“Stop, stop. That is not the case. I do not love the gentleman, so please calm yourself.”
Tabitha pursed her lips as she became aware of how insensitive she was being.
“I am sorry, Unity. I did not mean to imply that I was not happy for you in any way. It is only that I do not wish for you to rush into anything with a perfect stranger.”
“I know,” Unity nodded with a smile. “Believe me, I am very aware of how illogical it would be to claim love for Lord Habtage so soon. However, I…I do not think it would be impossible for me to grow in my feelings toward him in that way.”
Tabitha was not sure how to feel about her sister’s confession. On the one hand, she wished for both Unity and Sophia to be happy and settled, if that was their wish. On the other hand, she was still uncertain of Lord Habtage’s character, as she was still uncertain of Lord Morrington’s, and she did not wish for her sister to fall for a rake who would break her heart.
“What is it about the gentleman that has captured your attention so?” Perhaps if she understood her sister’s feelings better, she could be more at ease with this development.
Unity released a soft sigh and bit her lip as her expression grew thoughtful for several moments.
“There are several things that draw me to Lord Habtage,” she said at length. “The first was his appearance. He is possibly the most handsome man I have ever met.”
He is not so handsome as Lord Morrington.
Tabitha frowned at her own stray thought. Why did her mind insist on fixating on him? Forcing her focus away from him, she fought with herself to pay closer attention to her sister’s words.
“He is handsome,” she agreed with a nod. “Though that hardly speaks to his character.”
Unity rolled her eyes. “I was not yet finished. Do you think me so shallow that I would base my attraction to him solely on his appealing face?”
Tabitha shrugged with a grin. “That was the first thing you noted of him. What else am I to think?”
“Looks are merely the first impression we have a person,” Unity chided. “Of course how handsome he is would be the first on my list of his qualities. It is the first thing I noticed about him.”
Tabitha could concede that Unity’s reasoning made sense. It had not been the same for her. Her first impression of Lord Morrington had been his reckless riding. His handsome face had come second.
Would I think of him differently had that been the first thing I noticed about him?
“Very well,” Tabitha said, desperate to keep her mind from straying back to Lord Morrington once more. “What else about do you find appealing?”
“I enjoy his voice,” Unity answered. “It’s so deep and rich, like a cup of warm chocolate. When he speaks, there is a confidence and authority to his tone that I cannot help but admire.”
Indeed, Tabitha had noticed that about the gentleman herself. He always spoke in a soothing tone as well, and appeared to be the peacemaker between himself and Lord Morrington. Lord Habtage had gone out of his way that afternoon to charm their papa and settle the tension between Lord Morrington and Lord Burrows.
On the other hand, Lord Morrington appeared the type of person who wasn’t afraid to engage in conflict and challenge those around him.
Do I find that trait admirable?
She thought she might. Tabitha did not have the freedom as a young lady that Lord Morrington enjoyed so she could not engage in a conflict when she felt so moved. She was expected to always remain polite and contained, even if she burned to bring someone to task for their poor opinions or beliefs.
In that way, she did wish she could be more similar to Lord Morrington. Though, she did not believe that was enough of a reason to change her opinion of him and like him.
“The way he is courteous to everyone around him is another fine trait,” Unity continued. “Lord Habtage possesses impeccable manners and decorum, as far as I can tell.”
You have only encountered him twice. How can you be so sure what you see on the surface is the truth?
“And he was so respectful to Papa,” Unity gushed, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I think the two really got on, do you not think?”
“Yes, my dear, I do think they got along swimmingly.” Lord Habtage had been very attentive to their papa, and the Baron seemed to enjoy the gentleman’s company more than any other member of the party. “Papa is very excited for Lord Habtage to come back for the hunt next Sunday.”
He seemed eager to become better acquainted with Lord Morrington as well, though less so with Lord Burrows. Tabitha did not believe her father cared much for Lord Burrows, though. In the three years of their acquaintance with the gentleman, the Baron had never invited him for a hunt or to spend any amount of time with him, just the two of them together.
“What about you, Tabitha? Are you not excited for next Sunday?” Unity was studying her with a discerning eye, and it unnerved Tabitha.
“What do you mean, am I excited? Why would I be excited?”
Unity released a frustrated sigh. “Do not act like nothing transpired between you and Lord Morrington. I saw you sneak glances his way, and also saw the way he looked at you.”
“He was not looking at me in any particular way,” Tabitha said defensively. “And I was not sneaking glances at him. I was trying very hard not to look at anyone.”
“Oh, Tabitha, you truly believe there is nothing between the two of you.” Unity appeared disappointed by that fact. Tabitha did not like feeling as though she were disappointing her sister, especially when it came to something so personal and private.
