But it wasn’t just a sense of calm he gave her—they also genuinely had a good time with one another. Priscilla couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed so frequently. West had a dry and insightful humor when making observations, which never failed to make her smile. His remarks also demonstrated his intelligence as the quips he made went beyond the obvious,demonstrating his easy ability to understanding the character of others.
And then there was the dancing. She hadn’t enjoyed dancing so much in years, but every time he masterfully held her within the frame of his arms and whirled her around the room, the most delicious tingles went up her spine and warmed her body, just as they had the first time.
Priscilla knew she was in trouble. She wasn’t yet ready to fully acknowledge her feelings for West, which were growing by the hour. Doing so would also mean recognizing that it could only end in heartbreak. With West determined the relationship should expire at the end of the season, she was only setting herself up for disappointment. Yet even shoving those thoughts aside, she couldn’t help but long to kiss him again.
Now, looking at him as he went about his work, oblivious to everything around him, she felt a tug on her heart. It was a bright but gray spring day, the kind where the young leaves on the trees appeared particularly verdant in the cool light. That same light poured in through the window, highlighting all the marquess’ best features. His wavy hair held an extra gleam, its mahogany tone glowing, and the shadows cast from his sharply angled jaw seemed more pronounced. She longed to reach forward and run her fingers through those soft waves after having traced the hand up his jaw.
Obviously at work for a while, West had discarded his coat and loosened his cravat enough that the collar of his shirt hung open just slightly, displaying a teasing slice of the warm skin beneath. His shirtsleeves had been rolled up to just below his elbows and Priscilla admired the muscles of his forearms, watching them ripple and flex beneath skin that was lightly sprinkled with dark hair as he wrote in his ledger.
But what grabbed her attention and made her pulse quicken was the sight of him in the spectacles he wore. She’d neverobserved him wearing them before, and they lent him an air of gravitas. She felt herself becoming aroused the longer she looked and knew she needed to make her presence known before her mind took her places it would be dangerous to go.
“You look hard at work,” she said, straightening away from the doorframe.
West looked up, startled by her voice, confirming he’d had no idea she’d been standing there observing him for some minutes.
“Priscilla, what are you doing here?” He sat back in his seat and rolled his shoulders. She was relieved he didn’t appear unhappy to see her, just surprised as she was unexpected.
“Your mother invited me to tea. I was just on my way out and saw you sitting here.”
His eyes widened as she explained her purpose. “My mother invited you to tea?”
“Yes, we had a lovely time. She’s a sweet woman. I didn’t know anything about her, you don’t speak of her much.”
A guilty expression crossed his face, and Priscilla felt bad for speaking so bluntly. She couldn’t pretend, however, that she wasn’t curious to learn more about him and was anxious to hear what he would say to her bold statement.
“Yes, sheisa sweet woman, and I should spend more time with her,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a contemplative expression on his face. “I’m trying to improve our relationship now that things are more open in the family. I just never really knew her before my father’s death. He didn’t think raising children was the work of lords and ladies, rather, it should be left to nursemaids and governesses. I didn’t see either of my parents much until I was older, but by then I was away at school or living on my own. We both missed out on learning who the other truly is.”
Priscilla heard the sadness in his voice. She knew the type of situation he described. As much as her own parents frustratedher, she was grateful that she and her siblings had been raised in a more open household. Yes, appearances mattered above all else, but because of that her mother had been a constant guiding influence in the lives of both her and her younger sister, Anne. It must have been lonely for West to grow up only existing alongside his parents.
“But you are trying with her now, and that’s what matters.”
He let out a sigh and removed his spectacles, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I suppose so,” he replied with closed eyes, head still resting on the back of his chair. Refocusing, he looked at her. “I hope mother wasn’t too eager with you this afternoon. I’ve been trying to dissuade her from getting excited where you’re concerned. I really don’t want her to be disappointed when we go our separate ways.” Frowning, he rubbed his left eyebrow.
“Should I not have come?” Priscilla asked, worried that she was making their situation more difficult.
“No, I’m glad you came. You could hardly have refused the invitation. And I’m sure she enjoyed your delightful company,” he said with soft eyes and a sweet smile, forcing Priscilla to decidedly ignore the kaleidoscope of butterflies that sprang to life in her stomach.
After a moment where their gazes held, he sighed again and reclosed his eyes.
“You look tired,” she observed. “You’re working too hard, West, why don’t you take a break?”
“I can’t. I have a lot to prepare here in town before leaving for Hampton House. It’s all these late nights out, they’re killing me.”
She felt guilty for monopolizing his time, knowing how much he was doing to make his estate financially stable. It took a moment for her to process what else he had said.
“You’re returning to the country?” she asked, wondering what would take him from town while the House of Lords was in session.
“Yes, I was going to tell you when I saw you next. I need to examine my properties and decide where the best place will be for the training program that John and I plan to start. It also coincides with John’s birthday, so the family will gather at Hampton House to celebrate next week.”
West had told her a bit about the brother’s plans to establish a trade school. She admired that while, yes, they would be profiting off their student’s future work, they were looking for a line of business that gave workers the opportunity to earn sustainable wages rather than needing to earn their living in a mill or factory. West could have easily secured the funds to purchase such an operation, but he didn’t want to exploit those working for him.
Priscilla understood why he needed to leave, but the thought of not seeing him for a few weeks left her feeling empty, even as he was still sitting right in front of her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, noticing him wince while rubbing the back of his neck.
“Just a headache,” West replied. “I’m rather anxiously awaiting the arrival of a ship John had me invest in. It’s expected in port any time now. I’m afraid the situation has made me rather tense.”
Once again where West was concerned, Priscilla acted without first thinking her actions through. Moving over to stand next to him behind the desk, she reached out and placed a hand beneath his collar to knead the taut muscles of his neck.
