Page 48 of Only By Grace
“I do not wish to be fussed over. Ashley was the one who actually disposed of Flynn.”
“But you were the one who rescued Maeve, Grace.” Then he tenderly tucked some stray hair that had escaped her bonnet behind her ear. Her breathing hitched, making his heart rejoice even though he knew he should stop tempting himself.
Her cheeks blushed a charming pink, and the devil in him could not resist a taste of the forbidden fruit. He leaned down and sampled her lips, and there was no doubt it was anything brotherly this time.
Hesitant at first, she learned quickly and kissed him back, winding her arms about his neck. He had to convince himself to step away.
Her expression was distraught.
“Lass, I should not be kissing you.”
“Why not? I am hardly protesting.”
“And you should be. You will not be forced to wed me now, thanks to your family.”
She looked as though he’d slapped her and his heart clenched, yet he knew it was best to say it. “You deserve much better than me, Grace. You would regret the day ere long.”
“Because of your past.”
“Aye, because I have done things that would shame you.”
“I see. And in your future? No, pay me no mind.” She looked down and shook her head. “You should not be made to pay for my dreadful mistake. But please, if you do not want me for your wife, at least have the decency to say so. I know I am not dashing and beautiful like those ladies with whom you are accustomed.”
“Grace, ’tis not that at all. You can have any man you want.” He pleaded with her to understand he was doing this for her own good.
“Then you are just a coward, my lord,” she said, then turned and hurried away. Ronan did not chase after her because she was right—which confirmed she deserved better than him.
CHAPTER 17
Grace wanted to be rational, but she was devastated. She had not even been able to savour her beautiful first real kiss, for he had then ruined it for her—and just when she had begun to hope he might offer for her, and not even completely out of duty. Yet he would spare her that indignity, apparently. What kind of man was he? She must not really know him at all. She had been lured into thinking their shared experience somehow bound them together in a special way.
That hope had vanished within seconds and a few cold words.
She was silly to have hoped. A man like him would not want to be settled for life with a shy mouse like her.
All she wanted to do was retreat to her room and wallow in self-pity, but even she would not be allowed that today. Lady Maeve was standing outside Grace’s door as if she’d been seeking her. But Grace was tender-hearted and her woes were nothing to what Lady Maeve had suffered. She still bore deep, dark bruises on her face and a swollen, cut lip.
“Good morning, Miss Whitford. You have already been out this morning?”
“Please, call me Grace. I have been on a walk, and am lost in admiration for your beautiful home.”
“Thank you. Would you join me in my sitting room for some chocolate?”
“Of course. Let me put down my bonnet and pelisse.” She laid those on a chest in her room and then followed the girl down the carpeted hall to a lovely set of chambers furnished in pomona green and cream. There was already a tray with chocolate and rolls awaiting them.
They sat down and Maeve poured out the steaming beverage for her. “Thank you,” Grace said, accepting the cup and saucer. She sensed that Lady Maeve had something to say, so she waited for her to speak.
“I did not have the chance to thank you for what you did last night to help me,” she began. “I realize I put a great many people in danger. It was never my intention to hurt anyone—in fact, I thought it would make everything better.”
Grace reached out and took Maeve’s hand; it was trembling while her other one wiped away tears that spilled over from her large, sapphire eyes.
“Now Flynn is dead because of me.” She lowered her head to compose herself.
Grace could see that Maeve was grieving for the man even though he did not deserve those feelings.Sometimes, it seems a heart loves despite what is best for it, she thought. Love truly did not seem to have a direct line of reasoning with the mind—as Grace’s own heart could currently attest to.
“You are safe now and no one blames you.” Grace fervently hoped the girl’s parents had not said otherwise, but she did not think she had misjudged them. They seemed relieved she was home and safe.
“How can they not? Ronan tried to warn me. How could he forgive that?”
