Page 23 of To Win a Viscount's Heart
Selena hugged Anna close to her heart. “I don’t have a sister, but if I had one, I’d hope she was just like you, Anna.”
“I have experienced both kindness and cruelty from two ladies. Believe me when I say that kindness costs nothing. But cruelty can cost your very soul,” Anna said.
~*~
Chapter Eight
Gerald had left nothing to chance. He wanted the picnic with Selena to be perfect. As usual, Mrs. McDonald’s enthusiasm had made him smile.
“I’ll prepare all yer favorites, milord,” she’d said. “And I’ll make my special lemon curd cake that the young miss will surely enjoy. “This will be a special day, indeed!”
Mrs. McDonald had truly outdone herself preparing a repast of cold roast chicken, thinly sliced cold roast beef, cheese sandwiches, fresh rolls, pickled cucumbers, dried dates, and nuts along with a variety of sliced cheeses, peach preserves with clotted cream, apple tarts, and to drink, lemonade, and wine.
Gerald put the last paint touches to the gazebo and stepped back to scrutinize his work. The transformation of the dilapidated gazebo into an elegant structure that could be enjoyed throughout the year was just one of the many changes he’d tackled over the past six years, and the result pleased him immensely.
Months ago, Gerald had contemplated tearing it down and starting fresh. But he’d so admired its unique windowed hexagon design that boasted a 360-degree view of the grounds, including an incredible variety of trees and the shimmering pond that was home to many species of waterfowl, that he decided to renovate the existing structure instead. Upon closer inspection, he realized that other than peeling paint, the frame was in good condition. His renovation plans included adding glass windows that would help draw in heat in the colder months and keep the rain out as well. He’d even included a modified wood stove that vented outside. He was so engrossed in thought that he didn’t hear his estate manager approach.
“I’m glad you disagreed with my suggestion to tear it down,” Connery said, his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “Frankly, I’m amazed at what you’ve done in such a short time.”
Gerald smiled. “Thank you. I suppose timing is everything, as they say. The old gazebo had good bones—much of it was built with tongue and groove. It needed a second chance.” Much like the second chance Bellwood had given him.
“Aye, and you’ve accomplished a great deal with Bellwood,” Connery said echoing his thoughts.
Connery opened the door and looked inside. “You’ve outdone yourself, son. Even the furnishings look as though Mother Nature herself designed them. The table is unlike anything I’ve ever seen — a wooden table intentionally painted white and then, weathered to look old.”
“I owe that to Anna and Mrs. Evans. It seems the two of them have hidden decorating talents. They found the old, discarded table in the attic. Mrs. Evans decided a white table that appeared aged would be appealing and easier to maintain in the gazebo. It was sanded and painted and then…” He scratched his head. “She said she used a dry brush to age it.”
“I’ve never seen that before, but I like it. The pastel blue ladder chairs are also a nice touch,” Connery added.
“Yes. I was unsure of her directions, but since I invited her to help me, I let her do what she wanted, thinking I could always change it. She decided plump cushions would make the chairs comfortable and they could be stored inside the house. Anna thinks the whole effect, especially with the crystal and lace tablecloth, is enchanting,” Gerald grinned. “Speaking of looking enchanting, I better head back to wash and change before Anna arrives,” he laughed holding up his paint-stained hands.
“I’ll get out of your way,” Connery said with a wink. “Save me an apple tart.”
Gerald chuckled as he withdrew his pocket watch and checked the time. In two hours, Anna would escort Selena to the gazebo. And then he would tell her everything…
~*~
Gerald could have rivaled his prized racehorse Aphrodite in his rush to bathe and change for his lunch with Selena. He’d rushed back just as Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Evans were finished setting the table and laying out the platters and plates of food. He thanked the two older women, with a kiss on their cheeks. They fussed over him and made sure his cravat was perfect.
Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Evans were like two dear aunts, who had not only supported him but had taught him a great deal about the domestic side of running an estate. He was glad of that knowledge, and everything else he’d learned over the years, all part and parcel of him leaving his youthful indiscretions behind and taking control of his life. He’d need to rely on everything he’d learned to tell Anna what he needed to say.
His stomach churned with anxiety as the significance of today’s lunch meant a lot to him. It was a pivotal moment, and he was determined to make amends for his past behavior towards his betrothed. Had he not been so preoccupied with his resentment toward his father for arranging the engagement when they were children, he might have recognized the preciousness of Selena’s presence sooner. Despite his inner turmoil, he managed to it back well before Anna escorted Selena to the gazebo.
Gerald perused the bounty of food dishes on the long table set against one wall of the gazebo. He hadn’t known what to ask Mrs. McDonald to prepare. Given Selena’s amnesia, he couldn’t ask her what she liked. But the cook felt sure the menu of his favorites would please his betrothed. He hoped she was right. He turned to admire the dining table. Mrs. Evans hadoutdone herself by creating a rustic centerpiece of wildflowers, juxtaposed by elegant china and delicate crystal glassware.
He rubbed his hands together In anticipation. He had just enough time to light the wood stove before Selena arrived.
Closing the wood stove, he heard soft feminine laughter and stepped outside to watch as Selena and Anna approached. His breath caught as he beheld Selena’s striking beauty. How could he have not seen the promise of who she’d become? He’d been such a buffoon. He realized it was because he had been searching for every reason not to like her. He had gone out of his way to spoil anything related to their engagement, including ruining her Society debut.
Shame tightened his chest as he remembered what Selena had witnessed in the Adamson’s garden that night, six years ago. Lady Adamson’s bruised lips and disheveled appearance had left little to the imagination. Even though his rendezvous with Lady Adamson had been part of a stupid bet with his friends, Gerald realized there had been a darker reason for that night and all his shenanigans back then. He’d known he could be discovered but he’d been driven to take that risk to punish his father for betrothing him to a woman, not of his choosing. All he could focus on was undermining everything that his father had taught him, while completely disregarding the feelings and needs of an innocent sixteen-year-old girl who had essentially been placed in the same situation as he, through no fault of her own. Not only did he need to apologize to Selena, but he also had to atone for his horrendous behavior.
Selena’s eyes widened and her lovely smile beamed. “What an enchanting place,” she said with a soft gasp.
“Aye, truly enchanting,” Anna said, exchanging a wink with Gerald.
“Thank you, ladies,” Gerald said. He was having trouble holding onto a thought as he beheld his betrothed. “You look lovely, Selena.”
“Thank you,” she breathed, blushing prettily. Anna created this lovely gown for me.”