“There is nothing between us,” she insisted. “I do not know why you keep persisting with the idea that there is.”
Unity reached out and took Tabitha’s hand in hers. “My love, I do not know why you keep persisting with the idea that you do not like Lord Morrington. He was a perfect gentleman during tea, and he even stuck up for you when Lord Burrows was so incredibly rude. What is it about him that is so objectionable?”
Tabitha opened her mouth to respond, but then shut it again when she could think of nothing logical to say. She knew the reasons she had once held for disliking the gentleman had been solid, but now she was not so sure.
“He…he is so arrogant.”
Unity furrowed her brow. “Is he? He did not seem that way to me.”
Tabitha tried to think of an example to highlight, yet hard as she tried, she could not come up with a single point within his visit where he had displayed anything but perfect manners.
“You just…you just need to trust me,” Tabitha mumbled.
Unity appeared somewhat disappointed as she studied Tabitha.
“Very well,” she conceded, releasing a heavy breath. “I will trust you, though I must admit, I think you should reconsider your position.”
“You have said as much,” Tabitha groaned. “Now, will you allow me to sleep? It is quite late.”
Unity nodded. “I suppose you are right. I should return to my own room before Sophia wakes to find me gone. She will likely tattle to Papa.”
Tabitha watched as her sister pushed from the bed and made her way to the bedroom door. Before she opened it to slip out into the hall, she paused and glanced back at Tabitha over her shoulder.
“Good night, sweetheart,” she whispered with a grin. “I hope you have sweet dreams, free of Lord Morrington’s presence.”
Tabitha grabbed her pillow and made to chuck it at her giggling sister, but before she could release her projectile, Unity disappeared out the door and into the dark corridor beyond.
Chapter 16
Edwin let his horse meander through the field at a gentle pace. They had galloped for much of their ride, but now that they had reached their destination, he wanted to linger. This had become part of his daily routine. He would go out for his morning ride and return to the spot where he had first encountered Miss Walters, and then he would saunter back and forth along the base of the hill, hoping she might walk out that w
ay again.
He was not usually the type of gentleman to pine after a lady. Romantic gestures and heartfelt declarations were not things he would claim to have any interest in. Yet, there was something about Miss Walters that captivated him. He did not yet know if it was merely fascination with her utter disdain for him, or if it was true emotion driving him to act like a lovesick fool.
Whatever the reason, Edwin found himself doing strange and unexpected things counter to his normal character. Never before would he have visited the same spot day after day, just on the hope that the lady might appear.
Yet, here he was. Waiting once more.
So far, she had not made an appearance. Every day since they had reunited in the bookshop, he came to this spot, and everyday he left disappointed to not have encountered her.
Today will be different. Today she will come.
He told himself that same thing each day when he finally wandered back home. Today, he was more optimistic than usual, though he had no real reason to be. It was two days after he had taken tea with the Baron of Narnwood and his daughters. He could not say he had left that gathering feeling any more secure in his acquaintance with Miss Walters, but he thought perhaps she would be curious enough about him to venture back to this spot.
Pulling his horse to a complete stop, he released a sigh and rested his arms around the pommel of his saddle. It was a beautiful warm day. The weather was firmly set into spring, and soon enough he knew they would be feeling the heat of summer. He sat and listened to the gentle sound of the breeze blowing through a small grouping of nearby trees, and the birdsong that occasionally punctuated it.
It was a peaceful, happy scene, but the longer he waited there, the more crestfallen he became.
She is not coming. My efforts are, once again, in vain.
Edwin knew he shouldn’t dawdle any longer. Already, Habtage was beginning to notice that his morning rides had grown longer and longer each day. He did not want his friend suspicious of him. The last thing he needed was Habtage badgering him in his pursuit of Miss Walters.
“Well, another day left wanting,” he said out loud, sitting up tall in his saddle once more. He could claim to be talking to his horse, if only to make him seem less pathetic. “Come along, boy. Let’s return home.”
Taking the reins in his hands, he directed his mount to turn back around to begin their ascent up the hill. Just before he kicked his heels, however, he thought he heard something. He froze, holding very still so he could listen more closely. The sound came again, and his heart sped up with anticipation.
It was voices. Distant and indistinct, but drawing closer. His whole body tensed. Could it be her? Could this be his lucky day at last? He gazed around, wondering if he should be discovered just waiting there, or make it appear as though he were just arriving in the area as well.
She does not need to know how desperate you have become.
Spinning his horse around, he cantered in the opposite direction from the voices for a way. When he was confident he had gone far enough, he stopped and turned back the way he had come to begin a casual trot toward the voices.
