He stroked her trembling fingers. “What is it?”
Lawson returned with a tray of oat biscuits. “My lady, have one.”
“I’m not hungry.”
Lawson insisted. “Only one. You’ll feel better.”
Anthony sat on the chair, waiting for Isabella to finish eating. If he didn’t know better, he would say she was scared. He wasn’t surprised she didn’t confide in him. He’d shunned her for weeks. The relationship they’d built had barely started again.
She chewed the biscuit slowly. “I’m already better. Thank you.”
“You’re still pale, and your pulse is slow.”
“It was a moment of weakness.”
He didn’t know what to think. Something had happened to her before coming here, but he wouldn’t insist.
“Your Grace,” Rogers said, “the carriage is ready.”
“Good.” He helped Isabella up. “I’ll accompany you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know. Rogers, I’ll be back in half an hour.”
Rogers’s mouth dropped open. “Of course, Your Grace.”
Going out was a shock for Anthony as well. He’d managed to go to the House of Lords a couple of times, but aside from that, he didn’t leave the house.
He’d meant to invite Isabella for a walk after their last encounter at the march, but work had truly overwhelmed him.
She leant against him as he walked her out. He hesitated outside the door. The usual grey London weather had been swapped with an unseasonably bright day that had no mercy on him. The sunlight was determined to expose all his ugliness. But he had no intention of leaving Isabella alone. He could ask a footman to escort her, and Lawson was present, but he wanted to do it himself. He ran a hand through his hair to let the curls fall over his scar.
He lowered the curtain of the window once in the carriage, blocking the ruthless sun.
“It’s not as scary as you think,” she whispered.
He smiled ruefully. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t believe you.”
“I truly mean it. It doesn’t bother me.”
Aside from Grandmama and Patrick, she was the first person to tell him that. Many people were scared of making any comments about his face. Others showed their disgust in their stares. But she was the first one who gave him her opinion without fear. Her honesty and consideration were some of the best things that had happened to him since the incident. No, since ever.
He helped her out of the carriage when they arrived. She slid her hand into his, and he gripped her fingers for a moment too long.
“I hope to see you soon,” he said. “Have tea with me tomorrow.”
Isabella looked down. “I will.”
He watched her enter the house. Once again, she’d addressed his fears and told him to pull himself together with the simplicity that belonged to her only.
And once again, he was utterly charmed.
