“Perhaps that is why he never told you about your inheritance,” Miles suggested. “There is no money to give.”
“I don’t understand how this could happen. When my father died, he passed a thriving estate on to my uncle,” Edwina said.
Miles gave her a meaningful look. “Or perhaps your father protected you from the harsh realities of the state of his estate.”
“My father wouldn’t do that,” Edwina insisted. “He always valued honesty above all else.”
“Be that as it may, I think it might be best if we brought Bennett into our confidence,” Miles suggested.
Edwina considered his words before asking, “Do you truly think that is wise?”
“It was only a matter of time before we did,” Miles reminded her gently. “Why not now?”
Clasping her hands in front of her, Edwina held Miles’ gaze and knew that he was right. She trusted him, more so than she had ever trusted anyone before. “All right, we can tell him.”
Miles took a step closer to her, causing her to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. “I do believe it is the right call.”
“I trust you,” Edwina said.
As she said her words, Winston’s booming voice came from behind them. “Miles!” he exclaimed, striding towards them. “There you are.”
Miles jumped back, creating distance between them.
Winston came to stand beside them and addressed Miles. “Since our trip to the village has been delayed, I was hoping you would want to practice fencing on the back lawn with me.”
Clearing his throat, Miles responded, “I would greatly enjoy that.”
“Wonderful,” Winston said with a satisfied nod. “Shall we go now?”
Miles hesitated, his gaze flickering towards Edwina with a look that she couldn’t quite decipher. “Now?” he repeated, his tone uncertain.
Winston quirked an eyebrow, challenging him silently. “Unless there is a reason why you can’t do it now?”
“No… no… I can do it now,” Miles said. “I just wanted to ensure that Lady Edwina was well.”
Turning towards Edwina, Winston remarked, “I think some rest would do Edwina some good.”
Edwina took a small step back. “I agree,” she said. “Enjoy your fencing, gentlemen.”
She spun on her heel and headed towards her bedchamber, her thoughts swirling with a growing realization about Miles. Before she knew it, before she was even aware of it, she had gotten her heart involved.
Chapter Fourteen
Miles headed towards the library, assuming that is where he would find Edwina. He had spent the past few hours fencing with Winston and he needed a respite. And for him, that meant being in the presence of Edwina. Just the thought of her brought a smile to his lips.
As he entered the library, Miles caught sight of Edwina sitting by the window, her attention fully absorbed in a book. The afternoon sun streamed through the window and illuminated her delicate features. How was it possible for someone to become more beautiful with each passing day?
Miles decided to make his presence known. “Edwina,” he said gently, not wanting to startle her from her reading.
Edwina brought her head up and met his gaze. “Miles.” The way she said his name caused his heart to soar.
He took a step closer to her. “How are you feeling?” he asked with a teasing smile on his lips.
“I am much better, thank you,” Edwina replied.
“I assumed that you would grow tired of pretending to be resting and you would eventually end up in the library,” Miles said.
Edwina smiled. “You know me so well.”
