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“I must admit that I took the news that you were departing from Hawthorne House rather poorly.”
“Why is that?”
“I didn’t want you to leave.”
“Frankly, I didn’t think my absence would be missed,” she admitted, lowering her gaze.
Oliver appeared displeased by her response. “How could you even think that?” He took a step closer to her. “Regardless of what transpired between us in the past, our destinies are still intertwined.”
“I understand.”
He glanced down at the basket in her hand. “Did I arrive at an inopportune time?”
“Not at all.” She held the basket up. “I had intended to deliver a basket to a widow who lives a short distance away.”
“Would you care for me to accompany you?”
A genuine smile came to her face. “I would like that very much.”
Oliver reached for her gloved hand and brought it up to his lips. “I would be remiss if I failed to mention that you look especially beautiful this morning.”
“You are too kind,” she replied. “I must look like a fright, since I only just arrived home from my morning ride.”
“You are being much too hard on yourself,” he said as he placed her hand into the crook of his arm.
“I’m afraid that is generally true.”
“It is a shame that we are our own worst critics,” Oliver said as he led her out of the drawing room.
Grubbs met them at the door and asked, “Would you care for me to request the carriage to be brought up front for your errand?”
“That won’t be necessary,” she replied. “Lord Oliver and I shall walk to Mrs. Thompson’s cottage.”
Grubbs tipped his head as he opened the door wide. “Yes, milady.”
As they stepped onto the gravel courtyard, Oliver asked, “How are you faring?”
“I am well,” she replied.
“I am happy to hear that.”
Emmeline glanced over at him. “May I ask how you are faring?”
His jaw clenched as he replied, “I am well.”
“You don’t seem well,” she boldly remarked.
Oliver looked over at her in surprise. “And why do you say that?”
“You appear out of sorts.”
“It might have something to do with my staying at a coaching inn last night,” he admitted. “I left Town later than I intended and I arrived in Whitstable at a late hour.”
“You should have come straightaway to Lockhart Manor. I am sure someone would have been up to receive you.”
He shook his head. “I thought it was best to stay at the coaching inn and arrive early this morning.”
“I have never rented a room at a coaching inn before.”
