How to explain that primal urge? It was too embarrassing. Too scary.
“I shouldn’t feel this way.” She whispered.
And she ran from the room before he could convince her to give up what was left of her restraint.
CHAPTER 15
AFTER A RESTLESS ANDtoo short sleep, Abigail woke and looked at the light filtering through the edges of the curtains.
Drat! She had overslept. She jumped from the bed and started washing. What time was it? The countess did not ask her to visit before noon, but Colin... no.The earl -she had to remember to keep propriety, especially after the events that transpired between them yesterday - expected her to accompany him on his morning ride. She splashed more water on her suddenly warm cheeks. Oh god. Those kisses. How was she ever going to look him in the eye again?
It was best if they avoided spending that much time in each other’s company in the future. Look at what it had led to. She would have to tell him she couldn’t help him with the estate plans any longer.
He had met all the tenants now. He knew what needed to be done, and surely he was more than capable of doing it. Mr. Swift, the new estate manager, would arrive soon. He didn’t need her anymore.
Yes, that’s the wisest thing to do. Take a step back from him. Avoid temptation. If her heart ached at the prospect, and her spirit dimmed, surely that was a small price to pay for peace of mind.
A knock sounded on the door. When she called permission, a maid entered carrying a note.
“Beg pardon, madam. His lordship requested that I bring you this note and wait for your response.”
Frowning, she took the folded piece of paper.
Abigail,
We need to talk. Please come to my study at eleven. If this is not convenient, let me know what time you are available.
Hartfield.
That’s it. No explanation, no hint as to his mood or what this meeting was about. Oh, dear God. Did he mean to reprimand her for her shameless behavior? Even sack her from her position? Where would she go? No, that couldn’t be it. He was not a cruel man.
But she had behaved like a wanton. He had every reason not to want her around his innocent sister. What if he meant to propose a dishonorable arrangement? She closed her eyes in despair. Whatever this meeting was about, it couldn’t be good. But she had no choice. She had to face him.
Taking a pencil from her writing desk, she scrawled under his note.
I’ll be there at eleven sharp, my lord.
