“I don’t think I can loiter in my own home.”
“You make a valid point,” she replied, closing the distance between them. “Were you waiting for us?”
“I will always wait for you, Bella,” he murmured.
A blush came to her cheeks at his words. “You are being rather charming tonight.”
“Aren’t I always?”
“No, at times you can be downright boorish,” she said, her words light.
He grinned. “Aren’t you supposed to be nice to people on Christmas Eve?”
“I apologize, my lord,” she replied, amusement in her voice.
Colin turned his attention towards Lady Langdon and bowed. “Good evening,” he greeted. “How are you this evening?”
“I am well,” Lady Langdon said. “Is your mother in the drawing room?”
“She is,” he confirmed.
“If you will excuse me, I shall go speak to her,” she responded.
After Lady Langdon stepped into the drawing room, Colin took a step closer to Arabella. “How are you faring?” he asked, his voice low. “And I would prefer the truth, if you don’t mind.”
“Why do you assume I would lie to you?” Arabella asked.
“You always say you are fine, but I can see the pain lurking in your eyes.”
“I could say the same thing about you,” Arabella said.
Colin’s eyes searched hers. “I have no doubt, but you have managed to ease my suffering tremendously.”
“In what way?”
“Just knowing I can see you, speak to you, has caused me to find hope again.”
Arabella lowered her gaze as she admitted, “I must admit that I have found some solace in you, as well.”
“I am pleased to hear that.” The sound of his mother laughing in the drawing room drew his attention. “We should probably join the festivities.”
“That sounds like a fine idea.”
As she moved to brush by him, Colin placed his hand on her sleeve. “Would you care to go riding tomorrow morning?”
“On Christmas?”
Colin nodded. “I understand if you don’t want to…”
“I would love to.”
“Then I shall see you tomorrow.”
Arabella gave him an amused look. “We still have tonight to get through.”
He leaned closer to her and murmured, “Every moment I spend with you is a moment I treasure.”
A pretty blush stained her cheeks. “You are being very complimentary this evening.”
