Page 64 of One Night with an Earl

“Even more surprising, we learned Lord Drake helped to begin to build a cottage for the newlyweds,” Mr. Cummings said.

“That’s quite admirable.” The lack of enthusiasm in Lady Malvern’s voice was notable. Clearly, she considered the task beneath a nobleman of Drake’s stature.

Ana stared at Oliver anew. Not only had he helped with the dispute between the tenants, but he’d helped build a cottage?

Ana’s lips quirked as she met Oliver’s eyes. “What are the happy couple’s names?”

“Minerva and Aiden. If not for the help of a special friend, they would not have married,” he said, his tone light.

“He must have given them good advice.”

He flashed a dangerous grin, one that was taunting and tempting at once. “She did. Excellent advice indeed.” He then turned his attention to the group. “I’m sad you are all departing today. Unfortunately, I won’t be accompanying you to town. I must stay a few more days to meet with my steward and finish business.”

He was staying behind? Her fingers tightened on her glass, and the lemonade tasted more sour than sweet. She thought they would have a bit more time, even if it was in the company of the Malverns. It shouldn’t matter if he did not accompany them on their travels.

Then why did that fact cause her distress?

…

Hours later, the coach arrived in the drive to return the Malverns back to town. Footmen trailed out carrying trucks, portmanteaus, and baggage.

Ana’s visit to Rosedown was at an end. Her thoughts were jagged and painful as a footman arrived to carry her own trunk to the vestibule. She’d dreaded arriving here and feared the memories would be too painful. She’d been right and wrong. The memories had returned with vivid clarity. She’d worried the staff would recognize her, and even though Mrs. Hannings had seen through the floppy bonnet to identify her, the conversation with the housekeeper in the kitchens over a plate of baklava had been pleasant. But something else had shifted and changed during her time at Rosedown as well.

Her relationship with the Earl of Drake had blossomed.

A deep part of her, the gut-wrenchingly honest part, admitted she would miss him. She may long to be with him, but she still had fears.

Her future. Her position.

Her heart.

She let out a long sigh, then fully parted her bedroom curtains to get a better look at the gardens one last time. Sunlight glinted off the iron-and-glass conservatory in the distance. She’d avoided her mother’s domain during her time here, but would she regret it?

Do not be a coward.

She may fear her growing feelings for the Earl of Drake, but it also could apply to other aspects of her life. Making a hasty decision, she hurried down the stairs and down the hall. If she was quick, she’d have time.

Oliver stepped outside the doorway of his study just as she passed by. “The coach is here.” His tone was solemn.

“I’m aware.”

“Where are you headed in such a rush?”

It was foolish to believe she could make it to the gardens without being stopped by one of the staff, Mrs. Hannings, or the earl. Of all three choices, she was glad it was him. “I thought to get a bit of fresh air before I’m ensconced in a coach with the family for hours on end.” Partly the truth.

“I can escort you. I assume you were headed to the gardens?”

She had run out of time and would soon leave the estate forever. If she wanted to go where she’d wished, then she’d have to ask. Selfishly, it was a chance to spend more time with him. To say goodbye away from prying eyes. “Yes, I hoped to see the conservatory.”

He was quick to offer his arm. “It would be my pleasure.”

As they walked the grounds, she addressed what she hadn’t been able to during the picnic. “I didn’t know you could build a cottage.”

“I only helped. I know better than to claim to be an expert in carpentry.”

“Still, I don’t believe most aristocrats would pick up a tool.”

“I suspect you are correct. My own father and brother would never have lifted a hammer.”