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That last bit was meant to be a jab at him, but her voice trembled slightly at the end, so she tucked her chin and attempted her retreat. Her entire body was shaking, but whether that was in her anger or her sadness, she couldn’t be sure. In fact, Elizabeth couldn’t ascertain what exactly she was feeling.
All she knew was that she was sick and tired of dealing with William’s inconsistent behavior. If he wanted her to leave, then so be it.
Chapter 14
William didn’t know what to say. He’d been thinking about it since Elizabeth had made her announcement, had been planning to say his piece before letting her walk away. But she’d struck him dumb and even now, though she’d left him alone for a few minutes already, he hadn’t a clue what to say or do.
For the first time in years, he was beginning to waver.
He ate more slowly this time, not even realizing that he was. He sipped at his cold tea and picked up any edible thing that was in sight, his mind still lingering on the fiery anger he’d seen flashing within her eyes. It had been…quite unusual to see, and it brought him back to a time he’d long since tried to put behind him.
William simply didn’t know what to do. For seven years, he’d been apart from her, forcing himself to put that life behind and to never look back. Even when she’d arrived so suddenly, back into his life again, he hadn’t contemplated going back. He’d always kept in the back of his mind that her time here would be short. Even if he indulged her, even if the sight of her made his mouth go dry and his body tense with unquenchable thirst, William believed that he wouldn’t let it last for long.
Now, he wasn’t so sure.
But, despite the confusion swirling within him, he was certain about one thing. He wouldn’t ignore the challenge she’d thrown out at him.
With a start, William realized that he’d devoured nearly everything on the table and that his stomach was already beginning to hurt as a result. It didn’t surprise him, especially considering that it certainly wasn’t the first time. Many times in the past, he would become so lost in thought and ended up carrying on with whatever task he was doing without thinking.
Once, he and Elizabeth had met up with each other at the small park they liked to frequent, and he’d ended up throwing a large stone into the head of a swan simply because he’d been so caught up watching her teach herself how to chuck stones across the river. She’d been quite upset with him that day.
Thinking back on the way she’d clenched her fist and raised her voice at him earlier, it appeared that lady did not completely disappear. William stood, stepping around the table, noting that she’d barely eaten a thing other than that single piece of toast. She was sure to be quite hungry right now. He would ensure that was remedied later.
But for now, he had a lesson to teach.
His steps were quick, his chest tightening with something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Something akin to excitement. But that couldn’t be. He had no reason to feel such soft emotions. He was no longer the soft-hearted boy of the past but a man with shadows haunting his every move. It felt…odd to feel like this, to have his heart tremble at the thought of seeing her again even though she’d only left his presence for no longer than ten minutes.
But that didn’t stop him from hurrying towards the stables, hoping she would already be there. When he arrived, the stable hands stood at attention at the sight of him and William cocked his head to the side, a silent command for them to leave. He scanned the area, but Elizabeth was not there as yet.
Had she only been pretending? Was she actually in her room, perhaps crying right this moment?
The thought bothered him greatly and it took all his strength not to turn around and make his way to her bedchamber to check. He forced his legs forward, approaching the tame horse that she’d attempted to befriend yesterday. The horse lifted his head at William’s approach, as if asking to be petted.
“You’ll have to be on your best behavior today, boy,” William murmured to him, stroking the length of the steed’s taut neck. “A rather timid lady will be attempting to ride you today. Or, well, I suppose she is not so timid as I first thought.”
Footsteps sounded behind him. Eagerness spiking to heart racing levels, William looked over his shoulder, hoping to see that it was Elizabeth. Instead, Samuel approached him, cowering slightly when he caught Williams’ instant scowl.
“A-apologies, Your Grace, for the disturbance,” his steward said quickly, bowing deeply.
