Chapter 12 #2
“Oh.” Miss Godderidge crossed to the other side of the room in slow, measured steps, then walked half the perimeter.
“As I thought, this room is at minimum a hundred square feet larger than any other in the area. It may be possible to host most of the fair as well as the ball in here if the weather doesn’t cooperate. ”
“Then you approve?”
“Definitely.”
He led her out onto the tiered porches.
“I thought we might be able to erect some sort of tent or covering over the upper porch from the columns.” Victor intimated the hooks that seemed to be designed for a canopy.
“Did an awning come with the house?”
“I have not heard of one. I suppose I should ask the housekeeper. She served the Hills.”
“It would nearly double the size of the ballroom. If the day proves less than kind, many of the activities, such as the storytelling contest, could be held here.” Again, Miss Godderidge checked the size of the area by walking the perimeter.
“There could not be a more perfect location. Thank you for agreeing to host, Mr. Dalrymple.”
He pointed to the old stone barn. “I built a new barn last year. This one stands empty. I thought to make something else of it, and have yet to decide. I believe there is enough room for many children’s activities if needed.”
Miss Godderidge clapped her hands, a look of pure joy on her face. “May we look?”
He offered his arm. How could he resist? He had rarely caused such a reaction of joy from a female. He found he disappointed women, like his mother, more often than not. A smile on a woman’s face was like a ray of warm sunshine, so needed in the county. “My apologies for any mud we may encounter.”
“You can hardly take the blame for all the mud in England.” She laughed, and for a moment his world tilted as if he had always been off balance, and for the first time it was right.
How could this be? How could this woman change everything so absolutely?
Miss Isabel Godderidge. Of all women. Barlow’s constant chiding must be affecting him.
They continued down the path. She said something, but he was so attuned to her light touch on his arm that it took a moment for the words to make sense in his brain and to form an answer. “I was told the barn was built in the mid-1500s, but it could be older.”
“Is it safe?”
“The roof leaks. I believe that can be solved with a tarpaulin of some sort. as I do not wish to re-thatch the roof until I determine the building’s future.”
She lifted her head to inspect the structure as they neared. “The walls look solid enough. I was afraid they might crumble down.”
They entered the dimly lit barn. Victor felt her step closer, or did he?
Miss Godderidge wrinkled her nose.
Victor’s hand clenched as he resisted the urge to smooth out the wrinkle.
“It is musty in here. Could it be aired out?”
Victor breathed deeply. Three hundred years of animals living here had left a rather distinctive odor.
The building had been emptied of straw and waste.
He supposed that a good scrubbing of the stone floor would help, but if he were to follow the rules of the fair, he would have to clean it himself.
“We can open it up. Though I am not sure how much good it will do.”
“Barns do smell like barns. It is to be expected, I suppose. I would not have noticed if I were not thinking about how to best use the space. If we do not have good weather that day.”
“As I said, children’s activities. We could stage the archery contest from the stall at the end…
” A multitude of problems entered his mind.
Who would set up the targets if it was raining?
Was it advisable to shoot from inside? Knights or bowmen had from castles under siege, it should be safe enough.
“It should be possible. I wish my brother Edward were here to advise us. I could send a letter to Phil, she would know. I mean Viscountess Endelton.” Miss Godderidge released his arm and walked to the end stall.
Victor followed her, suddenly aware that the footman and the maid had not joined them inside.
A glance over his shoulder reassured him that his two servants hovered just outside the main doorway.
From this distance, it seemed like they were barely chaperoning.
He was not concerned that he would act anything but gentlemanly, nor would Miss Godderidge act untoward.
However, the perception that they were alone in such a large space filled with shadows could lead someone to question either of them, bothered him.
He stopped several feet away from Miss Godderidge to ensure propriety.
She stood in the exterior stall doorway. “It is a fair prospect, do you think the horses appreciated the view?”
From his vantage point, he could not see beyond the paddock. He stepped closer, still maintaining as much distance as possible. “I had not thought of it before, but it is a fine view for a horse.”
Miss Godderidge turned quickly. “I—oh—”
Victor acted, reaching for her as she fell, colliding with his chest. Her arm wrapped around him as his did around her.
A whimper of pain escaped her. Victor’s heart reacted to the sound with a pang of his own.