Who Needs Mr Willoughby? Read Online Free PDF Page B

that your car over there?”
    She nodded. “It’s Lady Violet’s. She’s let me use it while I’m visiting.”
    “Oh – you’re staying at Barton Park?” The news pleased him. “Then we’re practically neighbours.” He held out his hand. “Kit Willoughby. My aunt lives at Allenham Court.”
    Marianne’s hand was eclipsed in his larger, warmer one. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr Willoughby.”
    “I’m glad I happened along when I did.” He frowned. “Do you object if I carry you to your car? I don’t think you’ll make it, otherwise. The ground’s a bog at the moment.”
    She blushed and shook her head. “Not at all. I don’t think I can stand up without someone to lean on. To tell the truth, I feel a bit…muddled,” she confessed.
    “I’m not surprised. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. I’m happy to take you home.”
    So saying, Mr Willoughby scooped her gently into his arms and swung her up without effort. Rain dripped from the end of his nose and ran down his jaw, but as he carried her down the slope and across the muddied field to her car, Marianne thought that she’d never known a more handsome or gallant man in all of her life.

Chapter 5
    Mrs Fenwick opened the door to let them in a few minutes later. With a great deal of fussing and tutting she led Mr Willoughby into the drawing room, and hovered nearby as he lowered Marianne to the sofa.
    “Are you sure you’re all right, miss?” the housekeeper inquired anxiously. “No broken bones? Should I call the doctor, or Lady Violet, perhaps –?”
    “No need,” Willoughby assured her. “Miss Holland’s had a fall, and she’s a bit dazed, but otherwise seems fine. At least,” he added, “so far as broken bones are concerned.”
    He smiled down at Marianne, and she caught her breath as his blue eyes crinkled attractively.
    “Thank you, Mr Willoughby,” she said, and smiled back. “You’ve been really kind.”
    “Kit, please. It was my pleasure, I assure you.” He turned to Mrs Fenwick. “Since Lady Valentine isn’t at home, would it be all right if I visit Miss Holland again tomorrow and see how she’s getting on, do you think?”
    The housekeeper nodded, charmed. “I see no harm in’t. We’ll see you tomorrow, then, Mr Willoughby.”
    “But how will you get back to Allenham, and Jasper?” Marianne asked.
    “I’ll walk,” he replied easily. “The stables aren’t above a mile or two from here.”
    “You can’t possibly walk all that way in this storm.” She turned to the housekeeper. “Please, Mrs Fenwick,” Marianne implored, “can’t someone drive Mr Willoughby back to the cottage?
    “That’s not necessary,” he assured her.
    “It most certainly is,” the housekeeper said firmly. “I’ll have my stepson Jack take you back. It’s the least we can do after you brought Miss Holland safely home.” She led the way to the front door. “This way, if you please, sir.”
    Mr Willoughby took up Marianne’s hand and brought it to his lips. His eyes, so darkly blue and intense, met hers. “Goodbye, Miss Holland. Until tomorrow.”
    “Until tomorrow,” she whispered, enthralled.
    ***
    The next afternoon, as promised, Kit Willoughby returned to Barton Park with a lavish bouquet of wildflowers in hand.
    He followed the housekeeper into the drawing room, where Marianne was ensconced on the sofa with her foot resting on a cushion.
    “I’ll have you know I spent all morning picking only the best examples of local flora for your bouquet,” he told Marianne as he gave her the flowers.
    “They’re beautiful,” she said, and breathed in their scent. “I love wildflowers.”
    “And…” he withdrew a slender white box tied with red ribbon from behind his back. “Chocolates, handmade and liberally sprinkled with Malden sea salt.” He smiled and laid the box on a nearby table. “I have it on good authority – my aunt’s – that they’re the best chocolates Carywick has to offer.”
    “I’m sure