“No. Daniel might not wish to admit it and Alice is probably not aware of it, but the lake is a part of them. My father, as well. Up until a little while ago, he and I walked here together every morning, a tradition we started while I was a child.”
“How long has it been since he joined you?”
I was about to excuse my father’s absence on account of his illness but paused when I realized our walks had stopped before the illness, when I had, for a time, slipped out of the house early so that I might walk alone. They had stopped because of Edward’s betrayal. I could not think of an instance since when I had seen him walk down here. “Longer than I’d realized.”
“If they discuss the topic again in my presence, I will remind your father and brother of your feelings. However, though understandable, the sentiments you have expressed do not change my opinion.”
This man was unendurable. “This whole landscape would suffer because of your opinion. Does your arrogance know no bounds? You speak and act with complete disregard to those around you, as though we are nothing more than plants in your yard to be moved or destroyed according to your whim. Yet each person you trample has a life full of hopes and regrets that you will never understand. It is the same with what surrounds us. Can you even appreciate anything beyond how it serves you?”
He frowned as though in disapproval of my thoughts. I’d had enough of his disapproval. “I am a fool. I hoped too much in expecting you, a man with title and money and haughty opinions, to understand. A man who is willing to marry a woman against her will cannot possibly be expected to comprehend such things.”
His eyes flashed and he was suddenly directly in front of me. “I will ignore your slight against my sensibilities, Miss Brinton, since you seem determined to think ill of me. But, whether or not you believe I comprehend such things, I will not mislead your family with unsound advice.”
“Who are you to give us advice? You think because you are titled we should bow before you and be grateful for whatever notice you bestow upon us? Keep your advice. And your offers and insults. They are not wanted here.” I glared at him, our faces inches from each other, the air between us charged as though the space separating us held its breath. His blue eyes burned with cold disdain while my own body felt afire with anger. He had given me a perfect understanding of my position with him. He would never adjust his opinions to accommodate my desires. If we were to marry, I would have to bend my will to his.
I would never do that.
“Margaret!”
Startled, I turned toward Daniel’s voice. The space between Lord Williams and me exhaled, returning to nothing more than dirt and air and light. My brother and Louisa stood near the shore a short distance away.
“I’m calling in what you owe. Take Lord Williams out in the boat so he can see the lake better.”
I scowled. “That was not the agreement.”
“Would you really rather it be Lundall?”
Being alone with Lord Williams with no possibility of escape was the last thing I wanted. “His lordship does not wish to ride out on the lake.”
“You know nothing of my wishes,” Lord Williams said quietly. “Please do not speak for me.” He moved off to help Daniel turn the boat over.
I walked to Louisa. “I can’t do this.”
She touched my arm sympathetically. “Lord Williams appears to be quite the gentleman. Your brother thinks very highly of him.”
“Daniel has known him for less than a week, Louisa. Our family has already proved to be quite gullible when it comes to suitors for me.”
Louisa dropped her hand and I registered what I’d said. I turned in horror to my friend. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean—what I meant was—”
“It’s all right, Margaret. I know how strongly you are repulsed by this. But perhaps you should give him a chance. From what Daniel has told me, he seems to have nothing to gain by this association.”
I bit my lip. Her brother had also seemed to have nothing to gain by the association. The baron wasn’t here without a reason. I just didn’t know how to discover what that reason was.
Sixteen
“The boat is ready. Margaret?” Daniel held his hand out to assist me. I shot Louisa a pained look and walked to the boat.
“This fulfills the bargain?” I asked.
Daniel nodded.
I stepped into the boat. Once I was settled, Lord Williams and Daniel pushed the boat into the water. Lord Williams hopped in at the last minute and settled on the seat opposite me.
“Whatever you do, my lord, do not let her row,” Daniel called as Lord Williams drew us away. “You will end up soaked!”
I turned and looked out over the water.
We rowed in silence. Tilting my head back, I closed my eyes, determined to ignore the baron. The rustling of the trees, though fainter in the middle of the lake, never truly faded. The sun’s comforting touch lightened my spirits. I let out a slow breath. “Say what you will, but there is a peace to be found here that is unique and cannot be found elsewhere.”
When Lord Williams didn’t respond, I opened my eyes. He was watching me with an expression of confusion and something else I couldn’t place. I grew uncomfortable under his scrutiny and turned away to dangle my fingers in the water. The ripples trailed in a line behind us.
The silence grew unbearable and guilt began to eat at me. No matter what his words and actions, I should not have reacted with so much feeling.
“I apologize, my lord,” I said after a few moments. “I am not normally this argumentative.”
“I am certain this must be very difficult for you.”
Whether he referenced our supposed union, his continual presence, or the potential draining of the lake, I did not know. I glanced at him, but his expression revealed nothing. I decided it didn’t matter. “Yes. And I am afraid I have not proved equal to the task.” I looked back at the water and rested my head on one arm, plunging my other hand into the lake.
“Miss Brinton, I cannot release you from the agreement. I am sorry.”
