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have a more intimate acquaintance than we do. It’s a liberty I will not allow.”
    He scratched his chin thoughtfully, his golden eyes resting on her for so long a blush crept up her cheeks. He had truly beautiful eyes. The iris was rimmed with darker brown, which gave him an intense appearance.
    “I never supposed you would allow any liberties, nor have I tried to take any. Do I have such a bad reputation that you think me a rake trying to compromise you?”
    She could hardly be compromised, but he had a good point. She had twice accused him of attempting seduction, and twice she had been wrong.
    “I suppose I do not trust most men.”
    “That is a wise policy on the whole. However, you can be assured you may trust me. In fact, from this point forward my sole purpose in life is proving myself worthy of your trust.”
    She rolled her eyes and began walking again.
    “I am quite serious, you know,” he said, following her.
    “You are quite ridiculous.”
    “I take my honor very seriously, but of course you cannot know that. You don’t know me.”
    She slowed to allow him to catch up. “Then enlighten me, Mr. Lochley—”
    “Just Lochley.”
    “Enlighten me, Lochley. Who are you?”
    “I’m the third son of Viscount Lochley and the third of four children. My eldest brother is the heir, of course, and my next-oldest brother went into the clergy. I am the last son, Lochley the Last.”
    She did not believe that was the entire reason for the name.
    They walked together now, side by side as the path through the woods was wide and well-trodden. “And so you went into the military. The fourth child is your sister?”
    “Lovely young woman. You would like her.”
    “Would I?” she asked with some surprise.
    “Yes. Everyone does. She has three children, and they adore her. She’s a wonderful mother. My brothers are also leg...married.”
    “You are the sole bachelor.” Perhaps that was the reason for the sobriquet?
    He lifted a branch so she could pass. “Much to my parents’ dismay. They think if I marry, I will settle down.”
    “Are you terribly wild?”
    “I suppose that depends on your definition of wild.”
    They’d reached a wooden fence, and Lochley paused to study it. “I don’t remember this on my initial trek.”
    “You must have gone around it. I’m taking you the short way back.”
    “Can’t wait to be rid of me, eh?”
    “On the contrary. I rather like hearing about you.” She easily maneuvered over the fence by sitting on the top and swinging her legs over.
    “Then I shall continue. Just as soon as I manage this fence.” He began to climb it, then seemed to reconsider and decided to duck and go through it. He couldn’t quite fit, and he had to free himself and step back.
    Caro tried not to smile, but he was so completely lost here in the country. Finally, he stepped onto the rung and jumped over, landing unsteadily on his feet.
    “That was embarrassing.” He gave the fence a scowl.
    “It shall be our secret.”
    “Oh, good. I like secrets.” He offered his arm, and she moved to take it, but his words sent a shiver of apprehension down her spine.
    “What do you mean by that?”
    “By what?”
    “You like secrets.”
    He shrugged. “Who doesn’t like secrets? What do you think I mean?”
    “Nothing.” She began walking at a clipped pace.
    “Apparently, I’ve offended you again. I seem to have a knack for it,” he called.
    She merely continued to walk, wishing they’d reached the Friar’s House already so she might be rid of him. A viscount’s son. What business did she have dreaming about a viscount’s son? She was a gentleman’s daughter, true, but her father was a gentleman only by virtue of owning the land. He was not the sort of gentleman who did nothing all day. He worked hard and dirtied his hands.
    “If I tell you a secret, will you slow down?”
    She blew out a breath and turned to look at him. She didn’t want to be amused, but he was always making her