His hand fell to his side, and he took a step back. “Forgive me,” he said in a hoarse voice. “I should not have assumed…” he exhaled sharply. “I shouldn’t have put you in such an uncomfortable position. You already made yourself clear after the garden party.”
I held perfectly still, but inside I was crumbling like a building on fire.
His throat shifted with a swallow as he seemed to struggle to collect his thoughts. “I’m sorry my grandmother put you in an uncomfortable position as well. I will speak with her, and the rest of my family, to ensure the matter is set straight.”
I could hardly find the strength to open my mouth. “Thank you, Owen.” There was so much more I wanted to thank him for, but I couldn’t reveal that I was leaving the next day. It would be better if he didn’t expect it. He might try to stop me.
He took a step back, and he still seemed to be scraping bits of his composure back together. The void between us was becoming too large to bridge. His friendship meant the world tome, but how could I tell him? How could I tell him how he had given me a gift that I would never forget?
Upon my invitation to Kellaway Manor I had sensed, deep in my heart, that the adventure was a gift from my parents. Now I knew that my time with Owen had been the real gift. He meant far more to me than a house. Kellaway Manor was just a pile of stone and glass. Owen was the keeper of my heart. He would be forever.
That solemn truth settled in my bones, and tears sprung to my eyes. I looked down at my boots, blinking hard. Was there anything more to be said? I wanted our last conversation to be happier than this.
“I’m glad you went to Willowbourne,” I said in a soft voice. “I was surprised you kept your promise so quickly.”
His expression lightened a little. “I’ll always keep my promises to you.”
I kept my arms folded tight. He still wasn’t aware that I knew about his inheritance. He would soon discover that everyone—including Miss Lyons—had learned the truth. I wanted to ask why he had kept it a secret from me.
“Your challenge came at an opportune time, actually.” Owen looked up at the stars. “My uncle has been asking me to come for many months now. He is a bit of a recluse, and doesn’t venture out often.” He met my gaze. “After Theodore’s death, he planned to make me his heir. It wasn’t made official until recently.” He watched my face for a reaction.
I smiled down at the grass. “Your grandmother told me two days ago.”
When I looked at him again, his mouth curved upward. He shook his head. “She’s been a menace lately, hasn’t she?”
I laughed, and it soothed the ache in my heart. “You may want to consider giving her lessons on her behavior as well.”
“At her age, I fear it’s irreversible.”
We both laughed, and I couldn’t help but stare at the dimple in his cheek, and the way his eyes were both sad and happy at the same time. The undercurrent of my rejection was still there, lingering inside both of us.
His laughter faded more quickly than usual, and he cleared his throat. “My uncle wants me to begin living at Willowbourne in the west wing. He’s still in good health, but I have much to learn about the workings of the estate before I inherit.” He looked down and rubbed the sole of his boot across the grass. “I want to thank you for encouraging me to go. I feel equal parts fortunate and overwhelmed to be my uncle’s heir. But above all, seeing the estate again made me feel honored to be entrusted with the responsibility that would have been Theodore’s.”
It eased my heart to see that I had done some good while I was here. “I’m certain you’ll make him proud.”
Owen met my gaze, and I saw that cautious look again. “I want you to see Willowbourne.”
“I saw it on my way to the village.”
His features were serious. “No, I want you to go inside. I think you would love it. Besides, I owe you a tour since you were the one to help me see the beauty in it again.”
My heart pounded. How could I explain to him that I was leaving the next day? I couldn’t ever come back. Once I was Mr. Frampton’s wife, it would be far too painful to see Owen ever again.
“I asked my uncle if we could host a ball next week,” Owen continued. “He agreed, and I offered to send the invitations. I remembered what you said about having never attended one.” He gave me a soft smile. “The assembly room at Willowbourne is twice the size of the parlor here. You could dance all night.”
My heart ached all over again. He always was too thoughtful and kind. I searched my mind for an excuse. “I don’t have aball gown. And I’m sure I’ve forgotten most of the dances I was taught.”
“There’s time to remedy that. I could even move the date of the ball.”
I shook my head, fighting a fresh wave of tears. No, there wasn’t time. It was unfair to pretend that I would attend the ball, or that I would ever see Willowbourne. The best thing I could do would be to leave.
I took a deep breath. “At the moment, all I can think of is how I don’t want to go back to the drawing room tonight.” My face burned at the thought. “Will you ensure my brothers are sent upstairs so I can help them to bed?”
Owen nodded. “Of course. And I will ensure my grandmother takes the blame for the…misunderstanding.”
Awkwardness hung between us again, and I saw that flash of hurt in his eyes.
We walked inside in silence, stopping at the base of the staircase. The entry hall was quiet, and I didn’t want to say a word. I knew how well sound traveled from there to the drawing room. My emotions hung by a thread as Owen turned to face me.
