Page 40 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
“I love Miss Wycliffe,” she confessed with a sparkle in her eyes that he hadn’t seen in a long time. “Nicholas has told me that he loves having her here as well, and now you have said the same thing. I cannot marry her, and neither can Nicholas. He is too old. But you can, Uncle.”
This time, Sebastian burst into a boisterous chuckle. He loved this analogy. It was so simple and heartwarming. He wished sometimes that life was truly as simple as it was in a child’s mind.
“I am an earl, Anna,” he reminded her. “People with such titles cannot always marry who they want.”
She seemed to ponder it for a moment, then her eyes squinted at him as if she were endeavoring to see past the high walls he had built around his heart, but that was a difficult feat.
“But…you do want to marry her, aren’t you?” she asked.
Before he could provide her with any response to that, the door to the dining room swung open, and Amelia appeared in the dining room, a burst of colors, her gown adorned in hues of pink, purple, and blue. A subtle swirl of amusement danced in her eyes as she explained the reason behind the unconventional change in her attire.
“My dear Anna, it appears I’ve had a bit of a mishap while preparing our lessons. A slight paint spillage, to be precise,” she admitted, her expression a delightful blend of sincerity and lightheartedness. “So, we shall combine the joys of French music and perhaps a bit of painting, seeing that I am all ready for it.”
Laughter rippled through the dining room, and as all three of them enjoyed themselves, Sebastian found himself captivated by the vivid hues of Amelia’s gown, not failing to draw the comparison between her colorful gown and her personality that seemed to shine in all the colors of the rainbow. In that fleeting moment, his thoughts drifted into uncharted territory.
What if the responsibilities of an earl could be intertwined with the joys of companionship, and the laughter that filled the air became a permanent fixture in his life? It was a notion both enticing and familiar, sparking a contemplative gleam in his eyes. Perhaps his idea to marry her was not so farfetched after all.
“I think painting sounds lovely, Miss Wycliffe,” Anna said with a smile. “May I paint my gown like yours as well?”
Both of them turned their gaze toward Sebastian, who shook his head. “Don’t look at me.”
“See?” Amelia replied playfully. “That is all the permission we need.”
Upon those words, Amelia took the still giggling Anna by the hand, and together, they left the dining room, leaving Sebastian in the haze of his own mind regarding the future he never thought would be possible for him.
Chapter 21
Two days had passed in a pleasant manner, with Anna now having fully recovered. Sebastian’s mind still lingered on the tragedy that could have been, and that set in motion many thoughts he had refused to even consider before. Now, they had pushed their way to the forefront of his consciousness, demanding his attention.
That afternoon, however, he was trying to focus on work. His attention was absorbed in the weighty matters that demanded his astute consideration, such as estate affairs, correspondence, and the intricate dance of politics that wove through the fabric of his usual responsibilities.
Little by little, his mind allowed itself to be a distraction. The muted symphony of his scratching quill and the rustling papers filled the study, a harmonious backdrop to his focused contemplation. As he delved into the labyrinthine intricacies of estate management, the butler’s discreet knock resonated through the room, a gentle interruption to his solitary musings.
“I apologize for the interruption, my lord,” the butler intoned with the precision of a well-trained and loyal servant, “but your cousins have just arrived, and they ask for an audience with you. Shall I show them in?”
“Cousins?” Sebastian repeated, a quizzical furrow forming on his brow. The revelation stirred the curiosity within him. He had no idea what cousins they were or what the purpose behind their visit could be. “Have they shared their names?”
“Yes,” the butler nodded. “Frederick and Vivienne Turlington.”
There it was, that name again. Frederick Turlington. Only now did he remember that he never read that letter the man had sent him weeks ago. Perhaps it was something important that he had not offered a response to, and now, the man was forced to come here in search of one?
Sebastian sighed heavily. He was in no particular mood to entertain any guests, but he could not very well deny them an audience, when they had traveled all the way there.
“Show them in, please.”
With a nod of acknowledgment, the butler retreated from the study, leaving Sebastian to wonder about these mysterious relatives who had chosen this particular moment for an unexpected visit. He leaned back in his chair, the rich mahogany creaking slightly beneath his weight, as he contemplated the nature of this familial surprise. He hoped that it would be a short visit, one that would not take away too much of his precious time or disturb the newfound peace that had started to reign within these walls after such a long time.
The study door, adorned with intricate carvings, swung open with a whisper, revealing the enigmatic newcomers. Sebastian’s eyes, sharp and discerning, met the gaze of his cousins. They entered the room with a certain regality, their attire and demeanor signaling a shared lineage and a familiarity with the nuances of aristocratic society. The face of the man bore a slight resemblance to someone Sebastian had once seen, but if he had passed him in the street, he would not have known the man. As for the woman, she was a complete stranger. However, propriety required that Sebastian should hide this first impression.
“Your lordship,” the butler announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Turlington.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Turlington, welcome,” Sebastian echoed their names, greeting them with a courteous nod, rising to his feet. He waited until the butler closed the door, giving them some privacy. Only then did he continue. “I must admit, I wasn’t expecting such a visit. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
His cousins exchanged glances, a subtle interplay of expressions hinting at the purpose behind their unexpected arrival. Sebastian took a moment to take a closer, more introspective look at his cousins.
Frederick Turlington was clad in a tailored suit of deep, somber hues, much like the kind older gentlemen preferred to wear.His countenance bore the weight of age and experience, etched with lines that spoke of a life marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
His features, though devoid of that refined handsomeness that so easily graced men like Sebastian, exuded a sense of gravitas. A prominent jawline and furrowed brow imparted an aura of seriousness, while steel-gray eyes held a gaze sharp and perceptive, knowing look.
