Page 103 of Foolish Bride
She looked at her feet. “I am sorry, Preston.”
He put down the brush and patted the mare’s neck. “Kerburghe has made you an offer?”
“Yes.”
“Your mother has accepted him, as have you?”
“Yes.” She focused on his hessians, unwilling to gaze into his eyes.
“Elinor?”
She looked into his strong face.
Only disappointment shone in his eyes. “Michael Rollins is a good man. We have already discussed your love for him. I have only one question.”
“What question?”
He brushed a stray hair from her forehead.
It was an intimate gesture, but there was nothing forward in it. His familiarity was more brotherly than of a lover. Whenever Michael touched her, she longed for more. Even the slightest caress made her skin tingle and warm. There was no such sensation at Preston’s touch.
“Is he what you really want?”
“I beg your pardon?” She had told Preston from the beginning of their acquaintance that she loved Michael and was devastated by their separation.
The horse whinnied.
Preston cooed and rubbed her nose. “I just want to make sure you are happy with this outcome, Elinor. I really do care for you. I would not have traipsed all the way to Scotland after a madman for just anyone. I would still marry you, even after all the drama of the past few days.”
A groom entered the stable and cleared his throat. “Are you finished with Moonbeam, your grace?”
Preston inclined his head. “Yes. Thank you, John. The lady and I were just leaving.” He offered Elinor his arm and they walked out into the haze of the late morning toward the house.
She waited until they were away from the stables and wouldn’t be overheard. “You are too good to me, Preston. I have not even thanked you for helping in my rescue.”
Before she finished her sentence, he shook his head. “No thanks are necessary. You are safe. That is all the matters.”
“Still, I could not be more grateful,” she said.
They walked into the house gardens from the back and strolled along a cobbled path.
“Michael is all I’ve ever wanted. I love him and I am happy. Is that what you needed to hear?”
He stopped and took her hand. He bowed down and kissed her fingers gently. “That is exactly what I needed to hear. Sadly, I stand down my offer for your hand. I think we would have suited very well, but I understand your choice. Kerburghe is a lucky man. I am honored to be the first to wish you joy.”
“Thank you, Preston. I am sorry, though I do not think we would have been truly happy together.”
“Oh, why not?”
“I like you, but I think we are better suited as friends. You are more brotherly to me.”
“Ouch.” He gripped his chest feigning a wound.
She smiled. “I think you will survive.”
“Perhaps but it will be a struggle.” He smiled, but again there was no spark there.
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