There-at last! She’d put her next step into words. Into a solemn vow. The positive uplifting feeling that always followed on the heels of decision welled within her-

“Well that’s heartening, I must say, although of suitable age and station for what?”

With a gasp, she whirled. For one instant, her mind boggled. Not with fear-despite the shadows in which he stood and the brightness of the day behind him, she’d recognized his voice, knew whose shoulders blocked the entrance arch.

But what in all Hades was he doing here?

His gaze sharpened-a disconcertingly acute blue gaze far too direct for politeness.

“And what haven’t you made up your mind about? That usually takes you all of two seconds.”

Calmness, decisiveness-fearlessness-returned in a rush. She narrowed her eyes. “That is none of your affair.”

He moved, deliberately slowly, taking three prowling steps to join her by the railing. She tensed. The muscles framing her spine grew rigid; her lungs locked as something within her reacted. She knew him so well, yet here, alone in the silence of the fields and sky, he seemed larger, more powerful.

More dangerous in some indefinable way.

Stopping with two feet between them, he gestured to the view. “You seemed to be declaring it to the world at large.”

He met her gaze; amusement at catching her out lurked in the blue, along with watchfulness and a certain disapproval.

His features remained expressionless. “I suppose it’s too much to hope there’s a groom or footman waiting nearby?”

That was a subject she wasn’t about to debate, especially not with him. Facing the view, she coolly inclined her head. “Good afternoon. The views are quite magnificent.” She paused for only an instant. “I hadn’t imagined you an admirer of nature.”