With one hand on the reins, he used his other to straighten his jacket and smooth his appearance so he did not look a sweaty mess when he came upon her. The voices grew louder as he drew closer, and he could tell that they were feminine. His heart hammered so hard, it was almost painful.
At last, the ladies came into sight ahead of him, and his breath left his body in a rush. It was her. Miss Walters. She was so lovely, his stomach twisted with instant desire. Her dress was a dark green that brought out the deep red of her hair, and her rosy cheeks were flushed a deeper red from the exertion of her walk. She spoke with a young woman who walked at her side. No doubt a maid, accompanying her on her outing.
She had another book clutched to her chest. Edwin could not help but grin, as the scene was so reminiscent of their first meeting. He urged his horse forward to meet her. When she noticed his approach, her eyes widened, then narrowed and she came to a sudden halt.
“Miss Walters, what a pleasant surprise,” he said, pulling his mount to a stop when he was just before her. “What a coincidence, to come upon you in this spot again.”
“Yes,” she replied, her tone suspicious. “What a coincidence indeed.”
They stared at each other for several moments, and he realized with some amount of horror that, though he had prayed to encounter her out here every day for over a week, he had no idea what to say to her now that they were face-to-face. He was, for perhaps the first time in his life, at a loss for words.
The silence that stretched between them grew awkward, and he berated himself within his mind for not preparing better.
At length, she was the first to speak.
“Well, My Lord, I hope you are having a pleasant ride.” She stared up at him expectantly, her words polite, but her voice impatient.
He was botching this whole thing before they had even truly begun their conversation.
“Ahh, yes, I am, Miss Walters,” he managed to stammer at last. “Very pleasant, but how could my ride not be so on such a fine day? The sun is lovely, and the breeze has finally lost that winter bite it held onto for so long. It is truly a perfect day to be out and about, as I am sure you are aware.”
Now he was babbling like a fool. He needed to get ahold on himself, or she would walk away believing him daft. Her brows rose toward her hairline and she slowly nodded her head.
“Indeed, My Lord, it…it is a rather lovely day.”
He hated himself. Any slim chance he may have had to chance her impression of him was being wasted because he could not think straight. She scrambled his mind until he struggled to know up from down. It was as infuriating as it was intriguing. He needed to know how she possessed such a hold over him without any apparent effort.
Yet, as he gazed down at her, he thought he might know what it was tying his tongue around her. At least in part. He could not help but run his gaze down her body. Her dress highlighted her slim waist and rounded hips, and he could catch the barest glimpse of creamy flesh beneath her high, square neckline. She was a fantasy come to life. A unique beauty who he was certain no gentleman would be able to tear his gaze from.
I lose all intelligent thought around her because my body takes control of my reason.
He shifted in his saddle as his manhood awoke at her presence. That was becoming a common, and rather unfortunate occurrence whenever she was nearby. It would make for an uncomfortable ride back to the manner if he could not bring himself under control.
“What brings you out this morning, Madam?” he asked, desperate to salvage what he could of this already disastrous encounter.
She pinched her lips together, and he was not sure she truly wished to answer him. At length, though, her expression shifted to one of resolve.
“I was hoping to find a peaceful spot to read,” she confessed. “I enjoy it out here when the weather is pleasant, and am not usually bothered.”
The last part of her explanation seemed to be pointed directly at him.
“Indeed, it is rather peaceful out here,” he nodded, choosing to ignore her irritated glare. “A lovely spot to read, I would imagine.”
“It can be,” she sighed. “What brings you so far from Cantham Manor, My Lord? Has this become a part of your regular route?”
He caught himself before he admitted that it had, in fact, been incorporated into his daily ride.
She will think I am obsessive. She will know I have been intentionally seeking her out.
Instead, he shrugged and replied, “Not particularly, no. I simply felt like taking the road less traveled today and ended up back here.”
“You appear to be going at a much more casual pace than the last time.”
He chuckled. “That is true. There is much less chasing after me this time around.”
Her brow furrowed and the corner of her mouth twitched. Was she fighting a smile?
God, what I would g
ive to see a genuine smile upon that lovely face.
“Well, do not let us interrupt your morning…”
She was dismissing him, he realized, but he was not ready to leave her just yet. He could not imagine he had raised himself to any higher level with this latest interaction. Edwin scrambled to think of something to say to stall her from continuing past him.
“It was a true pleasure meeting the Baron the other day,” he blurted.
She froze and stared up at him a moment before her gaze softened. The adoration he saw shining with the emerald depths of her eyes made him yearn for to look at him in such away. He was not naïve to believe that stare was meant for him, but how he wished it could be.
Improperly Enticed By The Rascal Earl (Steamy Historical Regency Romance) Page 12
