Page 59 of A Lady of Conscience

James could see that now. Just as he’d seen evidence of her strength, her confidence, her conscience. Qualities that were as striking as her beauty.

And yet, she wasn’t some ideal to worship on a pedestal. She was a warm, and surprisingly passionate woman. One who had returned his kiss so sweetly that his heart still ached like the devil to recall it.

“It’s such a perfectly manicured little garden,” she remarked.

James came to stand beside her. “You don’t like it?”

“I confess, I don’t. The gardens at Heywood House are larger, and wilder. Like a fairytale garden one must cut through to save an enchanted princess.”

His mouth quirked. “A vivid description.”

There was an endless pause. “What are the gardens like at Worth House?” she asked.

James’s gaze became intent. He studied her profile, attempting to discern the meaning behind her question. Was she generally curious about the Beresfords’ family seat? Or was she specifically interested in it because she thought she might one day live there with him?

His pulse surged at the possibility.

He warned himself to tread carefully.

“Not as wild as the ones at Heywood House,” he said. “But quite large and well established. We have a walled garden as well. It’s shut up behind a wooden door twice as tall as a regular one. Only someone with a key can enter.”

She continued looking down into the torchlit darkness, a shadow of a frown marring her brow.

He drew closer to her. “Worth House is at its best in the spring, when all the flowers are in bloom. There aren’t many estates in Hertfordshire that can compete with its splendor.”

“Will you retire there when you…”

“When I marry?”

She nodded.

No,” he said. “Not while my father is living.”

“Your father will live a good long while, I hope.”

“I pray he will.” Though James spent a great deal of time thinking about the future, it was never pleasant to contemplate the melancholy event that would ultimately lead to him ascending to the title. “The earldom has other properties I might choose in the event of my marriage. If none of them suit, my parents have offered Beasley Park for my use. It is an easy distance from your family’s estate.”

Rather than being reassured by the information, she seemed to be troubled by it. “But you won’t only reside in the country, will you? You said yourself that some of your life must be spent in town.”

“So it must,” James said.

Part of returning legitimacy to the Beresford name was developing a presence in London. It was incumbent on him to keep a hand in politics, and to nurture powerful connections. One day, he would be required to take his father’s seat in the Lords. James would need to grow accustomed to remaining in town when Parliament was in session.

“How much of your life?” Hannah asked.

“Several months out of the year,” he said.

“How many?”

James hesitated to answer. He knew very well what effect his reply would have. There was a good chance it would end their courtship before it had begun.

Even so, he couldn’t bring himself to lie to her.

“Six, possibly,” he said.

Chapter Nineteen

Hannah stared at James in the torchlight. “Six months!” she echoed in disbelief.