Chapter 8

Daniel

Over the following week, Daniel was as good as his word. Twice more, he accompanied Ambrose on his work around the estate, listening and observing carefully to learn about the vast patrimony that would one day pass down to his father and then to him. The size of it took him aback. He had known that his grandfather was a rich man; he had not known quite how much.

Not once during that time did Daniel say or do anything to offend or embarrass Ambrose. He could not help but look and admire, though he tried not to stare too much, and he maintained the formal manner that Ambrose seemed to be more comfortable with. By the end of that week, Ambrose's tension around him had eased. They were a far cry from becoming friends, but at least they were civil with each other.

On this particular afternoon, Daniel was sitting with his grandfather, reading aloud to him. The earl, who had insisted on rising from his bed despite his frailty, was ensconced in an armchair and wrapped in a warm blanket. His eyes were closed, but he was awake, listening intently to his grandson's voice. There came a knock on the door, and Daniel paused. The door opened gently to reveal Ambrose. As ever on seeing him, Daniel was overwhelmed by the strength of his attraction. The man was unfairly delicious.

Ambrose glanced inside, saw the earl reposing and whispered, "I do not mean to disturb. I was told the earl was awake, but I can see I have come at an inopportune time."

The earl's eyes fluttered open. "I am awake, Cranshaw," he rasped. "Do come in and stop hovering by the door."

"Yes, sir." Ambrose stepped into the room and shut the door quietly behind him. He went over to the earl and bowed. "I came to see you how you are, my lord," he said, "and to bid you farewell before I travel to Oxford tomorrow."

"Is it that time of the month already?" the earl asked, sounding perplexed.

"It is, my lord," replied Ambrose, taking a seat on the other side of him. "I shall go to the bank as usual. Do you wish me to also make a stop for you at Thornton's bookshop?"

"Yes," said the earl thoughtfully, "I should like that." He turned his gaze towards his grandson. "Daniel," he croaked, "I think you should go with Cranshaw tomorrow."

With an effort, Daniel pulled himself out of the stupor induced by the sight of Ambrose. "Grandfather?"

"It will be good for you to make yourself known to Mr Thomson at Parsons, Thomson & Parsons, the bank patronised by our family," said the earl, adding, "And you should acquaint yourself with the house in Oxford which may one day become yours."

Daniel quirked an amused brow at this. He knew, as the rest of the household did, that the earl had been closeted with his solicitor the previous day, updating his last will and testament. "Are you leaving the Oxford house to me in your will?" he asked, thinking the earl would appreciate a direct question.

The earl pursed his lips. "Never you mind what is in the will, my boy. Just do as I say and go with Cranshaw to Oxford."

Now Daniel transferred his gaze once more to Ambrose. Was that dismay, quickly concealed, that he saw on the man's face? Well, well, well, it seemed Mr Cranshaw was still intent on avoiding his company. Daniel's first instinct was to keep on with the chase and go to Oxford with Ambrose regardless. The opportunity of being in close proximity with him for an extended period of time was too good to miss. Then, he remembered he had made a vow to himself not to cause Ambrose any discomfort, however much he suspected that the man was repressing his feelings for him. If Ambrose was uncomfortable in his presence, then Daniel was the one to blame for it, having caused the rupture between them by being too impatient. It would be unfair of him to seek to mend it by forcing his presence on Ambrose for this trip.

Decision made, he swallowed the feeling of disappointment that arose and smiled at the earl. "I think I have imposed on Mr Cranshaw's time far too much already this past week. There will be plenty of other opportunities for me to go to Oxford, but for now, I would much rather keep you company, Grandfather."

The earl huffed, but he looked too pleased to remonstrate. "Very well, my boy," he wheezed, "but see that you do go sometime soon."

Daniel's eyes, though, were on Ambrose, who let out a shaky breath. The relief emanating from him told Daniel he had made the right decision, much as it pained him. He wasn't sure how long Ambrose would absent himself, but he knew he would miss him. Already, he had grown addicted to the daily sight of him.

