Page 43 of A Marriage of Convenience with a Rake
“No trouble, old chap. I say! It’s surprisingly warm this evening.”
“It is,” Sebastian agreed. His thoughts wandered to his planned outfit for the evening, and he felt his stomach twist nervously. It was the first time he had ever doubted his own taste when it came to dressing. He had always led fashions in his circle, and it was strange that now he doubted his ability to choose something Eleanor would like.
“I’ll wander off. I notice the grounds are a bit altered.”
“Yes.” Sebastian tried not to smile. “Lady Glenfield is fond of flowers.”
“Oh? I say!” Matthew smiled. “I am certain the grounds will be stocked with blooms from top to bottom soon.”
Sebastian blinked, trying to think of something to say, and Matthew wandered off, calling out to him lightly.
“Have a pleasant evening! I will see you in two hours’ time.”
“You too,” Sebastian called, flustered.
He wandered to the drawing-room, lost in thought. Matthew had clearly been teasing him about the grounds being full of flowers. A thought collided with his brain suddenly—was he doting on Eleanor? And, if so—as it certainly seemed—then was it because he had fallen for her?
He smiled, a small, delighted expression lifting his lips in the corners. He certainly had, and it was no bad thing.
He was humming to himself as he settled down at tea.
“Sebastian!” Eleanor’s voice startled him out of his reverie. “There you are. Is it late?”
Her long, pale brown hair had come loose from the severe bun she’d scraped it into while she worked. She wore a white gown with a small pattern in yellow that he suspected was quite old—the hem was a little worn in places.
“No. It’s only just gone half-past five,” he commented lightly. The clock on the mantel was still just visible, though the room was going dark fast. The butler would come in soon to light the lamps.
“Good. Good,” she sighed.
Sebastian smiled at her as she settled down at the table. She was frowning, her brow wrinkled, her mouth a firm line.
“It will all be most successful,” Sebastian told her gently.
“You think so?” She turned to him with her eyes huge.
“Of course, it will,” Sebastian said softly. He smiled to himself. She took charge when Papa was ill, and she organized the staff and oversaw gardening with no trouble. Now, when organizing a ball, her supreme confidence suddenly became shaky. He felt his heart fill with tenderness. She was always so strong. It felt good to be able to be the one to comfort her, just once.
“You really think so?” she whispered softly.
“I am certain.”
She stared up at him and Sebastian stared back. In thedarkness of the drawing room, her skin was pale and her eyes wide. She was very close, and he could smell the scent of her, and he longed in that moment to kiss her. As he leaned forward, trying to think of some way to ask if he might kiss her, the butler wheeled the trolley inside.
“My lord. My lady,” the butler greeted them, hesitant in the doorway. “Should I return with the tea later...?”
“Bring it in,” Sebastian said a little irritably. He leaned back, watching as the butler wheeled the trolley over to the table, then unpacked the tea-things swiftly and went about lighting the lamps. The lamplight was bright and warm and shimmered on Eleanor’s hair.
Sebastian poured himself tea, fighting the urge to lean over and press his lips to her cheek. The soft skin of her face was like satin in the lamplight, and he focused on the table and the food and drink, not wanting to give in to his longing.
“I can barely eat, I’m so nervous,” she admitted with a small giggle.
“Try,” Sebastian said gently. “Though I am sure we will have much to choose from at the ball as well.”
“It should be a fair spread of things,” she murmured tensely.
Sebastian smiled at her, but she was focused on her plate, selecting a sandwich and a small tartlet, trying to eat something before they went to prepare.
Sebastian ate two or three of the small, delicate sandwiches, though he barely even noticed what he did. His thoughts were focused on Eleanor. She sipped her tea swiftly and pushed back her chair.
