Rivals of Fortune / The Impetuous Heiress by Jane Ashford Page B

let everything go shockingly. And now, I cannot repair all the damage.”
    â€œI haven’t been inside the park in years,” said Joanna reminiscently. “I used to play here sometimes when I was a child. All the neighborhood children explored the ruins, though your uncle used to chase us out when he caught us.”
    â€œDid he? I should like to have seen that.”
    Joanna dimpled. “He rarely did. Maurice, your cousin, used to let us in at the back gate.”
    â€œDid you know Maurice well then? I never did.”
    Joanna shook her head. “He was four years older, and went off to school when I was very young. Gerald knew him, though.” She gazed into the park again. “I was always convinced that something mysterious and romantic would happen to me in the ruins. You can hardly see them from here.”
    â€œBut it never did?”
    â€œNo,” replied the girl regretfully.
    â€œWell, I shall have to see what I can do about that,” said Jonathan, but she did not appear to hear him.
    The sound of another horse approaching the gate made them turn, and they found that Sir Rollin Denby was riding along the road toward them, mounted on a magnificent black. He raised a hand.
    â€œThe deuce,” said Erland.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œNothing, nothing.”
    Sir Rollin reined in beside them. “How fortunate to meet someone I know in this neighborhood,” he said smoothly. “Are you going to look over the Abbey?”
    â€œNo,” said Joanna. “I am showing Mr. Erland some of the rides hereabouts.”
    â€œReally? How lucky for me. That is just what I want myself. May I join you?”
    Joanna agreed, though Erland did not second her, and the three of them turned back to the road.
    â€œLead on,” said Sir Rollin. “We are in your hands.”
    Stifling an impulse to giggle, Joanna directed her mare to a path a little further along and led the party out across the fields. They soon came out on the top of a small hill, from which they could see the whole of the Abbey, the ruins behind, plus a pleasant prospect of hedges and fields.
    â€œThis is charming,” said Sir Rollin. “I should never have found it myself. I am in your debt, Miss Rowntree.”
    Joanna stole a glance at him. His resplendent top boots and elegant coat quite threw poor Mr. Erland in the shade. She had not seen it before, but Erland’s riding dress was worn and outmoded.
    â€œHow about a gallop?” said the younger man, seeming to sense Joanna’s changed mood. And without another word, he was off across the country. He rode very well indeed, she noted.
    â€œSuch an energetic young man,” murmured Sir Rollin. He made no effort to spur his horse. Joanna watched Erland a bit nervously. It seemed equally rude not to join him and not to remain with Sir Rollin.
    This gentleman watched her face with a small smile. When she turned back to him, he said, “We were so pleased to meet you and your family, Miss Rowntree, particularly my sister. She has heard so much about you.”
    Joanna’s chin came up. “Has she indeed?”
    â€œOh, yes. Peter sings your praises continually.”
    Joanna took a breath. She did not understand what this man was about, but some instinct made her reply coolly, “We have always been good friends, like brother and sister. We grew up together, you know.”
    â€œVery good, Miss Rowntree.”
    She looked up, her eyes briefly meeting Sir Rollin’s before they dropped again. “I beg your pardon?” she said.
    â€œI was merely complimenting you on your presence of mind,” he answered. “I hadn’t expected it, frankly.”
    Feeling lost, Joanna said nothing.
    Sir Rollin watched her for a moment. He ran one finger along his lower lip meditatively. An ironic light came into his hazel eyes, making them dance, and he smiled. “You have not yet been to London, I believe, Miss