Page 28 of Her Daring Earl
And oh, what an intriguing letter it appeared to be.
He sat back in his chair, crossed one leg over the other as he rested them on the desk, and began to read.
My dearest Siena,
I am so sorry to disturb you and the duke. You were correct in sensing that there was more between me and Lord Fitzroy, and I only wish I had confided in you before I left. You hadbattled through so much that I did not want to add any more concerns to your list.
But let me first tell you why any of this matters.
She proceeded to explain how she had come to be at Fitz’s estate, as well as the fact that most of his sisters had left his country home to visit friends.
As you know, I have been acquainted with Lord Fitzroy for some time, being friends with his sisters. When I was a girl, I so fancied him.
Interesting.
Not, of course, that I ever expected him to see me in return. He was quite a few years older than me, and usually away at school. When we did encounter one another, I am sure he looked at me as a young girl.
That much was true.
Then I came of age. I knew he would be at my first outing, and while I never expected anything to come of it, nor did I hold my childish penchant for him any longer. However, I had still hoped that he would notice me.
He didn’t even look my way.
On that, she was wrong.
Instead, he spent the rest of the night charming every other debutante, danced with each of them, and likely went home with one of the widows who had been eyeing him all night.
Wrong again – on the widow part, at least.
When the night came to a close, he came to collect his sisters, who I was standing with. You were being charmed by some overly eager young lord, likely politely turning him away. When Lord Fitzroy finally looked at me, it was only to say goodnight, and, Siena, I am sorry to say that I allowed my outspoken spirit to take over and I was rather rude to him.
Fitz smiled wide when he read that. She had been rude. He would never forget how she had spoken to him – “You, LordFitzroy, can take your goodnight and place it where—” She had stopped before she had reached the end, but it had certainly left an impression on him, even as he had wondered all of these years later just what he had done to deserve her derision. Now he knew.
I saw him time and again afterward, but it was always the same. He went out of his way to avoid me, and I realized that despite other suitors showing interest in me, there must be something wrong with me. The man loves everything that moves with breasts – what was it about me that turned him away?
If only she knew.
It caused great ire within me, and I must say that I have never been overly agreeable to Lord Fitzroy. It was why I was annoyed with him when he appeared at Greystone at the same time I did. I had no choice but to be polite – as was he, when he was forced into proximity with me.
I am sure we would have lived the rest of our days crossing paths politely had I not arrived here at Appleton.
I was bored, Siena. It is my only excuse. Between my boredom and my goal to obtain experiences that I had only before read about, I asked him if he would help.
I didn’t give him much choice in the matter, I’m afraid.
Fitz laughed out loud at that.
He agreed to partner with me to learn about the various matters that I have told you about that arose in the book of Baxter’s I found.
The cheeky little minx, stealing her brother’s book. His chuckle continued.
When we finished our first session, I left. Walked away. Now, I have no idea if he is truly interested, or just humoring me. Did I make a mistake? Oh, Siena, I wish you were here to tell me what to do.
I hope you are enjoying your time with your husband.
I love you always!
Eliza
