“It’s always just one more,” Rafferty complained.
“You’re the one letting her take advantage of you,” Rebecca noted.
“She has no one else to take advantage of,” Lord Rafferty stated as he joined her.
“You cannot make up for lack of mothering by spoiling the girl, or letting her run wild in those woods,” she warned as she turned to watch the girl dart around the nearest trees.
“Trying not to,” Rafferty murmured.
It had rained last night, and the hem of Lady Ava’s skirt had become damp long ago. The girl would need to change into a fresher gown when they returned to the manor. Rebecca had assigned her own maid to look after the girl, since Lord Rafferty’s summons hadn’t brought one of his own. Rebecca had only heard good things about Lady Ava Croft from Nancy, which confirmed her own conclusions that the girl had excellent manners despite having such a father.
Rebecca felt a slight brush against the back of her hand and jerked it up to her chest, fearing an insect had landed on her. But there was nothing on her glove when she looked, and she forced out the breath she’d drawn.
“Lovely day,” Lord Rafferty murmured, inhaling deeply.
“Rain on the horizon,” she noted with a frown, hoping the dark, heavy clouds would miss the estate entirely. Parts of the celebrations were to be conducted out of doors.
Lord Rafferty began to laugh.
“What?”
“I knew you were going to say that,” he promised. “I’ve never met a woman so keen to point out the hazards around them.”
She put her hands on her hips to set the record straight. “If it rains, the roads will become more soaked and delay the wedding guests.”
“Why is that a problem? The bride and groom really only care about tying the knot.”
“We’re still awaiting the special license Father promised Jessica.”
“Ah.” He held up his hands in surrender. “Fair enough.”
“I do want my sister to marry.”
“Of course you do,” he said soothingly. Then he blew in the direction of the rain clouds. “Do go away, clouds.”
Rebecca shook her head and looked away as Lady Ava burst out of the trees, dragging a large tree limb behind her. It seemed heavy, but Ava’s eyes were fixed on the nearby stream. Rebecca clucked her tongue in disapproval. “I would prefer she not throw in the trees, my lord.”
“So would I.” He strode off, halted his daughter’s plans, and then threw the branch over his shoulder, returning the thick limb to the woodland.
Lady Ava skipped toward her, grinning. “Father said I should stay with you.”
“Did he now?”
“He said you could teach me how to be a lady. If I listened properly.”
“That is often how it is done with any endeavor.” The girl was sweet. Rebecca glanced down at Lady Ava, feeling a pang of regret. She enjoyed the girl’s company but duty called. “I really must go back to the manor.”
“We’ll come with you,” Lord Rafferty decided as he returned, brushing off his hands.
“Huzzah!” the girl cried. “We can have tea together.”
Ava rushed ahead, darted this way and that as she explored the garden. Although Rebecca expected Lord Rafferty to forge ahead with his daughter, he fell into step beside her.
“Thank you for a lovely walk,” he murmured.
Rebecca inclined her head.
There was a soft brush against the back of her hand again. She glanced down, and Lord Rafferty waved his fingers at her. “Caught me.”