Page 43 of Stealing the Rake's Heart
He picked up the pace, breaking into a light jog. He rounded the corner, and lo and behold, a woman stood there, bending over to smell a rose.
He knew it was Abigail Atwater a splintered second before he crashed into her.
She gave a shriek, toppling backwards.
Managing to juggle the basket, Alexander grabbed her arm to steady her, hauling her forward out of the way of the murderous, thorny roses.
She regained her balance, lurching forward and grabbing at his forearm to steady herself.
“Watch where you’re going, sir!” the maid yelped, before reddening and recollecting herself. “Sorry, your lordship,” she muttered, dropping her gaze.
“No, no, you’re quite right, I was clumsy,” Alexander admitted, glancing briefly at Abigail. She was not looking at him. Her gaze was pinned to her feet, and she shook out her skirts with a little more care than they really needed.
Memories of their dance together came flooding back, making Alexander shiver. He cleared his throat.
“Are you alright, Miss Atwater? Did I hurt you?”
“N-No, no, I’m fine. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get in your way.”
He gave a short laugh. “What are you apologising for? I am the one who wasn’t looking where he was going. You’re lucky I was here, though – I’m rather good at saving you, aren’t I?”
That worked. Her head shot up, eyes narrowed.
“Savingme? Let me remind you, Lord Alexander, that without you racing around like that, I wouldn’t haveneededsaving.”
He chuckled. “Fair enough, fair enough.”
And then there was a silence. Alexander was aware that really, he ought to just make his goodbyes and leave her in peace. He hadn’t attended breakfast, but had it on good authority from the butler that there had been an atmosphere over the breakfast table between Lady Diana Lockwell and… well, just about everyone else. Miss Atwater, mostly. The butler had been surprised to relate that the two ladies had gone out walking afterwards.
“They did not seem to enjoy each other’s company, your lordship,” the man admitted, shaking his head. “But then, I do not know much of young ladies, after all.”
Neither do I,Alexander thought grimly,but I know enough to guess that Lady Diana Lockwell means trouble.
He felt like a fool for having ever considered Lady Diana as a marriage partner. He’d regret such a decision for the rest of his life. Would it be worth getting his part of the fortune, and finally being seen as an adult by his siblings?
Probably not.
As if she’d known what he was thinking, Abigail spoke up.
“Lady Diana Lockwell was looking for you last night, I think. She seemed angry that I was able to dance with you and she didn’t.”
He bit his lip. “Lady Diana has… expectations of me. Unfortunately, I cannot fulfil them. I think she resents me.”
Abigail eyed him for a long moment. Alexander held her gaze, not allowing himself to drop his eyes like he secretly wished to do. The warm feeling spread through his chest again, and he found himself holding his breath.
She’s so beautiful.
Abigail was the one who dropped her eyes first.
“I thought there was something between you,” she said at last, steadfastly eyeing the rose. “I didn’t dare ask what, but she… she seems resentful, as I say. Of you, and of me.”
He nodded. “That seems fair.”
“She’s jealous of me, and I don’t know why.” She raised her eyes to look at him again, as if asking him to explain where Lady Diana Lockwell’s jealousy might have come from.
His tongue had turned to lead. When Alexander finally opened his mouth and began to speak, it wasn’t Lady Diana’s jealousy he was speaking of.
“I was in love with her, once.”
