He pulled back to look at her in surprise. “What?”
She smiled. “This marvelous, lovely connection we’ve got is too pleasurable to sully with talk of love.”
His brow wrinkled. “Love does not sully.”
“You dear, sweet man,” she said in amusement, stroking his cheek. “Love makes people do stupid things, things they regret, likemarry.” She made a face. “Not that I expected you were about to ask, but I don’t want any misunderstandings.” She paused as his expression didn’t ease, and ran one finger over his forehead to smooth it. “Marriage was nothing but misery for me,” she murmured. “I shan’t make that mistake again.”
“Ah,” he said, finally grasping her point. “I understand. I would never wish you to do something miserable to you.”
Evangeline let out her breath in obvious relief. “Thank you for walking me home.”
Richard grinned. “And I thank Prince Louis for leading you to my door.”
Chapter 12
Clemency was at his house when Richard finally strolled up the path from the pond.
“Where have you been?” she chided. “The rain stopped ages ago.”
“Ah, Clemency. I did not expect you.” Richard walked past her, tossing his hat in the general direction of the table in the hall. His coat he dropped on a nearby chair. One of the servants Clemency had hired would take care of it—or not, he didn’t really care. He felt exceptionally well, in top form, and nothing could shake his good humor.
His sister followed him into the drawing room. “Did you forget? I brought the boys, as we agreed. You promised to show them how to tie knots.”
“Did I?” Still smiling, he pulled the bell rope. “Where are they?”
She stared at him. “Gerhard took them riding, since you were away. Why are you in such good humor?”
“Should I not be?” He spread his arms wide and laughed. “I cannot deny that I am.” Frau Loretz entered in response to the bell, and he told her, “Something to eat, bitte. And a glass ofwine.” He glanced inquiringly at his sister, who shook her head, looking startled. “That will be all, Frau Loretz.”
Clemency’s brows went up as the housekeeper left. “What happened to you out in the rain?”
He came over and put his hands on her shoulders. “Thank you, Clem. You were correct and I was completely wrong about staying in England and about taking this house.” He kissed her forehead. “In fact, I intend to buy this house.”
She fairly goggled at him. “What?”
He released her and went to the window. The sky was still gray, but the rain had blown away and everything looked very green and lush. Down that hill lay the pond, and a mile beyond that lay Wyndham House. He couldn’t see it, but he knew it was there—as was she. “Yes,” he told his sister. “Immediately.”
Her skirts rustled as she came to his side and peered out uncomprehendingly at the trees, then up at him. “Why?” she demanded, sounding almost alarmed. “What about it has changed? When we first saw this house, you despised everything about it! The light is terrible, it’s old-fashioned, the rooms are small...”
He waved one hand. “I was wrong. You were right.” He smiled at her expression. “I have admitted it twice now! What more can you want?”
A series of expressions flitted across her face: consternation, suspicion, bemusement, and finally determination. “I hope you take a lesson from that,” she said stoutly. “I’m often right, and you might as well admit it more readily in the future.”
“Of course.”
Clemency folded her arms. “Is it a woman?”
He took a deep breath. He could not keep this secret. It was burning inside him like a fire scorching him from the inside out until he might combust if he didn’t tell someone. He must speak of it, or be consumed by it. “A most remarkable woman.”
“Who?” she demanded.
“The Countess Courtenay.Evangeline.” He said her name softly, reverently.
“Lady Court—?” Clemency’s eyes went wide, and for a long moment she said nothing. Then she asked in astonishment, “How on earth did you meet her?”
He smiled a little, remembering. “At a benefit ball you urged me to attend.”
She was shocked again. “A benefit ball? Those were all years ago!Whendid you meet her?”
