Roswell met her gaze. “Even then, I don’t think I would ever grow tired of it,” he said, his words sounding genuine.
Anette could feel a blush forming on her cheeks as she dropped his gaze. Why did Roswell have to say such nice things to her? Couldn’t he see how much he meant to her?
They all stepped back into the dining room and Roswell escorted her to her seat. He held it out as she sat down.
Once they were all situated, Caleb turned to face their father and stated, “I would like to apologize for how I reacted—”
“There is no need,” her father responded, speaking over him. “You were right and I was wrong. Your mother and I will try to not be so overbearing when it comes to Anette getting married.”
“But we aren’t giving up entirely,” her mother said.
Anette placed the napkin onto her lap. “I can respect that.”
With a fork in his hand, her father said, “Now let’s eat before this mutton runs off my plate.”
ChapterNine
Anette’s eyes roamed over the grounds of Vauxhall Gardens as she pretended to be unaffected by Roswell’s nearness. They were walking side by side and Caleb and Octavia were trailing close behind. She was trying to think of something clever to say, but she was at a loss for words.
Roswell’s voice broke through the silence. “Did you mean what you said to your father about not looking for suitors?”
“I did,” she replied.
“May I ask why?”
Anette didn’t dare reveal the truth of the matter. If she couldn’t marry him, the man that she loved, she would marry no one. “I would much rather focus on my own accomplishments,” she lied.
“Don’t you want children?” He hesitated. “I apologize if my bold speech offends you, but I see the way your face lights up whenever you speak of children.”
“You didn’t offend me, but I am not sure if I will have any children.”
Roswell clasped his hands behind his back. “I suppose you and I are in the same situation. I don’t intend to marry either. I fear as though my life is not conducive to having a wife,” he shared.
Anette gave him an amused look. “You mean as a younger son of a marquess?”
“My brother must marry and produce an heir, but I am under no such obligation,” Roswell replied. “I prefer being alone.”
“Being alone can be rather lonely.”
“Yes, but at least I can’t hurt anyone.”
Anette glanced over at him with a curious expression. “Why would you hurt anyone?”
“I hurt you,” Roswell said. “At least, I assume I did.”
Breaking his gaze, Anette returned to admiring the gardens. “You did,” she responded. Why had she just admitted that?
“I am truly sorry for that.”
“You don’t need to apologize.” That much was true. She didn’t want his apology. It just confirmed to her that the kiss had meant so much more to her than him.
Roswell unclasped his hands and ran a hand through his dark hair. “You deserved better than me kissing you with no understanding in place.”
“I did,” Anette agreed. “But I do not wish to discuss it. Not again. It is in the past, which is where I want it to remain.”
“Very well. We could discuss how you are attracting far too much attention this evening.”
“I daresay you would be wrong,” she said. “No one is giving me any heed. They never do.”
