Page 28 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
“You have jasmine for all seasons,” William remarked, chuckling as he reached down to break off a small sprig of blossoms.
“Two years ago, before the wasting disease took her life, jasmine was my mother’s favorite flower, so the second year Papa and I came here, we helped the gardener start the garden in remembrance,” Bella said with a fond smile. “I enjoy the fragrance as well.” She glanced around. “I had thought the garden wouldn’t be as vivacious as it was in the spring, yet as often as I step out here with Lacey, this is the first time I’ve truly noticed the flowers blooming in the winter. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard the names, but I think those rose-like flowers are pink camellias—one of my father’s favorites. Oh, and I notice we also have snowdrops and pansies.” She glanced at the clutch of flowers in her hand and then pointed at a colorful patch in the corner of the garden. “Oh, and please tell Michael that we also have Lenten roses. I’ve never noticed them before.”
“I’ll have to ask our head gardener to freshen up the gardens around Cliffton Abbey. After seeing yours, I know we can do much better,” William said.
They continued walking down one of the paths through the garden, both commenting on and admiring the varieties of pansies and other flowers the Bridgewater gardener had planted.
When they came to a bench, they slowed. “Would you like to sit down?” William asked.
What I’d like to do is kiss. “I’d love to,” Bella said, taking a seat.
“Tomorrow is Darkmoor’s ball. Your uncle will accompany you and your grandmothers, but I will be attending as well. And I hope to claim two dances with you, Bella,” William said.
She brightened. “I’d like that. I’ll save whatever dances you’d like.”
“Then perhaps you would agree to the first waltz and the supper dance,” William said, a teasing glint in his eyes as he winked.
Bella’s heart fluttered, a delicious warmth spreading through her chest. “I’ll make sure your name is on my card as soon as I arrive,” she replied.
His gaze shifted to the lush greenery surrounding them. “These magnolia bushes are quite robust, don’t you think?”
She glanced around, puzzled by his comment. “Indeed, they are,” she said.
“They’re so robust, in fact,” he continued, his voice dropping slightly, “that they’ve made this bench quite private.”
Realization dawned as her breath quickened. “Yes, it is rather private,” she murmured, her cheeks warming as butterflies stirred in her stomach.
“I daresay,” he said, leaning just slightly closer, “it might be safe to steal a kiss—if you are willing, that is.”
Her breath caught, her pulse racing at his words. She hesitated. “I—I might not object,” she replied, voice barely above a whisper.
William tucked the sprig of jasmine into her hair, then leaned down and covered her lips with his.
~*~
From the solitude of his fourth-story bedchamber, behind heavy drapes that filtered the afternoon light, Viscount Stephen Bridgewater moved the curtain aside and stared at the young couple below. As he observed them, a pang of immense regret gripped his heart.
Thisis the man she desires and deserves.Yet I’ve set in motion something that I cannot stop and have saddled her with a man who isn’t worth her notice.
Stephen’s stomach churned at his dark thoughts, for he knew all too well that he had condemned his beloved niece to a life that would take her away from true happiness. Guilt washed over him as he recalled the slip of his tongue that had entangled his niece’s future in that of Baron Darkmoor. The baron was now demanding a betrothal. And Stephen had no choice but to comply.
His late brother had always disagreed with his choices, but Miles had always loved Stephen, despite the reckless behavior that had defined Stephen’s life. In a letter added as a codicil to his last will, the late earl had asked Stephen to take care of Bella and watch over her, should anything ever happen to him. Miles had trusted him with his daughter, even though Stephen didn’t deserve the trust of anyone in his family. He was damaged—a wastrel, undeserving of anyone’s trust or love, especially that of his brother and innocent niece.
Unable to think of a solution to his problems, he poured himself another brandy. At least he could forget his woes for a little while as he lost himself to the bottle once more.
~*~
Chapter Eleven
Darkmoor House
The night of the ball
Bella stepped onto the landing at the top of a grand staircase and gazed down into the ballroom as Lord Darkmoor’s butler announced her family. She had not expected such elegance in Dover. The ballroom looked like something out of a dream—everything was large, bright, and sparkling.
Ornate chandeliers hung above the grand ballroom, their golden glow casting a warm radiance over an ivory-and-gold chamber. The gleaming onyx floor, inlaid with an intricate geometric design in hues of burnished gold, reflected the light like a polished mirror. Floor-to-ceiling windows, draped in sumptuous ivory silk with gold embroidery, framed the room, offering glimpses of the moonlit night beyond.
Amidst the swirl of elegantly attired guests, one figure stood apart. William—tall and striking, his broad shoulders carrying the cut of his midnight-black coat with effortless grace, the rich sapphire of his waistcoat lending a vibrant contrast. Golden curls framed his face, his smile as warm as the candlelight flickering above.
