you doing?"

She wriggled onto the floor and struggled to stand up. He watched her take a wobbly step and caught her before she hit the ground.

"I believe that proves my point. Now, will you keep still and let me get you dry?

He took her mulish silence for a yes and he picked up yet again. As they entered the living room, Nate watched the girl's eyes widen in awe and suddenly felt the familiar distaste wash over him. Impressed by riches, like all the girls of the ton. He knew her eyes would be roaming over the antique furniture, the expensive silk sofa covers, and the gold candlesticks.

Oh, he could almost predict her next reactions. She would smile and simper and try to charm him with the single, vapid thought of being the new Lady Blackbury in mind.

What surprised him was the deep blush that slowly spread across her features. Her cheeks reddened as she looked around the luxurious room.

" A-a-a lord did you say you were?" she asked rather dreadingly.

He stared at her. " I didn't. Lord Blackbury at your service."

"And you don't employ er...servants? Gardeners perhaps?"

Gardeners? What on earth was this girl going on about? She threw stones, swore and now she wanted to inquire about gardeners. Perhaps she really was addled up in the head, he frowned, as he had first thought.

"Thomas does a good job on the flowers, and the driveway is quite clean as you undoubtly noticed, er, Miss...?

Instead of answering, the lady blushed even more deeply and jumped up.

"I must take my leave, my Lord, but thank you for your hospitality." And, dripping water with every step, she made for the door.

Nate watched her hop determinedly onwards and wondered what he had done to deserve such an exasperating person landing on his driveway.

"What if another of those dangerous stones attacked you again? Advanced as your swearing is, I don't think it will help you much." 

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"That dress looks lovely on you, Vi." Violet looked over at her father and smiled gently. He was looking better these days, although there were more grey strands in his light brown hair, and lines around his mouth that had not been there in France.