As if sensing what he needed she retrieved it for him. “I will return in a moment.”
Seth had wiped his face, thankful that he’d cried, had been given permission, except, he was beginning to experience the first waves of embarrassment.
“I have brought you some lemonade. Sit and rest.”
“Thank you,” he mumbled and rose to go sit on a bench in the shade while Frances went back to planting flowers as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
He stared at her for the longest time, then finally said. “You must think very little of me now.”
She looked over, tilted her head, and gave him a slight smile. “Quite the opposite Lord Seth. Quite the opposite.”
He had said nothing more. Simply drank the lemonade, then rose and left the cottage without saying goodbye.
That had been rude, but he had still not come to terms with what he had done.
He also did not think he could ever face Frances again, but the next day, as soon as he had finished breaking his fast, he had gone to the cottage where he found Frances struggling with a pail of water. “There are more buckets near the well. Could you bring them please?” And just like that, the day before was forgotten and he helped her water the newly planted flowers and then began repairing the terrace.
They had healed the best that they could that summer. A fifteen-year-old boy and a thirteen-year-old girl, becoming friends when they never would have been except for that sad set of circumstances they shared.
Without Frances, he may have gone on burying all emotions. Her reward for being there for him whenever he visited and loving him was his rejection of her because he was too much of a coward.
He hurt her before she could hurt him.
Seth didn’t deserve to have Frances back, but that was not going to stop him from pursuing her.
Marriage had unexpectedly occurred to him earlier tonight. It had been a surprise when it shouldn’t have been. If he had been braver five years ago, he and Frances would already be wed. Instead, he did what she had predicted—earned his fortune and lived a cold miserable life while he kept everyone at a distance. Financial security had been all he wanted, but Seth hadn’t realized how cold a mistress she would be.
No matter what, he had to win Frances back.
At least she had returned his kisses this evening, and they had shared more passion, but that did not mean that he had won her yet.
In fact, he suspected that she was proceeding with caution and not about to open her heart to him again, not that he could blame her. But, one day, Frances would be his, even if he had to grovel while he begged for forgiveness for being such a bloody fool five years ago. He would win her heart again.
He must!
Frances woke in bright spirits. Last night had been beyond lovely and she now had a revised purpose. Yes, she would let Seth court her as much as he wished. She would welcome kisses and caresses, and return to how they had once been, all the while guarding her heart. So long as she kept her purpose and goal in mind, she could have a marvelous time and walk away unscathed.
At the announcement that Seth had come to call, butterflies took flight in her belly. She welcomed and acknowledged them. To try and deny her response to Seth would only leave her vulnerable. Therefore, she would acknowledge her heart and the voices in her head, enjoy while being constantly aware of her vulnerability.
Seth came to his feet as she entered the parlor.
“Shall I ring for tea?” she asked.
“I would much rather walk, or ride.”
“A walk would be lovely,” Frances admitted. “I will return after I have collected my pelisse.”
It did not take her long before she once again joined Seth, very much looking forward to their walk. She used to take strolls daily when she lived in her brother’s home in Mayfair, but since she’d moved in with Bethany, there was not a park near. At least, she was not aware of one and the area was still somewhat unfamiliar.
“I have given consideration to traveling to Doncaster for the St. Leger Stakes,” Seth offered.
“Why?” He had never discussed horse racing with her before. Then again, there were a good many interests that he had kept from her when he visited her in the cottage.
“It is thrilling, for one,” he answered, then stopped and turned toward her. “Go with me.”
Frances merely blinked at him.
“It would be a grand time. I promise.”
