“Is there no other way to the beach?” she asked.

“None easier.”

“How unfortunate. Though it appears as if the dogs— Oh!” Her foot slipped straight out from under her. She pitched forward.

Mr. Cross caught her about the waist with his left arm, his right hand still holding tight to hers. “I have you.”

She hung onto him for dear life. “Heavens. I very nearly—”

“I won’t let you fall.”

“That’s all very well, but…what if you should fall?”

“I won’t.” His voice was a deep rumble near her ear. “I’m not clumsy.”

His blunt statement startled another laugh out of her. “Nor am I, sir. Not under usual circumstances.”

Mr. Cross’s arm remained around her until they reached the bottom. There, he released her and leapt down to the beach. He turned and reached for her, his hands closing about her waist to lift her gently onto the sand.

He hadn’t asked for permission. It was a courtesy, nothing more, and one he didn’t push beyond its limits. He released her as soon as her feet touched the ground. Nevertheless, her heart pounded like a trip-hammer. As she straightened her cloak and skirts, she fancied she could still feel the heat of his touch all the way through her woolen gown and corset.

Thank goodness for the dogs. No sooner had she and Mr. Cross appeared than they all galloped toward them, barking and yipping like mad, the wet sand churning beneath their paws.

Mr. Cross bent to pick up a large stick from the beach. He threw it for them in a wide arc. The dogs immediately gave chase. Even Bertie—who looked to be having the time of his life.

Clara smiled. “How happy he is.”

“He belongs in the country.”

“He hasn’t much choice in the matter. No more than I.” She strolled along the edge of the water, her eyes fixed on the dogs playing in the distance. “If Mrs. Bainbridge decides to go to France with Mr. and Mrs. Archer, I shall have to find a new position.”

“You won’t go with her?”

“I can’t. I have to remain close to my mother and brother. They rely on my employment.” She paused before explaining, “My brother, Simon, is at Cambridge. My grandfather left a small sum for his education, but it isn’t enough on its own. My mother and I make up the rest with our wages. It’s a very near thing.”

A vast understatement.

It took nearly every penny she made, and every penny Mama made, to pay Simon’s fees. A university education was expensive. And she owed it to her brother. If not for her, he’d have been blessed with a scholarship, or perhaps even a patron.