Chapter31
Thankgoodness he had locked the chamber door. Not that he would have minded being forced to marry Eliza because they’d been caught in the most compromising of all positions, but he did not want her to feel that was the only reason they wed. It must come to her as a natural course of their relationship. And, given how stubborn Eliza could be, it may even need to be her idea.
Lucian chuckled and sipped his coffee as he imagined Eliza asking for his hand in marriage, or deciding it was a good idea and telling him to propose.
He also knew that it would never come to that. Given Eliza’s independence, she may never agree to marry him, let alone demand it of him.
“Good morning, Lord Garretson,” Eliza greeted as she entered.
When their eyes met, her cheeks started to turn a lovely pink.
He had never seen her blush so deeply. At least not until he started to remove her clothing last night and she’d blushed several times since.
“Good morning, Eliza. I assume you slept well.”
“Far better than usual,” she answered as she took the seat the footman held. “I am not one to fall asleep until late and I always rise early. There are some nights that I only sleep four hours.”
He frowned, wondering if she was telling him the truth.
“There are times she does not sleep at all,” Stella announced as she entered from the kitchen carrying a pot of tea. “I can only assume that the reason she slept so late and why it took so long for her to hear me, was that she finally found deep sleep, likely because she was exhausted from worrying about that man writing letters.”
Lucian bit back a grin because he was certain he knew the reason.
“I came to inform you that I need to go into the village, Miss Weston. Is there anything that you need?”
Her eyes shifted to Lucian for just a moment and if he was not mistaken, shared a need that her maid could not fulfill. She then looked at her servant. “I need nothing, Stella, but do take Saul with you.”
“I do not need someone to protect me. It is you we worry about.”
“All the same. I would feel better if you had him,” Eliza insisted.
“If this man grows bold, he could use you to get to Eliza,” Lucian offered.
Stella’s eyes widened. “Goodness. I had not considered. Very well, I will take Saul. He will be glad to have something to do.” She chuckled as she returned to the kitchen.
“Tell me, Eliza, what do you really need?” Lucian asked quietly.
Her face flamed to red.
“You are not alone.” He winked then sat back as their breakfast plates were brought to the table, surprised at himself. Lucian had never winked at anyone in his life.
Maybe he could change.
As a rule, he would never allow anyone to alter how he reacted to anything, or his behavior, but Lucian had also recognized in himself that he was withdrawn and arrogant at times. He was also calm, reasonable, mature, and not given to flights of fancy. Whereas his opinion of Eliza had always been desire and temptation, aggravation and irritation, wrapped up in one exquisite package. She was also vibrant, determined and daring. He proceeded with caution.
They were opposites and where he had once thought such would be a difficulty, perhaps instead it was a perfect balance.
Maybe he wouldn’t so much change, but he was relaxed and more at ease than he’d been in a very long time. Not because of last night, but since she’d come to live at Wyndhill Park.
Yes, he was worried and wanted to keep her close to the house, but that wasn’t to tame her. He just didn’t want her harmed, and he would continue to insist that she remain guarded until that man was caught.
“What plans do you have for today?” Eliza asked.
He arched an eyebrow. “I am not certain. Is there a reason you are asking?” If she wished to return above stairs and lock the doors again, he would be happy to accommodate her.
“It is no longer raining and by the looks of it, the day is clear and the sun is shining.”
Lucian settled back in his chair. “What is it that you want to do, Eliza?” though he could likely guess.