I sat up in horror. The sun glittered blindingly off the water and I had to raise my hand to block the glare. “What do you mean? Of course you can. When we return to the house, tell my parents you have changed your mind. I give you leave to lay full blame upon me. Tell them—tell them you cannot tolerate me. They will believe you.”
“I cannot do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because it is not the truth.”
“It isn’t?”
He slowly shook his head.
Oh. “Well, it should be. We despise each other.”
“It doesn’t have to be this way.”
Yes, it did have to be this way. I’d made a promise to myself, and I wasn’t about to let Lord Williams destroy me more than he already had. “It will never be anything else.”
The boat had turned so I faced the sandy stretch of shore from which we had launched. Daniel and Louisa were no longer there. I quickly glanced around and spotted them walking away down the path. I motioned toward them with my hand. “Lord Williams, get them to stop. They cannot leave us here alone.”
Lord Williams looked in the direction I pointed. “What would you have me do?”
“Call to them! They must be stopped.”
Lord Williams turned in the boat and stood up. “Brinton,” he called, but not loudly. Daniel and Louisa did not even look in our direction.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake.” I stood and climbed over the bench.
“Miss Brinton, please sit down.”
“Someone has got to get their attention and—”
“Miss Brinton, sit down!”
I lost my footing and fell onto the ridge of the boat, my arm plunging into the water with a loud splash. Yanking it out, I scooted quickly to the other side. The boat rocked with my movement. I gras
ped the edge before noticing the empty seat; Lord Williams had disappeared. I crept toward where he had been sitting.
A hand sprang out of the water and clasped the side of the boat.
“Oh, my!” I scrambled to the side of the boat and looked over the edge into the wet face of Lord Williams. “I am so sorry, my lord.” Grabbing his hand, I tried to pull him into the boat.
“Miss Brinton, please let go of me.”
“But—” The sternness of his expression cut off my words. I released him and sat back.
“If you would be so kind as to assist me out of my coat, I believe I can manage the rest.”
The rest of what? Was he going to undress in the water? “My lord, surely you do not mean to stay in the water. Let me help you back into the boat.”
“My coat, Miss Brinton.” He held out his arm to me. I hesitated, then grasped the cuff of his coat so he could slip his arm out. “Thank you,” he said.
I took that as my cue to release the garment. Lord Williams shifted in the water for a moment before flinging the coat into the boat, splashing water on me as he did. I flinched away from the sudden moisture.
“I beg your pardon,” he said. Then he pushed off the boat, heading toward the shore.
“Wait, why are you swimming?”
He didn’t respond.
I grasped the oars and headed after him. When I reached the shore he was already walking out of the water. Grabbing his coat, I stood and walked carefully to the front of the boat, as near to the dry sand as possible. I would have to get my boots wet no matter what, but I had to at least try to spare my dress.
He glanced at me as he bent a leg and grabbed his shin. “If you would wait a moment, I will assist you.” He leaned forward and water poured out of his boot.
I stopped. Lord Williams had just offered me assistance in a rather calm tone while soaking wet as a result of my actions. It was not at all how I’d expected him to react. He had every reason to be upset. Furious, even. His boots were likely ruined, his clothes, especially his silk waistcoat, destroyed, and he smelled like lake water—though he may not have realized that last bit yet.
I certainly wouldn’t wait for his assistance; he was quite likely intending to pick me up and toss me into the water as repayment. I sat on the rim of the boat and threw my legs over the side so they dangled above the water.
Just as I was about to jump down, he placed a hand on my shoulder. “Miss Brinton, are you always this impatient?” His tone sounded mildly annoyed. I glanced up, ready with a quip, but water dripped from his hair, running down his face to the edge of his chin, and his white sleeves, so wet they clung to him, poured a steady trickle of drops into the shallow water below.
My remark drained away. “Yes,” I mumbled.
Lord Williams tugged the boat until it was safely on the shore, then offered me his hand. I took it and his fingers closed around mine, confident but gentle. As he assisted me off, I had the unmistakable feeling that the baron’s grip personified the man himself.
Seventeen
The moment my boots were out of danger, Lord Williams dropped my hand to tug the boat higher onto the shore.
“Thank you.” I wiped my hand in the folds of my dress, hoping to somehow rub out the eerie feeling of safety that lingered with the memory of his touch.
He left the boat and strode to a nearby fallen tree, untied his cravat, and slung it over the log. The slope of his shoulders drew my attention to the way his shirt clung to his muscular arms as he bent each leg behind him again, spilling more water from his boots onto the ground. He ran his fingers through his hair, making his shirt cling to his arms even more. He was much more muscular than his clothes, when dry, revealed. His hand dropped, displaying his clenched jaw. The muscle popped, accenting the angle of his chin, then disappeared.
A bird’s call brought me to my senses. I was staring. I dropped my gaze from his face only to discover that he had unbuttoned his waistcoat and was untying the collar of his shirt.
