‘I imagine I might bring pressure to bear on the man—make him back off and aware of the consequences if anything were to happen to a lady under my protection.’
Sarah felt a thrill of pleasure shoot through her at his words, then realised that he was speaking of Francesca. ‘I doubt he would harm one of your charges. However, if I had been killed, my uncle would have been in a position to sell to him.’
‘Perhaps you should make a will, tying your property up in a trust that may not be sold? In the meantime, I could look into these matters for you and see what can be done to protect you against similar attempts to relieve you of what is yours by right.’
‘Is that possible?’
‘A clever lawyer could make all sorts of legal trusts and conditions that would cause Arkwright or your uncle a devil of a time trying to sort them out. I imagine it might deter either of them from thinking of your estate again.’
‘Uncle William would not be a party to my murder.’
‘He may have mentioned that he thinks it wrong for you to be in sole charge, Miss Hardcastle. An obliging husband would, of course, be the best solution to your problem.’
‘Yes...if I could find a man I could bear to marry who would be willing to make such a commitment.’
‘I dare say we might find you one.’
‘I beg your pardon? I do not understand you.’
‘Francesca will enter society next year. It was planned that my sister would be her chaperon, but she has been set back by a difficult birth. I dare say she would be glad to be relieved of duties she might find onerous. If you and Francesca were to stay in my house in town for the Season, with an older lady to act as chaperon—we might find husbands for you both.’
Sarah gasped. He was being generous to consider such an idea, but she felt as if he’d poured a bucket of cold water over her.
‘Why should you put yourself to so much trouble? Besides, I am not certain I could spend so much time away from my business affairs.’
‘I am willing to do much to see that Francesca has the companion she trusts and loves—and I would never stand by and see a woman abused.’
‘I see...’ Sarah licked her lips. ‘I should like to oblige you, but I cannot spend too much time away from the mills or they may suffer.’
‘If you had someone to oversee them for you, to make certain that this Arkwright—if he is the man behind the offer—was sent packing, and that you were well served by your agents, you might consider it.’
‘I don’t see—’ Sarah broke off as she saw the gleam in his eyes. ‘Are you suggesting...?’
‘I will visit your agent and speak to him, make certain he has all the necessary instructions he needs from you. Until you take a husband I shall stand as your...guardian is not the word, but in place of a male relative. I believe that once it is known I have a hand on the reins you will not be bothered by the attentions of rogues. And I will speak to Arkwright, make him understand that the mills are not for sale.’
Sarah breathed deeply. His offer was so startling that she did not know how to answer him. ‘Why should you do so much for me, sir?’ she asked at last.
‘Someone tried to harm you while you were in my care. As an employee here you are entitled to my protection. As a young woman alone apart from a foolish uncle, and at the mercy of unscrupulous rogues who want to take what you have for themselves, you are entitled to my help as a gentleman.’
‘Oh...’ For a moment she had thought that perhaps he cared for her, but if she’d hoped for it her hopes were dashed. He would offer his protection, but he was not offering her his heart or even a marriage of convenience. ‘I am not sure I could ask so much of you, sir.’
‘You have not asked.’ Rupert smiled and her breath fled. Her knees felt as if they might buckle and she had to hang on to her senses tightly. He was so handsome and, when he chose, utterly charming—the perfect gentleman. She would not be a woman if she could remain untouched by that smile. ‘I feel it my duty to help you. The only other alternative is to send you away and break Francesca’s heart. I believe she is happier now than she has been for most of her life. I do not wish to see her unhappy.’
He was doing this for Francesca? Remembering his concern when Francesca had fallen from her horse, Sarah wondered if he felt something warmer than mere affection for his cousin, but then decided that he had shown no sign of it. His manner towards the young girl was that of a kindly uncle, nothing more.
‘I should be reluctant to hurt Francesca,’ Sarah faltered, because she could not help thinking that much of his concern was for her. If she accepted, she would be breaking down the barrier between them. Was that wise? He had seemed to be intent on seduction at one point, but that was when he suspected her of being an adventuress. How did he feel now that he knew the truth? ‘Yet I feel that I am asking too much of you. After all, you know so little of me—and I did deceive you by coming here under false pretences.’
‘I think we should keep your true identity to ourselves for the moment. When we go to London, I shall reveal the truth to Francesca’s grandfather and I am sure he will forgive you when he learns your story and knows that you have been good for his granddaughter.’
‘If you are sure he will not think me a scheming adventuress. Perhaps I ought to leave as soon as a replacement could be found...’
‘You will do me a favour by remaining here under this roof,’ Rupert said. ‘I gave my uncle my word I would mentor John and protect Francesca, but he knows I have business from time to time. I can attend to yours and my own with only a small detour.’
Sarah swallowed hard. ‘I can only thank you for your consideration, sir. I think most gentlemen in your position would have simply dismissed me.’
‘I am not most men,’ Rupert said and there was mocking laughter in his eyes. She felt coldness at her nape. What made him look that way? Had a woman hurt him so badly that he could never trust another? ‘Do not review your opinion of me, Sarah. I am still the rake you thought me, but I do have a code of honour that I respect—and that concerns young ladies in need of protection.’
‘I am not so very young, but I understand your concern for Francesca—and I have become so fond of her. She is to me the sister I never had.’
‘Yes, I thought that might be the case.’ His smile was intriguing. ‘I shall not leave until after the picnic—and now I think we really must join the others for tea.’
‘Yes, of course. I can only thank you—’
‘Oh, there may be something more you can do for me—but we shall discuss that at a later date. Do not look alarmed, I promise I shall not harm you. When I thought you an adventuress or a courtesan I might have taken advantage, but that is no longer the case. Come now, we shall start again. If I may call you Sarah—and you will address me as sir or Rupert in private. No more my lording me, if you please.’
‘I shall try to remember.’
Sarah could not resist smiling. Her heart was beating very fast, for she could not dislike him even when he was cold and reserved. Something must have made him that way, for underneath she had now and then glimpsed a very different man. Sarah knew that she could easily fall in love with the man she’d seen on those rare occasions—but was he the real Rupert or was he the hard-eyed rake he claimed to be?
Only time and further acquaintance would tell.
She turned and left the room, preceding him to the drawing room where the others were gathered for tea.
‘Ah, there you are,’ Francesca said. ‘Is everything all right? I was afraid you might have to leave us or something.’
‘No, no, not at all,’ Sarah