For the next few minutes, Daniel listened as the earl instructed Ambrose on what items he wished purchased. Then, as Ambrose stood to take his leave, Daniel got to his feet. "I will see you out, Mr Cranshaw," he said with a stubborn tilt to his mouth that told Ambrose not to protest. Out they went, then down the stairs to the entrance hall, where Siddons brought out Ambrose's coat and hat for him. Once he had slipped them on, Ambrose inclined his head and murmured, "Good day, Mr Stanton."

Deciding to brave the cold, Daniel said quickly, "I will come outside with you." Not waiting for an answer, he stepped out the door Siddons was holding open and made his way hurriedly down the front steps. He turned and watched Ambrose make a more sedate journey down to where he stood.

"You will catch cold," scolded Ambrose.

Daniel shrugged, unconcerned. "I am used to it," he said. His dark eyes ran over Ambrose's tall, lithe form, coming to stop at his handsome face which sported a light stubble. "You are growing a beard," he remarked, apropos of nothing.

Ambrose ran a hand over the golden bristles on his jaw. "Not a full beard," he said. "I thought I would grow whiskers and a moustache, as seems to be fashionable in this day and age."

"It suits you," rumbled Daniel, with a warm smile. His pleasure quickly disappeared at Ambrose's obvious discomfiture. Damnation! Even the mildest of compliments flustered him, it seemed.

Ambrose looked pointedly away, muttering, "I should go."

"Will you be away long?" asked Daniel, hearing a note of urgency in his voice.

"No, I will be gone only one night and should return Friday."

Daniel shivered in the cool December air, but still he had more to say. "You did not want me to come with you, did you?" he demanded.

Ambrose did not answer immediately. After a lengthy pause, he said, "It is best this way."

"I have kept to my promise, have I not?" Daniel did not like the note of plaintiveness in his voice. Good Lord, when had he turned into this needy, pitiful creature? He cleared his throat and stated, "I have been everything that is right and proper with you this last week."

Ambrose gave a faint smile. "I can have no complaints."

"But still you did not wish to have my company on this trip. You know, I would not say or do anything untoward with you. I merely want to spend time with you."

Now Ambrose lifted a sceptical brow. "Nothing untoward? You will pardon me, Mr Stanton, for having my doubts on the matter."

Daniel narrowed his gaze at him. "Do I frighten you, Ambrose?"

"Of course not!"

"Then what is it to you whether I accompany you on this trip or not?" remonstrated Daniel.

"If you wish to accompany me," said Ambrose stiffly, "then of course I can have no objections."

"You did not answer my question," accused Daniel. "Why the reluctance to have me come with you, if you have no fear of me?"

Ambrose sighed. Then, softly he said, "Perhaps it is not fear but concern for you. I do not wish to… to lead you on in any way."

"You have made your position very clear, Mr Cranshaw. However, I thought that we were to become friends."

Ambrose inclined his head. "My apologies then. Please, feel free to accompany me to Oxford. I leave early in the morning, just after eight o'clock, if you could be ready by then."

Daniel stared at him, torn. He desperately wanted to go, if only to prove his point—and also to have the pleasure of Ambrose's company. But something held him back. Despite the words he had just spoken, reluctance radiated from every fibre of Ambrose's being. And some honourable part of Daniel refused to put this man he admired on the spot.

"No," he murmured. "I will leave you in peace this time, but perhaps next month when you go, you will let me accompany you then."

"Of course," said Ambrose, letting out a breath.

"Relieved are we?" queried Daniel, an ironic gleam in his eyes.

"Not at all," huffed Ambrose.

"Liar," said Daniel very softly. Then, in a louder voice, he went on, "I bid you safe travels, Mr Cranshaw. Good day." He nodded his dismissal and turned to make his way back up the steps to the house.