Page 38 of A Marriage of Convenience with a Rake
“Thank you,” he said softly.
Eleanor gazed at him, and he felt his heart melt. He cleared his throat. In the pleasant distraction of their conversation, he had forgotten something he’d had on his mind for a while.
“If you will wait a moment,” he told her, as she pushed aside her plate from the main course. “I have something I would like to give you.”
“Oh?” Eleanor’s brow creased in a frown.
“I will return in a moment,” he said, standing up and hurrying to the door. He could feel Eleanor’s puzzlement as he hurried out, her confused gaze focusing on him as he rushed into the hallway.
He walked briskly to his office, and there he picked up aparcel from the desk. He lifted it up, swiftly checking inside the brown paper that wrapped the object, making sure it really was what he’d ordered from London. He walked down the hallway, grinning to himself. The gift had arrived remarkably quickly, brought to the manor from London on the mail-coach. He hurried to the drawing room, and went over to where she sat, frowning at him in puzzlement.
“This is for you,” Sebastian said shyly. He handed her the paper-covered parcel. She took it, frowning.
“What is it?” she asked him, and, when he said nothing, she started to unwrap it. “What can it be?” she continued. “Did I forget something at Woodford?” she added, frowning at him.
“This is for you,” Sebastian explained, answering her question. “It’s a gift,” he added, noting that he hadn’t explained himself properly.
“For me?” She breathed, disbelief and surprise evident in her tone. He grinned, unable to hide his delight. She was so unusual, and it delighted him. She had not even suspected he might want to buy something for her.
“Yes,” he said gently. “For you.”
He held his breath as she unwrapped it. He felt his stomach twisting uncomfortably. What if she didn’t like it? He’d been certain it was the right thing, but now that she sat with it on her knee, he wondered, suddenly, if he’d chosen aright.
“Oh, Sebastian!” she sighed in surprise.
He flushed, the tone of her voice whispering over his skin and giving him gooseflesh.
“Do you like it?”
“It’s wonderful,” she breathed. She held up the gift. “Is it really for me? Are you sure?”
He chuckled. “Of course it is, my lady.” He smiled. “I think it is suited to you most especially out of everyone in this manor.”
She smiled, eyes twinkling. She was so warm and happy, andit stole his breath.
“It’s the best!” she chuckled. “It’s the best gift. Oh, thank you. Thank you!”
Sebastian grinned. He looked at the book that she held, staring at the cover as if it was a precious gemstone.
“The Encyclopedia of Rare and Common Plants,” she read aloud the words on the cover, “And Their Requirements and Care.”
He felt his grin broaden as she ran a hand over the cover gently, as if she held silk from India. She opened the book and ran her finger down one page.
“On the species of lavender,” she read, “its habitats, its preference and its uses in the home and in the apothecary’s shop.” She beamed.
Sebastian laughed. “I trust that you will find it useful, my lady.”
“Oh, it’s wonderful. Thank you. Thank you,” she repeated, gazing up at him. Sebastian smiled down at her. She looked so happy, her cheeks flushed with warmth, and he could not resist her. He reached out, wrapping his hands around hers where they held the book.
“I’m so pleased you like it, my dear,” he said softly. “So glad.”
She stared at him. Her big greenish-brown eyes widened, and he tensed, thinking for a moment that he had upset her. She said nothing, but she did not draw her hands away from his and he held them, staring into her eyes.
“Thank you,” he said softly. “Thank you for what you have done for my father. Thank you for comforting me. I am so thankful. I am so thankful that you could keep me company at this time.” He took a steadying breath. The story of the lonely youth in the castle haunted him. He had felt so like that. And now he was not lonely.
“I am happy to be here with you,” she murmured.
Sebastian took a deep breath. He let his hands move from hers but ached to hold them once more. The feelings of fear and isolation that had plagued him since his father’s illness were suddenly insurmountable.