“What are you doing?” I flung his coat at the boat and rushed up to him, putting my hands on his chest in an attempt to keep his vest closed.
He glanced at me. “I am removing my clothes.”
“You cannot do that!”
“Miss Brinton, I will not remain in these wet things.”
I filled with apprehension. “You cannot mean to remove all your wet things.” I glanced over him quickly. Everything was soaked. Even my hands, pressing against his waistcoat, had droplets of water running down them.
Lord Williams lifted an eyebrow and a small smile curved his lips. “Oh?”
I stepped back in alarm.
He chuckled. “No, Miss Brinton. I plan only to remove those items that are unnecessary.”
My cheeks grew hot. Lord Williams would soon be standing in only his breeches. What was I supposed to do then? I had never been in a more embarrassing situation. “I assume you would like assistance in removing your boots.” I glanced down at the mud-streaked shoes and sighed. It wouldn’t matter that I had kept dry before. I was about to ruin yet another dress, only this time it was a dress I actually liked.
“Miss Brinton.” Lord Williams’s words rang with rebuke. My gaze flew to his in surprise. “My boots are filthy. I would never ask you to do such a thing.”
I stared at him. He would rather be uncomfortable than have me sully my dress? Why? This didn’t fit the man who’d told me what to do, ruined my chances of marriage, and then ensured the end of my plans through forcing my hand.
Was this a new twist in his plan?
Or . . . I frowned. Was it possible I had been mistaken?
No, nothing about what had happened could be misinterpreted. But why had he done it all? And why was he here now, acting the gentleman, when we both knew this wasn’t who he was?
A smile lifted a corner of his mouth. “If I’d known all it would take to catch your attention was a swim, I’d have insisted on a boat ride the first day.”
He was flirting with me.
My cheeks flamed. “You haven’t caught my attention.” I picked up his coat from where it had landed, half in the mud. “Your coat. It’s a bit dirty.”
His gaze held mine as he took the coat. “Thank you.” His voice was soft and coaxing.
I stepped away. “I am sure you’d like to get on with your—” I gestured to his clothes. I would not watch him disrobe. A nearby tree provided a perfect support, and I leaned my forehead against it and closed my eyes.
“I am sorry this makes you uncomfortable.”
Not only was my face on fire, but my neck also, burning as I struggled to push images of the state of his attire, or lack thereof, from my mind. “It is no more than I deserve, I am sure.”
At least we were alone, and no one else was near to witness this spectacle. My mother, surely, would have fainted from shock. The situation may have proved embarrassing enough for even my father to feel lightheaded with shame.
“I am ready.”
I pushed off the tree and forced myself to look at him, prepared for a wholly improper scene. Instead, surprise and gratitude left me speechless. He had retained his shirt, though he’d rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, as well as his waistcoat, which, though unbuttoned, must still have been quite uncomfortable. His coat and cravat were slung across an arm. His hair, no longer dripping so profusely, had actually curled a bit.
In that moment I understood why the ladies at the Hickmores’ party had been disappointed by his early departure. His lack of formal attire made him appear relaxed and approachable and quite worth sparing more than one passing glance on.
A slow smile spread across his face. His eyes, more welcoming than I had ever seen them, began to sparkle as though with barely contained amusement.
Fear flitted through me. I was allowing him to draw me in. How was it possible that someone who behaved s
o abominably could at the same time be so charming?
I spun toward the path. “I am ready as well.” I didn’t wait, knowing he’d catch up. And I needed a moment to myself, however brief, because whatever had just passed between us made me feel off balance, as though I was still standing in the boat, only a storm was rising on the lake and the boat was quickly becoming unsteady.
As we neared the garden, Lord Williams said, “I am afraid I failed to find much peace at your lake. While a swim could be termed refreshing, there was nothing tranquil or soothing about this afternoon.”
I looked up. His face was completely serious, but a twinkle in his eyes betrayed him. He was jesting.
I wasn’t quite sure how to reply. “Being refreshed is something.”
“Yes, it is.” He smiled, his first genuine smile.
That smile was worse than our arguments. At least in a disagreement the battle lines were clearly drawn. But the way he grinned, warm and welcoming, did something inside that made me want to answer with a grin of my own.
I was becoming as ridiculous as my family. I would not allow him power over me.
I yanked my attention back to the path. We climbed the stairs from the garden to the lawn and I stopped. It would do no good to be caught with him half dressed. If Daniel and Louisa saw us, there would be no end to the teasing. If my parents were to discover us, I was in for more than a mere lecture. “I need to see where everyone is.”
He lifted a brow but uttered no disagreement.
I made him wait by the large yew bush while I stood on the wall. Louisa and Daniel sat with my mother and sister. My father wasn’t visible in any of the windows.
I sighed. “We will have to risk it. However, it would be best if we entered the house separately.”
“Why is that?”
“You want us to be discovered with you looking like . . . with you half-dressed looking like. . . .”
“Looking like I fell into the lake?” He shrugged. “You cannot tell me it has not happened before.”
Promised Page 11
