Mattie exited the coach and approached Brockhall Manor with a bubbling sense of excitement. The early morning sun cast a golden hue over the grand estate, making it look even more magnificent than usual. She hoped it wasn’t too early to call, but she could barely contain her eagerness. She had wonderful news to share.
The door opened and White greeted her with his usual stoic expression. “Good morning, Miss Bawden,” he said, standing to the side to grant her entry. “Do come in.”
Mattie stepped into the entry hall, her eyes wide with admiration for the sheer elegance that surrounded her. The opulence of Brockhall Manor mirrored the grandeur of Darlington Abbey, where she would soon be spending much of her time. Her grandfather had spared no expense in renovating the estate after inheriting his title. And now, as a viscount’s daughter, she felt the weight of her new responsibilities. She was determined to rise to the challenge.
A movement caught her eyes, and she turned her attention towards Winston descending the grand staircase. She took a moment to admire him, acknowledging that she would never meet another man more dashing than him. In her imagination, whenever she read books, the hero always looked like Winston—a tall, dark and handsome man who used his cleverness to solve problems.
Winston’s eyes landed on her, and he smiled, causing herbreath to hitch. “Good morning,” he greeted, approaching her. “What a pleasant surprise to see you at such an early hour.”
“I hope it is not too early,” she said, her excitement barely contained. “I have the most wonderful news to share.”
His eyes seemed to twinkle with merriment. “Then you must share it with me at once,” he said.
Mattie could barely contain herself as she shared, “My father agreed to let your mother host me for the upcoming Season.”
His smile broadened, spilling into his eyes. “That is wonderful news! How did you convince him to do so?”
With a slight shrug, Mattie said, “I am very convincing when I want to be.”
“That you are, considering I have seen it firsthand,” Winston responded.
Mattie clasped her hands together. “I suppose I have my sister to thank. She was insistent about having a Season next year and my father suggested we both debut together.”
“That would have been a terrible idea.”
“I thought so as well, so I pushed back, and he relented,” Mattie said. “Although, truth be told, my father did say some hurtful things to me.”
Winston’s smile faded. “What did he say?”
Mattie pressed her lips together, wondering why she had brought this up with Winston. “He doesn’t think I am capable of making as good of a match as Emma.”
“Whyever not?”
She sighed. “Emma is precisely what thetondeems as beautiful, and I?—”
Winston took a step closer to her. “You are beautiful, Mattie,” he said. “And I will not have you think otherwise.”
“Even my father believes I pale in comparison to Emma,” Mattie stated, trying to keep the hurt out of her voice.
Reaching for her hand, Winston said, “Beautyis not just about having a pretty face. It requires intelligence, kindness, loyalty and, most importantly, a beautiful soul. And you, my dear, are in possession of all those things.”
Mattie glanced down at their joined hands. “Do you truly mean it?”
“I do, and I cannot stand by and let you talk bad about yourself,” Winston replied. “Not when I can see the real you.”
“I see the real you, as well,” Mattie admitted. “Even the parts you don’t want me to see.”
Winston’s eyes crinkled around the edges with a warm smile. “I should have known I wouldn’t have been able to hide from you for too long.”
Lady Dallington’s voice echoed from the corridor. “Mattie, what a wonderful surprise,” she said loudly.
Winston quickly slipped his hand out of hers and took a step back. She hadn’t realized how close she was to him until that moment.
Coming to a stop in front of Mattie, Lady Dallington said, “I was just about to break my fast. Would you care to join us for breakfast?”
“I do not wish to be a bother,” Mattie attempted.
“Nonsense!” Lady Dallington exclaimed. “You are more than welcome, and I am sure Winston feels the same.”
