Mr. Mornay was leaning against the trunk of the tree with his arms folded as if he had been there for an age. He had thick dark hair and brows and he was looking up at her with an inscrutable expression. He held a walking stick in his gloved right hand and Ariana felt herself blushing to the roots of her hair. He leant the stick against the tree and began making his way up towards her, saying a bit sourly, “I believe you are in need of assistance.”

He was in good physical condition. In seconds he came up beside Ariana and, leaning past her shoulder to find the problem, lifted the piece of snagged fabric off the pointed branch that had caught it, without a word. He then let himself down to the branch beneath hers. Since Ariana’s seat was a deal higher than where he stood, their eyes were nearly level. Again she was struck by the degree of swirling activity in his dark eyes. And as before, she thought she detected a sense of suppressed pain in his features. But he seemed about to give her a set-down, and she poised herself to receive it, clinging to her branch.

“Miss Forsythe, is it not?” he asked, without offering to introduce himself.

Ariana swallowed and nodded, and uttered a faint, “I am much obliged to you.”

He looked at her severely and returned, “You should be; ‘twas exceedingly foolish to leave your friends and come off alone, putting yourself in a vulnerable position. Not only young and attractive, but alone and hidden from general view!” His voice was full of disgust as if he had not met such a stupid creature as she in all his life. He paused for a moment and demanded, “Are you not aware of dangers that may present themselves to careless young women like yourself?”

Ariana’s face continued to burn. He must have noted it, but there was no softening on his features. She turned her head to avoid his eyes, now blazing with reproof, and suddenly seething indignation rose up within her. In most cases, her quick temper caused her problems. At this moment, however, it came to her aid. She looked up again, meeting the raging sea of his black eyes and dared to defend herself.

She said firmly, “I did not plan, sir, for this to occur!”

“Does that signify?” he hissed, in a tone which made it abundantly clear that to him, at least, it did not. “Has any young woman with the misfortune of being ill-used ever planned on having it so?” She stubbornly returned his gaze, unconvinced there had been a risk of such danger.

“This is a gathering of genteel people, gentlemen”—

“Gentlemen!” he sputtered, “are capable of the most heinous behaviour that any cove from London’s darkest corners might be! In fact," he went on ruthlessly, “a gentleman may hazard more danger since he is least likely to suffer the penalty of law for his actions, no matter how abhorrent.” His countenance was fierce, and Ariana felt as ashamed as when her own papa had had occasion to scold her.

The logic of what he said made Ariana think she had been at risk. Their eyes were in a deadlock while she weighed the idea. She could not help but be distracted by his swirling eyes, as different from the norm as hers were said to be. They were like tossing waves, changing before her, and yet not. She boldly met his blistering gaze, however, her own eyes reflective of the resentment she felt for being rudely awakened to dangers she had not imagined.

He suddenly recalled they were in a tree. “I will assist you down,” he informed her coldly, but he was surprisingly careful as he did so, grasping the trunk with one hand while the other received her firmly as she lowered herself.
A pleasant aroma reached Ariana’s nostrils. It was snuff; undoubtedly a fine brand. Many women, including her mama, were repulsed by its odor, but Ariana had never found it unpleasant. She and Mr. Mornay were in close proximity only a few seconds but it was enough for her to have the astonishing thought that not only did Mr. Mornay look very nice, but he smelled very nice, too!

Still holding her about the waist, he reached up and acquired the bonnet, handed it to her and ordered, “Wait.” He released her and let himself down to the next lower branch, again assisting her as she lowered herself. In that fashion, they made it to the ground. When Ariana was on the last branch he turned and lifted her down with both hands.
She busied herself by brushing off her gown, delaying having to say anything to him for as long as possible. He picked her spencer and reticule off the ground where she had left them, and held them out to her.
Ariana took them, murmuring, “Thank you.”
She took an apprehensive glance up at him, and found that he was studying her. He said nothing, but his countenance seemed less severe than it had been, and Ariana decided it was a good time to make an exit.
“I am obliged to you, sir...and indeed, more so... if the danger you referred to was real.”

He let out a soft gasp. “You can doubt it?” he asked incredulously.
Ariana’s lips were pressed together stubbornly, and she replied, as she pulled on her gloves, “If I did not, I could hardly enjoy the solitude I often cherish; I shan’t be the sort of female who thinks there are dangers behind every tree or rock! I should never go out alone, then! Such a confining existence that would be!”
He shook his head with a scowl, and replied, “Young women should not go out alone—or young men, for that matter!”

She was surprised by such a sentiment, but then decided it came from residing in London, a crowded city, which was so unlike her own small town.
“Perhaps I must behave differently here,” she conceded. “At home, however, I assure you young ladies do go forth alone, and think nothing of it.”
“Perhaps they think nothing of being a lady, then.” Ariana had no answer for this remark and just watched while he retrieved his cane. She attempted to smooth her gown again, but realized he was watching her.
“Is it that bad?” she asked, seeing his look of distaste.
“That depends upon your standard,” he answered evasively, and then added, “That’s what comes of—ahem—climbing trees in afternoon dress. May I ask what you were doing in the tree?
She paused, giving him a curious look, but admitted, “I had no idea of climbing the tree until I saw what a strange, monstrous thing it was, and somehow, it just seemed to…beckon to me.”
One dark brow on the masculine face went up faintly, but he looked interested, not scornful, and so Ariana continued: “And then I saw that those trunks, horizontal as they are, should make an agreeable vantage point from which to view the house.”

“And so you climbed up,” he finished for her.
“Yes.”
“Right up to that high perch I found you in?”
“Not directly; I went higher for the advantage of a better view... indeed going higher than I planned to...”
He was amused, and Ariana noticed with gratification a sparkle in the dark eyes. He said, “So you find this property agreeable?”
Ariana glanced around her, at the neat expanse of lawn and trees and sky and smiled. “I do.” Then, thinking his silence was disagreement, asked, “Do you not find it so?”
He looked around them, but was silent.
Ariana could not help shaking her head and pointed northward. “What a fine prospect! How serene, and peaceful! How good for the soul it must be to view it often!”
She glanced at him to find that he was looking at her, not the view, but he turned obediently and looked in the direction she pointed. He nodded, but said nothing. Turning back to her, the dark eyes seemed momentarily troubled, but he quickly regained control and the look was gone.

Ariana felt sad for him. There was definitely a form of grief in him. They started walking back towards the party... She was amazed to find herself conversing easily and comfortably with the man she had considered rude and arrogant. His tone and attitude had changed considerably, and he now seemed an agreeable gentleman. Indeed, one with understanding and compassion. She did not know what to make of it.
“Hmmn,” he said, and could not resist making his point yet again. “Perhaps it will serve as a lesson to you, so that in future you are more careful of your surroundings.” This time she did not cavil, choosing to remain silent, until he added, “Be thankful that only your season is ruined, and not something much worse.”

“Your misapprehensions are without warrant,” she pointed out, trying not to sound annoyed, though she was. “ I fail to see danger! These grounds were safe when I arrived, and so they are, now!” They stopped walking, and Mr. Mornay crossed his arms while receiving the brunt of her indignation. She added, in a calmer tone, “You are too strong in your case, sir.“ He said nothing for a moment, but then, in a smooth, low voice stated chillingly, “You are assuming, of course, that I myself could pose no danger to you.”
Ariana blinked and felt a little grip of fear on her heart. She said nothing.
But he leaned in closer upon her and asked, in that same sinewy voice, “Do you know for a fact that I pose no danger to you?” His voice was silken and smooth, and—scary.