AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good afternoon, Miss Lockhart.” His tone carried a softer edge than when he’d spoken to Lady Satterfield. “I am so pleased to find you at home. I wonder if we might take a stroll around the garden?” He looked toward the countess. “If Lady Satterfield permits.”
“Of course.” She nodded. “Just go through there and take the stairs down from the terrace. I’ll follow you and sit in the library where I can see you.”
So Nora was allowed to take an unchaperoned walk with Titus, but not with Mr. Dawson? Perhaps that was because Lady Satterfield had no reason to believe that Titus was interested in Nora in any other capacity beyond helping her successfully navigate the Season.
Mr. Dawson offered his arm. “Shall we?”
Nora placed her hand on his sleeve, and they walked through the rear sitting room onto the terrace. She instantly noted that Dawson’s arm lacked the strength and substance of Titus’s. He also lacked Titus’s ruggedly masculine scent and the simple aura of potent virility that seemed to follow Titus. Oh, heavens, she was a ninny! She sounded like a lovestruck girl.
She nearly tripped on the stairs as they descended to the garden.
That’s because shewasa lovestruck girl.
She was in love with Titus. What has started as an impossible fancy, an unattainable dream had become her most fervent desire. He made her feel comfortable, strong, and special. She’d never felt those things before.
“It’s a particularly fine day, though I do worry about the clouds I saw on the horizon. It may not be quite so pleasant by five o’clock.”
Nora forced herself to pay attention to what Dawson was saying. “Yes,” was all she could manage for an answer while her mind—and heart—struggled to make sense of what she’d just realized.
“I do miss the country,” he said. “As do you.”
They’d discussed that very topic last night during their dance. He had a modest house in Sussex where he enjoyed fishing and walking with his two boys, aged five and seven. Nora had warmed to the obvious love he felt for them. She didn’t doubt she could be happy there. As happy as she’d been in St. Ives at least and probably more so.
“Yes. I admit this rigorous schedule is a bit overwhelming. In fact, Lady Satterfield and I are enjoying a restful pause today.”
He turned his head and looked at her in dismay. “And here I’ve spoiled it. I should have called another day.”
She didn’t want him to feel bad. “It’s quite all right.”
He continued along the path, which circuited the small garden. “I suppose so, since you also accepted Markham’s call.”
Was there a note of annoyance or perhaps jealousy in his voice? She decided to ignore it if there was.
He cleared his throat. “Might I ask… That is… Do I need to worry about my competition?”
Well, that was about as declarative as he’d been regarding his intentions. “There’s no competition, Mr. Dawson.”
“You undervalue yourself, Miss Lockhart. You’ve become quite popular. I fear my chances for your hand are dwindling.” He drew her to a halt behind a shrubbery so that they were partially obscured from Lady Satterfield’s view from the library window. He turned and looked at her earnestly. “Let me be clear that I am in pursuit of your hand.”
Nora winced inwardly. He was so kind, so dear. Yet, she couldn’t stop herself from longing for a different man, one who was not interested in marriage. She ought to be clear with Mr. Dawson, except he might be her only chance for the future she wanted.
She wasn’t certain how to respond. She didn’t want to give him false hope, not when her mind was churning. “I am so honored by your attention, Mr. Dawson. Truly. However, I am not yet ready to made a decision about my future.”
“I understand. I’m quite patient.” He glanced toward the house and when he looked back, the edge of his mouth twisted briefly, as if he were chewing the inside of his lip. Something about his demeanor belied what he’d said about patience.
Nora started walking again, eager to put an end to this interview so that she could be alone with her thoughts. There had never been a better day for her and Lady Satterfield to withdraw. “I appreciate your understanding. You’ve given me much to ponder.”
“I hope you’ll agree that we are exceptionally well suited. I shan’t find a finer woman to raise my sons.”
His words speared sharply into her heart. It wasn’t an outright proposal, but she was certain one would be forthcoming. She quickened her pace until they reached the library. Lady Satterfield went to the bookshelf, partially turning her back, presumably giving them a moment of half-privacy before Mr. Dawson took his leave.
He took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back. “I do hope you’ll think on what I said. I look forward to seeing you soon.” He bowed, then turned to Lady Satterfield. “Good afternoon, my lady.”
“Good afternoon,” she murmured. Then he strode from the room.
Lady Satterfield waited until he was gone before going to Nora. Her eyes were bright with anticipation. “What did he say?”
Nora didn’t wish to provide all the details. Not right now while her thoughts were a jumble. Dawson would make a good husband. Why couldn’t she want him as much as she wanted Titus? “Only that he wishes to call on me again.”
