Page 34 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
“I gave them suggestions on which flowers to put, you know?” Anna commented importantly, and Amelia welcomed this sweet chatter that filled her mind instead of the turmoil that refused to let her be.
Still, she harbored a silent yearning for a glimpse of Sebastian. The blossoming beauty was mostly lost on her, although shetried not to let it show. Her mind refused to acknowledge the beauty of the garden or the sun’s rays, which seemed to caress the lush greenery around them. Once again, she focused all of her conscious efforts on Anna.
Her steps echoed the rhythmic cadence of mixed emotions, uncertainty intertwining with a flicker of hope. Her mind had wandered again, refusing to cooperate with her. She wondered if the earl would be among the verdant hues, tending to the garden with the same dedication he exhibited in all aspects of his life.
As they approached the heart of the burgeoning garden, Anna’s chatter reached a crescendo. The sight that awaited them was a testament to the transformative efforts of those who toiled beneath the sun, but who were happy to do so, for the results were marvelous to behold. The vibrant colors of newly planted flowers and the meticulous arrangement of foliage painted a picture of rejuvenation and hope.
“You’re here!” Nicholas waved upon seeing them with a hand adorned with the earthy residue of his labor. A smile flickered upon his lips. He seemed overjoyed to see them. “Come on!” His hand beckoned them to come.
“Oh, my goodness!” Anna exclaimed, eagerly pointing out the various blooms, her infectious enthusiasm captivating all those present. It was more than obvious that she was in awe of what they had managed to do up until that point.
At that moment, Sebastian, with his characteristic grace, emerged from the verdant tapestry of blossoms, a genuine smile gracing his countenance. His presence, like a sunbeam breaking through clouds, dispelled the lingering shadows of uncertainty that had haunted Amelia’s thoughts. She tried to remain indifferent, but that was impossible. After all, she vowed to herself that she would, after the sleepless night that she had endured.
“Have you come to join the work or just to supervise?” he teased both Anna and Amelia, but Anna was the first one to reply. That was a good thing because Amelia was on the verge of ignoring that comment herself, choosing instead to focus on the blossoming haven around her, something she had been unable to do a moment ago.
“Can we help?” Anna exclaimed with delight, her eyes soaking up the sight around her.
“I don’t see why not,” he replied, pointing at a small shovel. “Start digging whenever you want, over there.”
She immediately headed toward the shovel, squealing with glee, and then suddenly, she stopped, turning to them. She seemed worried about something.
“But…I’m wearing a nice dress,” she frowned, sounding unsure.
“So?” Amelia asked, shrugging. She felt that this was the moment for her to interfere. “Remember how I arrived the first night here?”
“Oh, yes.” Anna chuckled, pressing her little hand to her lips as she did so. “Your gown was all muddy, but you still looked utterly lovely. I told you that.”
“You did.” Amelia nodded tenderly. Sometimes, nothing else mattered but the compliment of an awe-struck child. “And I am very grateful for those words. They warmed my heart on a cold evening. That is also what I wanted to tell you now. You will be even more lovely in a soiled dress, trust me.”
Anna giggled sweetly, then rushed to grab the shovel, reassured that everything would be all right. Amelia hoped she could obtain the same reassurance, only that was not as easy in the complicated world of adults.
“You know, she’s right,” Amelia suddenly heard Sebastian say. She purposely waited a moment before turning to him, allowing him to think that something else had caught her attention, and she was reluctant to look away.
“About what?” she asked with a smile that she was unable to hide.
Last night, she was out of her mind. The previous night, as well. And now, as if everything was perfectly fine in his presence, it was as if she had forgotten all of that. She had never allowed anyone that much control over her emotions and her well-being, but with him, it was different. She never gave him that much power over her, and yet, he had it. It was bestowed upon him during that first glance, and that first kiss sealed it. Her happiness was now intricately intertwined with his presence.
“About looking lovely that first evening,” he revealed.
She squinted at him, only she was not certain whether it was the sun or her displeasure with him. She allowed him to make up his own mind about it.
In that same manner, perplexed and knowing that he would need to try harder…not that she wanted him to try at all. At least, that was what she was endeavoring to convince herself of, with very little success. She wanted him to think that he was the last thing on her mind.
And he wanted her to know it…as if he could see exactly what had captured her own mind, and he found it equally mesmerizing as she was in great need of a motherly influence, of someone who would just spend time with her, have patience with her…Something tugged at her heartstrings again. Why was it so easy to find him irresistible, especially when that was the last thing she wanted to focus on?
“Oh,” she replied, blushing ever so slightly. “You are just saying that. I must have looked horrendous.”
She couldn’t think when he looked at her with those beautiful gray eyes, but she forced herself to continue.
“You have to talk to me,” she instructed, feeling emboldened by this conversation. “Especially if it is something important.”
She wanted to addabout Anna,but she didn’t say this aloud. What she said was enough. It was true. It was what she wanted.
His smile, seemingly unburdened by the complexities that had clouded the previous day, now suggested a man at ease with the world around him. The warmth of his gaze hinted at an unspoken understanding, an acknowledgment of shared sentiments beneath the surface.
The enchanting surroundings provided a picturesque backdrop to their casual conversation. It was as though the garden itself had conspired to set a harmonious stage for the unfolding interaction. In the midst of blooming flowers and rustling leaves, the weight of the hidden library and the cryptic revelations momentarily lifted, allowing for a tranquil interlude.
“What does your sister say?” he suddenly asked.
