Page 8 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
“I owe you an apology, my lady.”
She said nothing as he advanced, but rather, she scrutinized him with a closed-lip smile. He tried not to stare at her temptingly curved mouth. He stood at a respectable distance, and this time, he could see her lovely blue eyes. They unblinkingly held his gaze. Her facial bones were delicately carved, and she had a seductive young body and fine shapely hips. A sweeping attraction pierced Theodore, but he dared not show it.
She lifted her chin. “For what are you tendering an apology, sir?” There was a mocking lilt to her tone, and her eyes burned with awareness.
Theodore cleared his throat. “I wish to apologize for sneaking up on you when we last met. It was not my intention to spy on you, and I should have announced myself earlier in much the same way that I did today.”
He was indeed contrite and hoped it was communicated. Silence hung heavy in the air, and Theodore realized he was holding his breath. He had expected her to accept his apology straight away, but she did not. Their gazes clashed before her stare traveled over the full length of his body. He thought the lady’s regard lingered for a moment too long on his chest. Perhaps he imagined it.
“I accept your apology, good sir,” she said.
He held her with his eyes, and she did not look away. Theodore saw the redness creep up her cheeks before she dropped her gaze.
Interesting.
She was aware of him just as much as he was of her. The tension curled low in his belly. Could this be the start of a delightful encounter? He fervently prayed it was.
The beginning of a smile tipped the corner of his mouth. “I did not introduce myself. I am Viscount Bowden, and I live on the neighboring property, Bowden Park.”
She inclined her head. “I am pleased to meet you, my lord. I am Lady Beryl Keene from Chalfont House.”
“Ahh. You are a guest of Lady Ellsworth?” Theodore asked.
“She is my cousin,” Lady Beryl replied somewhat reluctantly.
Theodore surmised the lady was probably annoyed that he had interrupted her moment of solitude. He did not wish to leave. Somehow, he felt curious about her. He would stay, although the conversation thus far was much like pulling teeth.
He pretended not to notice, and with as much enthusiasm as he could muster, he said, “I see that you enjoy the lake, Lady Beryl.”
She flashed a genuine smile for the first time, and her face lit up. Theodore’s heart squeezed. He was fixated on the most sensual, kissable lips he had ever seen. He should not let his gaze linger for too long, for he did not wish to rile her. This was the first time she looked at him as if she did not wish he would disappear, and he enjoyed it.
Lady Beryl glanced at the lake. “The lake gives me great pleasure. I am an early riser, and I find riding quite refreshing. My journey always takes me to the lake. The tranquility and comfort lure me here, and I cannot resist.”
He smiled and took a few steps closer. “We share something in common, my lady. Our appreciation for the lake’s natural beauty.”
“On that, we agree,” Lady Beryl said.
Was she pointedly suggesting they would agree on little else?
“I am acquainted with Lady Ellsworth and her daughters. Are you visiting?”
“No, my lord. Chalfont House is my home now.”
A shadow of sadness crossed her features before she quickly regained her composure. Now, Theodore was even more curious, but he would not push.
“I am sorry. I did not mean to pry into your private affairs.” His words were kind, and he hoped they soothed her. He did not know why he even cared, but somehow, he did not want her to think that he was insensitive. He could not fathom why what she thought of him was of any significance.
“There is nothing to apologize for, Lord Bowden.” A forlorn expression covered her face. “My home was Penrose Hall in Cornwall. My father passed away, so I moved to Chalfont House to be with my cousins.”
She had put it delicately, but immediately he understood. The laws of succession made no allowances for women. Theodore felt sympathy for her. Surely, this would be a crushing blow for anyone. She had lost her father and her home in short order.
“My condolences.” It sounded hollow, but he felt compelled to say it anyway. Theodore walked over to a log and sat down. He looked out onto the lake and decided to share with her. “I have known my share of loss. My parents and, more recently, my brother and his wife. I wish I could offer some words of comfort, that would ease your pain.” They were not just empty words. He meant it.
She inhaled audibly. “We are strangers.”
Why would you care, her gaze seemed to demand.
“I will say the emptiness and pain you feel will ease in time. Not fully, but I think feeling even the smallest echoes of grief will remind us of those we loved.”
