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She slipped her hand into his and rose. “Thank you,” she murmured.
He didn’t relinquish his hold of her hand but moved it to the crook of his arm. “Would you care to retrieve your shawl before we depart?”
“I don’t believe that’s necessary.”
As he led her out of the dining room, he said, “I can see the allure of Lockhart Manor now.”
“You can?”
He nodded. “The manor is a decent size, and it is located in the most beautiful place.”
“That it is.”
Once they arrived at the entry hall, the butler opened the door and they stepped outside. They walked across the lawn towards the cliff’s edge.
Oliver stopped and stared out into the Thames estuary. “I don’t think I could ever tire of this view.”
“I found a footpath down to the water,” Emmeline informed him. “It isn’t far from here.”
“Lead the way, my lady.”
Emmeline led him a short distance before she removed her hand from his. “It is best if we go one at a time down the footpath,” she suggested. “It isn’t treacherous, but it is rather narrow.”
He followed her down the path, and it wasn’t long before he stepped onto the sand. His eyes scanned the large cove and noticed an upcropping of rocks that sat randomly along the beach. The welcoming sound of the water slapping against the shore could be heard.
They started walking side by side. “You must have enjoyed coming here to Lockhart Manor as a child,” Oliver said.
“Sadly, I didn’t know this place existed until I spoke to my father’s solicitor,” she shared.
“Do you know why your father never spoke of this place?”
“The solicitor mentioned that my father watched his parents wither away here, so I must assume that is the reason.”
“I wonder why he didn’t just sell the property, then.”
“I know not,” she replied, “but my uncle never mentioned the property, either.”
Oliver glanced over at her and asked, “What do you intend to do about your uncle?”
“When we arrive back in Town, I will send him a letter informing him that we have taken up ownership of Lockhart Manor.”
“If you would like, I could have my solicitor write a missive to your uncle,” Oliver suggested.
Emmeline bobbed her head. “That is most kind of you.”
“It is a small thing, and you must know that I would do anything to ensure you are taken care of,” Oliver asserted.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Oliver stopped and placed his hand on her arm, turning her to face him. “I am in earnest, Emme,” he said. “I promise that you will never want for anything in this life.”
She met his gaze with an expression of profound sadness, causing his heart to lurch at the sight of it.
“What is it?” he asked.
“It’s nothing,” she replied.
He took a step closer. “I daresay it’s not nothing.”
