He eyed her curiously. “Is something wrong?” he asked with genuine concern in his voice.
Mattie pressed her lips together, struggling to hold back tears. “My father said some terrible things and then Isaac propositioned me…”
“What?!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with shock and anger. “He propositioned you?”
Realizing how her words could be misconstrued, Mattie quickly put her hand up in a calming gesture. “No, I misspoke,” she corrected herself. “Isaac said he had a proposition for me.”
“I’m not sure if that is any better,” Winston stated, his expressiondarkening.
“I walked away from him and I didn’t hear him out,” Mattie informed him.
Winston bobbed his head in approval. “That pleases me since no good will come out of associating with Isaac. I can promise you that.” He pursed his lips, and there was a terseness in his next words. “I do not like the fact that Isaac was able to approach you so easily. Where in the blazes was Grady when this conversation took place?”
“Grady was watching over me from a short distance away,” she explained.
“Not well enough, if you ask me,” Winston asserted. “His job is to keep you safe, not allow you to make chit-chat with the enemy.”
Mattie offered him a reassuring smile. “I was never in any true danger. Isaac was just making a nuisance of himself, and I had no doubt that Grady would have interceded if necessary.”
Her words seemed to appease Winston and his eyes filled with compassion, making Mattie feel at ease. “Now, dare I ask what terrible things your father said to you?”
In a tentative voice, Mattie revealed, “He seems to believe that if I marry, it will be to a widower or an older gentleman that wishes for a more mature woman. And it is not just my father who believes that. Emma also said something similar.”
With a disbelieving expression, Winston declared, “What utter nonsense! You are a beautiful young woman and I have no doubt you will have countless suitors vying for your hand this Season.”
“You are kind, but we both know that is unlikely,” Mattie said with a sad smile.
“Why do you think that way?”
Mattie hesitated, not wanting to admit her insecurities. But with a deep breath, she mustered the courage to speak her truth. “Emma is the undeniable beauty in our family, and I have come to accept that.”
Winston took a step closer to her, causing her to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. “We may have been adversaries over the years, but never once did I see you as anything less than beautiful.”
She stared up at him, her heart beating faster in her chest at his close proximity. Could he truly mean what he was saying?
He reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his touch sending shivers down her spine. “You are, and always have been, the most intriguing young woman in any room,” he said in a hoarse voice. “That is why I will take you as you are—a friend and a worthy opponent.”
Mattie managed to piece together the only words she could muster up. “Thank you.” At least she hoped she said those words. But he was looking at her in such a way that made her question everything.
Lady Dallington’s voice interrupted them from behind. “Mattie,” she exclaimed in a loud voice, far louder than what was necessary.
Winston took a step back and bowed. “Miss Bawden, as always, it has been a pleasure,” he said before turning and walking away.
“Shall we adjourn to the drawing room for some tea?” Lady Dallington asked.
Mattie forced a smile, her mind still reeling from Winston’s words and touch. “Tea would be lovely,” she replied. But as she followed Lady Dallington into the drawing room, all she could think about was Winston and how his touch still lingered on her skin.
Chapter Twelve
Winston stepped out onto the veranda and started muttering curse words under his breath. He couldn’t believe he had let down his guard and shown vulnerability to Mattie. She was undeniably the most beautiful young woman he had ever known, but now he regretted exposing his feelings to her.
For a man that prided himself on staying composed under pressure, he sure had made a muck of things. What if Mattie expected something from him in return? He had no desire to pursue her. He had already laid his heart bare to her and she had trampled on it. No, he would not go down that path again… for any reason.
When he had touched her, his heart reminded him that a part of Mattie still lingered there.
“Botheration!” he muttered in frustration. He needed to regain control of his thoughts and actions before it was too late. This was a game that he couldn’t afford to lose.
The sound of Melody’s amused voice broke through his thoughts. “Is everything all right, Brother?” she asked.
