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“Yes, it is lovely, so calm and peaceful. I told Lady Holcombe I wanted to take a walk, and she suggested this place.”
Probably because she knew Andrew frequented it as well. His grandmother always seemed to be one move ahead of him. It didn’t matter, since he had what he wanted—a private moment with Tabitha. There would be no one to interrupt them this time. At the idea of being alone with the lady, his cock stirred. Andrew tamped down his lust. Now was not the time for seduction.
Andrew brought his attention back to the conversation. “This has always been my favorite place on the estate. You can be alone with your thoughts here, undisturbed.” He remembered those times as a boy, running away after yet another scolding. Going to the water’s edge and sitting for hours, allowing the anger to seep out of him. To collect his thoughts and quiet his emotions.
“Well, I do not wish to disturb you, Your Grace. I will take my leave.”
Andrew stopped her. “Why the formality? I think we are past that.”
At the reminder of their last interlude, a blush crept up Tabitha’s neck.
“I don’t think that’s wise.”
“What? Calling me by my name, or what we did in the park?”
Tabitha opened, then closed her mouth, unable to answer. What had happened to the spirited woman who always had a sharp retort for him? Evidently, he caught Tabitha with her guard down. Good, because from Andrew’s experience, that was when you discovered a person’s true feelings or thoughts.
But seeing Tabitha flustered gave him a pang of guilt. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to be so crude. Please allow me to escort you back to the house.”
“Thank you... Andrew.”
“Let me fetch my horse.”
He quickly retrieved his mount before rejoining Tabitha. They walked side by side through the orchard. Neither of them said anything for a few minutes. It was enough just to be with her. Finally, she spoke.
“I’m sure you’re wondering how I came to be here.”
“My grandmother invited you.”
She chuckled. “That is the simple explanation.”
He stopped them. “All right. Why are you here? Gran said she has spent time with you and enjoys your company.”
“She invited me to tea.”
“And then she just invited you here?” He arched an eyebrow.
Tabitha pursed her lips.
“I understand why my grandmother invited you, but what I can’t understand is why you accepted. I believe you’ve mentioned in the past that you are not looking for a husband.”
“That’s correct.”
He took a step towards her. “Then why did you come, Tabitha?”
Andrew wanted to hear her say it: that she had come because of him. What other reason could there be? Even if Tabitha didn’t want a husband, perhaps she was looking for a lover. Did she want to continue what they had started at the park?
Andrew knew he wouldn’t say no if she wanted an affair. The problem was, he wasn’t sure if he could give her up once he’d had her. Without thinking, he closed the distance between them, cupping a hand at the base of her neck, forcing Tabitha to stare up at him.
She peered into his eyes. “Tell me what happened.”
The statement took him off guard. It wasn’t what he’d expected to hear.
“Why all the rumors and speculations surrounding you, Andrew? I want to know.”
“Why?”
“Because I care about you.”
