Harriet stole a glance at Chase where he stood in the barn, wearing Stephen’s old clothing. Chase’s hair fell over his brow, his arms bared from where he’d rolled up his shirtsleeves. This was a man who was used to riding the best horses, dancing with the most beautiful debutantes, sharing confidences with the crème de la crème of society.

Yet here he was, dressed to work in the fields, as if he was a member of her family.

And in a way, that was exactly what he had become. When he’d first arrived he’d been arrogant and spoiled. But every day she saw him changing, opening his heart to her family, becoming more a part of them all. For the first time, she realized how difficult it was going to be when he left.

Stephen hobbled up. “There you are, Mr. St—”

“Just call me Chase, if you please.”

Stephen grinned. “Chase, then.”

“I’ve been meaning to tell you that I’m sorry things did not prosper with Miss Strickton.”

Hot pink flooded Stephen’s cheeks. “I’m sorry I took you so literally. It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“I daresay that was the brandy thinking and not you.”

“You are probably right.”

“Don’t worry about it. There may be a way ’round Miss Strickton’s hard heart yet.”

Stephen’s face fell. “No. I fear I’ve botched it so badly, there is no redeeming myself now.”

“We’ll see,” Chase said.

Stephen grimaced. “She said she never wanted to see me again. And I don’t blame her. I made a mull of it.”

“I believe our problem is that we didn’t attempt to approach the situation the way a woman would.”

“What?”

“What do you think would impress Miss Strickton? What does she seem to be drawn to?”

“Sir Roger Blevins,” Stephen said glumly.

“Who is that?”

“A completely pompous ass who makes as if he’s a swell of some sort just because he’s been to London a time or two. I think he’s a damned mushroom. A complete cit with no breeding. But to hear him tell it, he practically grew up riding with the Prince and shooting billiards with lords and ladies.”

Chase frowned. “Sir Roger Blevins, you said? I’ve never heard that name and I can tell you for a fact that he’s not a member of White’s.”

“I wish someone would tell that to Miss Strickton.” Stephen brightened. “Say! Could you—”

“No, no. You’re mistaken if you think discrediting your opponents will win you anything. What you need to do is outshine the fellow, make her forget all about him. How does this Sir Blevins dress?”

“Wide collars, shirt points up to here, huge cravat. He can barely turn his head, yet Miss Strickton acts as if she’d never seen anything more beautiful.”

Chase rubbed his chin a moment. “Yes. I think I know just what you need to do. After we finish today, you will go to town. Will Miss Strickton be there?”

“She should be. Her father’s house overlooks Sticklye, and she rides through often.” Stephen frowned. “But what would seeing Miss Strickton again do? She will only wish me to the devil.”