Phoebe made a beautiful, blushing bride, though her joy was dampened by the rainstorm that hit the morning she became Miles' wife. Her initial wish had been that the entire Bywood family not to attend, though her mother had in time convinced her that such a slight was undeserved. Thus, with Jane and her husband still at Bywood Hall, there was a large number of Bywoods who witnessed her marriage.

The wedding breakfast was lively, with everyone in high spirits. Miles spent every moment by his bride's side, just as he had spent every waking moment with her during their short engagement.

A break in the rain meant that I could escape the noise and merriment for the gardens. I had only been there a short time when I realized I was not alone.

"I suppose you think you have made a narrow escape," Miss Darkin said as she walked to my side. She gave a smile, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "For a short time, I believed Phoebe would marry you no matter what tale you spun."

"You and I both," I said with a laugh. "All's well that end's well, though, and all that. May I escort you around the garden, Miss Darkin?"

She had been so occupied with helping Phoebe prepare for the wedding that I had hardly seen her at all since the foiled race between Ward and I. "I think not, sir," she said. "I cannot be away too long, otherwise gossiping tongues might begin to wag."

Disappointment hit and I fought not to allow it to show. "Of course. Perhaps I can walk in with you. No one could find fault with that, I am sure."

Miss Darkin sighed. "Mr. Bywood, please consider this from my point of view. No more than a month ago, you were betrothed to be married. Any kind of pursuit at this time would be improper. Surely you understand that."

As dismissals went, it was kind. "Forgive me," I said, offering a slight bow. "No offense was intended."

She tilted her head, and a smile played on her lips. "I did not say it was unwelcome," she said. "My aunt and I stay on at Braglow for the rest of the month. Perhaps, during our stay, you will show me some of those lovely vistas for painting."

Startled, I blinked at her. Offering one last smile, she walked ahead of me. A laugh left my lips, and I rushed to catch up to her.