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“What of Father?” she asked him in a light voice. “He will not be pleased with how we met again, and is unlikely to trust you after all the time you’ve been away.”
William leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg perpendicular to the other. The power in his posture brought back her confidence, especially when he gave her an easy smirk and said, “You don’t have to worry about Lord Gillet. I only need to let him see that I’m still the charming youngster he knew back then.”
She raised a brow at his assurance. “Do you think that is all it will take?”
“Likely not,” he responded with a shrug. “But I don’t plan on letting your father’s disapproval come in the way of us. I’ll do whatever I can to convince him.”
“He won’t be easily dissuaded,” Elizabeth pressed. “Especially considering…” She faltered for a moment, not wanting to speak the truth aloud, even though it was already known to the both of them.
William’s smirk fell, his eyes darkening. “Especially since you are already betrothed to another.”
“It won’t be easy,” she told him. And that overwhelming realization was growing stronger and stronger by the moment. She should have thought about it before. She should have considered how difficult it would be to worm her way out of this betrothal, especially in light of how much she’d offended the Earl of Horenwall by disappearing to be with another man in the first place. Her father—and William—would make sure the ton did not catch wind of it, but could they protect her against a humiliated gentleman?
“Your betrothed won’t be foolish enough to reveal the truth to the public,” William said, his voice cut through the worries that had been forming fast in her mind. It was easy, and helped settled her nerves. “Even if he is insulted, his own reputation stands to be tarnished. He won’t risk it.”
“You’re right,” she agreed, letting out a shuddering breath. “He is quite vain and pretentious. Last we spoke, he spent the entire time talking about himself and how great he was. I doubt he will want to jeopardize his social standing by bringing this to light. But…” She looked straight into his eyes, already tensing in light of the response she would receive. “What if he challenges you to a duel?”’
William was silent for a moment, not breaking gaze for a second. Then he said, in a matter-of-fact voice, “As I said before, Beth, I’ll do whatever I have to, whatever is needed, to remain by your side. I won’t let you out of my life again.”
The words should have made her feel better. And even though a tremor of excitement rushed through her, it didn’t quell the unease that was beginning to rise.
Suddenly, William leaned forward again, resting his leg on the floor. He clasped his hands together. “Enough of this somber talk. I don’t plan on letting you return for a few days anyhow, so we don’t have to think about it.”
“Oh?” Surprised for a moment, she blinked at him. “It seems as if you already have a few plans of your own.”
The dark gleam in his eyes made her heart skip a beat. A slow grin stretched across his face. All he said in response was, “I hope you’re ready.”
“Pardon me, Your Grace.”
The moment William heard Samuel’s voice, he was hit with the urge to sigh. He just arrived to the foyer, hoping Elizabeth would arrive soon so that they could begin the plans he had for them—and here Samuel came with a somber and fearful tone, tampering William’s good mood.
William slowed to a stop before his steward—who had just come in through the front doors—knowing very well that his expression was not pleasant and that the timid man would not be able to handle it. But when Samuel winced slightly and took an indiscreet step back, William didn’t bother to fix it. “What is it?” he asked.
“It is regarding the estate in Bedfordshire, Your Grace,” Samuel told him, after clearing his throat and pulling his shoulders back.
“Yes.” William crossed his arms against his chest, his coat moving around him. “What of it? Do not tell me there are more issues arising?”
“Unfortunately, Your Grace,” Samuel said with a jerking nod. “Within the past two days, we have lost half of the servants.”
“Half?” William barked and the man before him jumped back two steps.
Samuel clasped his trembling hands before him as he bowed his head. “Yes, Your Grace,” he pushed out. “I’m afraid we do not have much more time to waste. I believe it is imperative that you go to see them before the manor becomes a wasteland.”
William let out a frustrated breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. He hadn’t forgotten about the whole host of issues he had to deal with following his father’s death, but he had hoped he could enjoy his time with Elizabeth for a while longer before he gave in to that sort of stress again. Now, he could feel his good mood leaving without a trace, that pressure in the back of his head returning.
