"Now I'm still stubborn, but I'm trying to be less scared." She released one of his hands to touch his face, her fingers gentle against his jaw. "You matter, Sebastian. To me. More than I know how to say."
He turned his head and pressed a kiss to her palm. "You're getting quite good at saying things."
“Do not grow too accustomed to such softness. I have a certain reputation for severity which I am quite determined to uphold.”
"Heaven forbid I damage your reputation."
"Heaven forbid indeed."
But she was smiling, and so was he, and when she took his arm and they continued their walk through the gardens, Sebastian allowed himself to believe,just for a moment,that this was his life now. Morning walks with Harriet. Easy conversation. The simple pleasure of her company.
It was more than he had ever dared to hope for.
It was everything.
***
Lady Fordshire was waiting for them when they returned to the house.
She was seated in the morning room with a cup of tea and a stack of correspondence, looking healthier than Sebastian had seen her in months. The drawn quality had left her face; the shadows under her eyes had faded. Her hands, when she set down her teacup, were steady and sure.
"There you are," she said, looking up from a letter. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost in the gardens."
"The roses are very distracting," Harriet said, taking a seat across from her mother. "They're blooming beautifully this year."
"They are. Your father would have been pleased." Lady Fordshire's gaze moved to Sebastian, assessing him with the sharp intelligence that seemed to run in the Fordshire women. "Lord Vane. You look well rested."
"The country air," Sebastian said, settling into a chair and trying to project an innocence he did not feel.
"Yes, you mentioned that yesterday. The air does seem to be agreeing with both of you." Lady Fordshire's expression was perfectly bland. Her eyes were anything but. "Harriet, darling, you seem different this morning. Lighter, somehow."
"I don't know what you mean, Mama."
"Of course you don't." A knowing smile played at the corners of Lady Fordshire's mouth. "Lord Vane, you've done something to my daughter. She's practically glowing."
Sebastian felt heat climb his cheeks. "I assure you, Lady Fordshire…"
"Oh, don't look so stricken. I'm not accusing you of anything improper." Lady Fordshire picked up her tea again, the picture of aristocratic composure. "I'm simply observing that my daughter, who spent the better part of five London seasons scowling at every eligible gentleman in sight, has apparently discovered the appeal of matrimony. It's gratifying. I was beginning to worry she would never come around."
"Mama." Harriet's voice carried a warning note.
"What? I'm paying your husband a compliment. He's managed to accomplish what dozens of suitors could not." Lady Fordshire turned her full attention to Sebastian. "I'm impressed, Lord Vane. Truly. I had begun to despair of Harriet ever finding someone who could match her in stubbornness."
"I believe we're quite evenly matched in that regard," Sebastian said carefully.
"I suspected as much. It's the only explanation for how you've survived this long." Lady Fordshire set down her teacup with a decisive click. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to discuss with Mr. Thornton this morning. He's coming at eleven to review the estate accounts."
Sebastian straightened slightly. "The accounts? Is there anything I should be aware of?"
"Nothing concerning, I assure you. Quite the opposite, in fact." Lady Fordshire rose, smoothing her skirts with practiced elegance. "Your settlement of our debts has been... transformative, Lord Vane. Mr. Thornton has been positively giddy well, as giddy as Mr. Thornton gets, which is to say hesmiled twice last week. I thought you and Harriet might like to join us. See the results of your generosity firsthand."
Sebastian glanced at Harriet, who nodded.
"We would be honoured," he said.
"Excellent. Eleven o'clock in the study. Don't be late Mr. Thornton becomes anxious when his schedule is disrupted." Lady Fordshire swept toward the door, then paused, her hand on the frame. "And Sebastian?"
He looked up, surprised by the use of his Christian name.
