A groom appeared from behind the mews and after a word with Justin, immediately went to securing the cattle. After tilting his head back to study the house for a moment, and looking a little uncertain, Justin climbed down and came around to assist her.
Her hands landed easily on his shoulders while he grasped her waist tightly and lifted her to the ground.
They hadn’t been this close to one another since he’d left Eden’s Court.
When he’d kissed her.
She enjoyed these brief moments, innocent though they might be. Allowing her body to slide along the length of his, the contact stirred up his spicy scent so that it tickled her nostrils.
She didn’t step away when her feet hit the ground.
Instead, she enjoyed the feel of his breath on her forehead. If she placed her cheek against his chest, she would hear his heartbeat.
She was supposed to be breaking off their betrothal, and all she could think about was how to entice him into kissing her again.
“I missed you.” His voice came out gravelly sounding and so he cleared his throat.
Rhoda tilted her head back and could not help but be caught. His blue gaze nearly took her breath away. How had she missed this when they’d first met? How had she not been affected by not only his looks but his goodness? His character?
Her gaze shifted to his mouth as it seemed to be dipping toward hers.
“My lord, Should I take the horses off or—”
The groom stifled his question and quickly retreated when he realized he might be interrupting something.
At the same time, Lord Carlisle dropped his hands from her hips and took a long step backward.
Rhoda nearly toppled onto her backside without his support.
First her mother and now this!
“We won’t be long. They should be fine.” He’d stepped over to run his hands along the back of one of the horses.
Rhoda reached up and collected her reticule from the high seat. Was he relieved to not kiss her? Had she embarrassed him? She wouldn’t stand around to wait and see. She removed her gloves and edged toward the stoop leading to the back of the house.
“I have the key here somewhere.” He swept past her almost indifferently and began jiggling the lock. After considerable fussing, the door finally swung open. “I’d normally allow you to enter first, but I’m not certain it’s safe,” he explained over his shoulder and stepped inside.
Rhoda followed. “I’m not an invalid,” she snapped but didn’t think he heard her.
“What’s that?” He peered around the door and flashed a smile, melting her insides again.
“I’m not afraid to go in.” She climbed the steps and followed him inside.
Her eyes required nearly a full minute to adjust to the darkness. This room had obviously been utilized as a kitchen at one point. Gradually, she made out the shape of a large stove and two conveniently placed counters.
Justin took her hand and led her through the threshold to the rest of the house.
He’d removed his gloves as well and their palms pressed into one another, flesh upon flesh.
He squeezed her hand, and, at that moment, she knew she’d not embarrassed him. He’d wanted to kiss her. Warmth spread from her chest to her limbs.
“There are two drawing rooms and a ballroom. It’s in horrible condition but quite large.”
Rhoda murmured something, she couldn’t think what, and followed him from room to room.
She enjoyed the sound of his voice. His congregation must miss him something fierce. Especially those of the female persuasion.
“And the master chamber.” A large bed sat in the middle of the room, draped in sheets. “It’s rather substantial.” He released her hand to begin opening some of the doors that lined the walls. “Ah, a dressing room.” And then he returned. “And another bedchamber through here.”
