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“Well, I must confess I am at somewhat of a loss. I do not know what to do with myself now that I am a married woman,” she replied. Something akin to pain travelled through his glance.
“I saw that you are having your things moved to the next room when I returned from my ride,” he stated. He did not look at her for a long while, but when he did, she was sorry that she had been so rash.
“I want to explain—” she began, but he held up a hand to stop her.
“You do not have to explain,” he said, exhaling heavily. He looked up at her, and his eyes were filled with contrition. “I do not want to fight, Ellen. I know that I treated you terribly when we were young, but I should like a fresh start. Can we not leave the past behind us?”
He reached over and took the book from her, placing it to the side near the window. He then took her hands. Warmth spread throughout her middle, and her breathing quickened. What was happening to her? She licked her lips nervously. “I do not want to fight, either,” she said.
He ran his thumb over her knuckles, sending shivers of delight up her spine. “I understand why you moved your things out, and I am not angry. I only wish you would have spoken to me first. I could have helped you move your trunks out. Now that the maids are involved, there will be talk downstairs, I am afraid.”
She had not even thought of that. Shamed, she tried to pull her hands free, but he held firm. She looked up at him and could see that he was genuine. “You are right,” she acquiesced.
“I felt so terrible about you sleeping on the settee. I thought this would be a good solution.” She let out a frustrated breath. “I do not know how to do this, Simon. We barely know each other, and I would feel more comfortable in my own room.”
“Of course,” he said.
“I understand, and I agree. We need to give ourselves time to get to know each other again.” He let go of her hands, turning away from her to face the bookshelves. He rested his elbows on his knees, and she could not help but notice his handsome profile. He had a strong, straight nose and square jaw.
“Perhaps it is best. I do not think I could handle spending another night on that uncomfortable settee,” he said, smiling as he held a hand to his lower back.
“You’re much too tall for that ornamental piece, anyway,” she laughed. “I am sorry,” she apologised again.
He waved her off. “I spent the last decade on a straw-stuffed mattress that was too short and much too thin. The settee was the lesser of two evils, I am afraid,” he said.
Ellen laughed with him, and when it died down, she searched her mind for something to say. All she knew was that she did not want to be left alone again. “Do you spend much time in the library?” she asked.
“Not much. Do not worry. I will not bother you here again,” he said and stood. Ellen stood as well, reaching out to him.
“That is not what I meant,” she said hurriedly. He turned toward her again, and she was struck by his handsome features and strong build. The memory of him sleeping on the settee, shirtless, rushed to the forefront of her mind. She shook her head as if to dislodge the thought. “I-I was only trying to find a means of continuing the conversation.”
He smiled. “Well, in that case, perhaps you would like to tell me who “Humphrey” is?” he asked.
She frowned, giving a short laugh. “What on earth are you talking about?”
He motioned for her to sit down again, and she did so. He sat beside her—closer this time, she noticed. “You were calling out to Humphrey in your sleep. It sounded quite pitiful.”
Ellen’s cheeks blossomed with heat. “Oh, my goodness. Why did you not say anything this morning?” she asked, embarrassed. He shrugged but did not say anything. She sighed and shook her head.
“Humphrey is a cat that used to hang around the estate. Papa would not allow me to keep him inside, but I used to leave food for him by one of the fountains in the garden. He was a sweet boy,” she said.
“What happened to Humphrey?”
Ellen shrugged, studying her nails. Sadness washed over her. She had not thought of Humphrey in years. “One day, he was there, and the next, he just stopped showing up for his food. I assume he died of old age. He was a very raggedy fellow. But I loved him,” she admitted.
“Well, he was a lucky fellow to have your love,” Simon replied. A long pause ensued where he held her gaze, and for a moment, she thought her heart would beat right out of her chest. He seemed to be asking her if there was anything he could do to win her love someday. She broke eye contact and uttered a short laugh.
“I suppose it was silly of me to love a stray cat.”
Simon stood then, putting his hands back in his pockets. “I do not think so. To love and receive love is the greatest joy afforded to mankind.”
Ellen felt spellbound by his words. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“Well, I shall leave you to enjoy your book. Luncheon is in a few minutes, and I should change out of these riding clothes,” he explained, waving up and down his person at the mud-spattered suit. He flashed her a smile and walked out of the library, leaving her breathless. She frowned, feeling his loss keenly.
It was odd that on the previous day, she was determined to distrust him. Now, she could feel her resolve to keep her guard up around him subtly cracking. What other changes would be wrought in the future?
Prologue
