Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

D aniel talked with Miss Montrose as they rode back toward the stables. The sun dipped lower, casting a warm amber light across the rolling hills. The gentle clip-clop of the horses' hooves on the trail provided a soothing rhythm. He was grateful for the lighter conversation topics as they returned home.

Miss Montrose recounted her childhood adventures—her fondness for climbing trees despite her governess's disapproval. She shared about the time she had once painted the family cat with watercolor paints, much to her mother's dismay.

Daniel shared tales from his days at school and then shared a few of the easier times during the war. He talked about his regiment, recounting the camaraderie of the men and the light-hearted moments that had helped them endure the hardships of war. He told her about the time they'd fashioned a makeshift cricket game in the middle of camp, using whatever they could find. Another time, one particularly clever soldier had rigged a contraption to catch rainwater for baths, only for it to collapse at the most inopportune moment. Miss Montrose laughed.

As they neared the end of their ride, Daniel felt lighter than he had in a long time. The day with Miss Montrose had been more than just a distraction; it had been a balm to his weary soul, a reminder that life held moments of joy even amidst the shadows. Daniel couldn't remember the last time he had felt so at ease in someone's company, even as they had discussed some things that weighed on him.

When they arrived at the stables, Daniel dismounted first, his movements fluid and practiced. He turned to Miss Montrose, who remained on Artemis, her face glowing with the warmth of the day's sun. He felt a familiar pull in his chest, a mix of admiration and something deeper.

"Allow me," he said, stepping closer to her horse, his voice soft but firm.

Miss Montrose peered down at him, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Are you certain you can manage, Captain? I wouldn't want to scandalize you again."

Daniel chuckled, his lips quirking into a smile. "I'm quite prepared for the challenge, Miss Montrose."

She laughed lightly, the sound like music to his ears. Miss Montrose smiled, her eyes bright with the lingering playfulness of their ride. "You do like to keep up appearances, Captain. Very well, but don't let the ton catch wind of this," she teased, echoing their earlier banter.

Daniel grinned, amused. "I'll make sure to keep it between us. I'd hate to be the source of scandal."

As she swung her leg over, Daniel reached up, his hands finding her waist with a confidence that surprised even him. The fabric of her riding habit was soft beneath his fingers, but it was the warmth of her touch that sent a subtle thrill through him. He steadied her as she descended, his focus entirely on her movements. The motion brought her closer, their faces just inches apart.

As Miss Montrose slid down, she brushed against his chest briefly, and Daniel's breath hitched. He felt her hands land on his shoulders for balance, the light pressure both grounding and electrifying. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but when he glanced up, he couldn't help but notice the way her lips parted slightly, as if she, too, was caught in the moment.

His eyes lingered on her face, taking in the flush of her cheeks and the way her gaze seemed to dance over his features. He swallowed hard, aware of the closeness, of the way her scent—a mix of lavender and vanilla—enveloped him. He wondered if she could feel the quickening of his heartbeat, the way it pounded in response to their proximity.

Daniel's gaze dropped to where his hands met her waist, then flicked back to her face. He watched the way her lashes fluttered ever so slightly, and his own breath caught in his throat as he felt a surge of something deeper than simple attraction—a pull that was magnetic, undeniable.

Her feet finally touched the ground, but neither of them moved immediately. He noticed the way her pulse quickened at her neck, mirroring his own rapid heartbeat. The flush of her cheeks, perhaps from the sun or the closeness, sent a thrill through him.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft but steady.

Daniel blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the intensity of the moment. He reluctantly released her waist and stepped back. "Anytime, Miss Montrose," he replied, his voice dipping with a warmth he hadn't intended to reveal.

He offered his arm, and she took it with a grateful smile. Together, they walked through the stables and toward the hedge that divided their properties. The walk felt slower, more deliberate, as if neither wanted the day to end. They paused at the small opening in the hedge, the boundary that once seemed significant now feeling more like a gateway between their lives.

"I enjoyed today, Miss Montrose," Daniel said, the admission slipping easily from his lips. "Thank you for accompanying me."

Eliza's smile was gentle, her hand still resting on his arm. "I had a wonderful time with you. Thank you for the ride. It's been a long time since I've had a day like this. "

"It was … more than just a ride. It was good to feel like myself again."

"I am so happy to hear that."

"If it isn't too bold to say, I hope that we might have the opportunity to do this again sometime."

"I would like that very much," she said softly, her gaze holding his for a long moment before she turned away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Daniel nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him that he hadn't expected. "As would I, Miss Montrose."

They lingered for a moment longer, the evening air wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. Finally, Miss Montrose stepped through the hedge. "Good night, Captain. And thank you."

"Good night, Miss Montrose," he replied.

She gave him a final wave before making her way up the path to her cottage.

He watched her until she disappeared from view, the warmth of her presence lingering even after she was gone. He turned and made his way back toward Blackwood Manor, his thoughts filled with the easy laughter and gentle conversations of the day. As he stepped through the doors of his home, he was greeted by Mr. Jenkins, his ever-attentive butler, who was at the entryway.

"Good evening, Captain," Mr. Jenkins said, his tone polite but tinged with something lighter, almost teasing. The butler glanced up and, seeing Daniel's expression, allowed a rare smile to grace his usually reserved features .

Daniel arched an eyebrow, giving Mr. Jenkins a curious look. "What's that smile about, Jenkins?"

The butler straightened, still smiling as he met Daniel's gaze. "Nothing at all, sir. It's just good to see you smiling again. I take it you had a pleasant ride in the countryside?"

Daniel hesitated for a second, then nodded, the smile still lingering on his lips. "Yes, it was a very good ride."

"With Miss Montrose, I presume?" Mr. Jenkins's question was casual, but there was a knowing twinkle in his eyes.

Daniel's smile widened slightly, unable to fully hide the warmth that mentioning Miss Montrose brought to him. "Yes, with Miss Montrose. She was … excellent company."

Mr. Jenkins nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear, Captain. It's been some time since you seemed so at ease. Miss Montrose appears to be a positive influence."

Daniel looked at his butler, the truth of his words settling over him in a comforting way. "I believe you might be right, Jenkins. She certainly has a way about her."

Mr. Jenkins's smile grew just a fraction wider, his eyes reflecting a quiet satisfaction. "I'm glad to hear it, sir. It's nice to see some light returning to the manor."

Daniel nodded, watching as Mr. Jenkins moved away to attend to his duties. As the butler disappeared down the hallway, Daniel felt a lingering sense of contentment. The walls of Blackwood Manor, which so often felt imposing and cold, seemed just a bit warmer tonight.

He paused by the window, looking out toward the hedge that connected his world with Miss Montrose's. A small, genuine smile played on his lips—a smile he hadn't realized he'd been missing. The day had been more than just a ride; it had been a glimpse into something new, something that held the promise of a brighter future.

A sense of contentment settled over him, a feeling he hadn't dared to hope for in a long time. He knew the road ahead would still be fraught with challenges. But for the first time, he allowed himself to believe that, perhaps, there was room in his life for something more than just duty and memories.

And as he turned away from the window, Daniel couldn't help but smile—just a little, but enough for anyone to notice.