‘Yes.’
Chapter Thirty
Isabel sat at the table in the little parlour enjoying the simple breakfast Mrs. Mead had prepared. The only sound in the room came from the deep-throatedtick tockof the grandfather clock in the corner. Birdsong drifted in through the open window along with the smell of the late summer roses that bloomed prolifically in the bright, sunny little garden.
She held her cup in both hands and smiled. She had never felt such utter peace and contentment, as if she, in some way, had come home. She looked up as Sebastian entered the room, instinctively ducking his head under the lintel.
He wore his travelling clothes and carried a hat in his hand and her heart sank.
‘You’re leaving?’ she enquired.
‘Now I know Connie is on the road to recovery, I must get back to Lincolnshire. There’s so much to be done and I dare not stay away too long.’
Disappointment tugged at Isabel as she set her cup back in its saucer.
‘I will pack immediately.’
He stood looking down at her, twisting the brim of his hat inhis big hands. ‘Actually, Lady Somerton, I have another boon to ask of you.’
She smiled. ‘Whatever is in my power.’
The time they had spent in each other’s company and the shared confidences had brought them closer together and she saw him now as his men would have viewed him; a born leader who in his own quiet way instilled utter faith and confidence in his decisions. If he asked her to go into battle with him, she would have followed him without question.
If he asked her… anything…
She shook her head, dispelling the unworthy thoughts.
‘Would it be too much of an imposition if you were to stay here a little while longer?’
Her heart gladdened. An imposition? There was nothing she would like more.
‘Not at all. It would be my pleasure. There is little at Brantstone that cannot wait.’
Sebastian sat down at the table, and she poured him a cup of tea from the large pot.
‘I thought that perhaps you could provide Connie and Matt with a little coaching on what is expected of them when they come to Brantstone,’ he said.
A smile crept unbidden to her lips. ‘You underestimate your siblings.’
He ran a hand through his hair, making it stand on end.
‘I have had to learn so much myself and I think it is only fair they should know what to expect. I trust your judgement in these matters.’
Isabel felt a warm glow at his words. Compliments were rare in her life.
Sebastian looked around the little room. ‘This is so far removed from Brantstone, Lady Somerton. I am sorry to inflict my own humble origins on you for a few days longer.’
‘No!’ she said rather too quickly. ‘I love this cottage, Seb... my lord. I am quite content to stay as long as I am needed.’
It had been so long since she had felt needed or wanted.
His brown eyes fixed on her face and the corner of his mouth twitched.
‘Would it be improper of me to address you as Isabel when we are alone? We seem to already be in the habit, but I would not like to be thought of as too familiar.’
‘I have no objection, but only if you will allow me the same liberty,’ she replied.
They smiled at each other and an unfamiliar glow rose within her chest. Her hand went to her throat as Sebastian straightened and his eyes drifted to the window. She followed his line of sight and her stomach lurched. The Somerton coach had driven up to the front door.
