AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Once again, you astound me with your compassion toward me.”
“It is the least I can do.” She turned from him.
“It is more than I deserve.” He came up behind her, but Selena did not move. “I don’t think I will ever be able to repay you.” Owen’s breath brushed against her neck, making her shiver in delight.
How could she feel this way in so short a time? This was Owen, the man who had made her life miserable for the last eight years, and in two short days, she was ready to forget it all. Was she mad? Or just so starved for affection that she reached out for the first morsel that he offered?
Selena had been right when she’d told Sarah about her confusion. For now, she would continue to assist Owen in finding his way and leave her heart out of the matter. Time to bring a semblance of normalcy to the conversation.
“I don’t believe I gave you that tour of the house I promised.” She finally turned back toward Owen, her emotions firmly in check.
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
For the next two hours, Selena took Owen on a tour of Stonegate and the surrounding grounds. She told him what she knew about the history of the house and the renovations done under his ownership. When they walked through the kitchens, Owen stopped to speak with the servants.
At first, they were leery, but Owen soon charmed them all. He thanked Cook for her efforts and patience while he discovered his new food preferences. The old woman practically blushed from the compliments.
“Will you have lunch with me?” Owen asked Selena once they left the kitchen.
“I would be happy to.”
During the meal, Owen asked if she would go riding with him and show him more of the estate. Selena agreed. What harm could come from a ride?
After lunch she went up to change into her riding habit. When Selena walked out to the waiting horses, the sight of Owen made her stop short. The cream-colored riding breeches he wore hugged his body, accentuating his strong thighs and sculpted calves, which were encased in black riding boots. His dark brown jacket settled well over his broad shoulders and chest. To top it off, he had his ever-present smile, which Selena was liking more and more.
He escorted her down the last remaining steps. “You look very fetching in that color,” he said, referring to the plum of her riding habit. Those continued compliments would be her undoing.
“Thank you.”
They mounted and rode west. Selena planned for them to make a wide circle of the estate. For the afternoon, she played guide. Owen listened as she spouted information about certain tenants, which neighbors’ houses lied in which direction, and anything else she thought he might find useful. Owen, for his part, kept up a barrage of questions. At one point, Selena laughed at his enthusiasm. He was like a sponge, trying to absorb everything that he could.
“The gardens look lovely from up here.” The horses were coming down a small hill that directed them toward the back lawn. “Your work over the years has paid off. You have a genuine gift, Selena.”
“Thank you, but I cannot take all the credit.”
“Yes, I know.” He must have recalled their conversation yesterday about the gardens. “There are two gardeners now, correct?”
“Yes. They live in the village and come daily.”
“Plants are your solace?”
“They do not judge or argue, and if you give them enough love and attention, they can grow into something beautiful.” She peered at her husband. Could love grow in her heart if she opened up to Owen? Would he nurture her and keep her safe?
“It must take a gentle touch and a lot of patience to make them grow. To see them flourish under your skillful hands must be gratifying.” His stormy eyes met hers.
Her heart fluttered. Owen had never been one for light banter. Before, his conversations had been abrupt and to the point. Did he realize what he was doing? It was as if he was flirting with her, and she had to admit, part of her liked it.
“Do you have any further plans for the gardens?”
The question caught her off guard. “Do you want to know the truth?”
He brought his horse beside hers. “Always.”
“My deepest hope is to have a greenhouse large enough to grow exotic plants, perhaps some fruit trees. Our cold winters are not conducive to plants that like the warmer climates, but with a greenhouse, I might coax them to grow.”
“Where would you put the greenhouse?”
Selena grew excited. It was her secret passion, one she had never thought to see come to fruition. Saying it aloud made it seem possible. “Over there.” She pointed to a spot on the far side of the kitchen garden.
