“I did not.”
“Why not?”
“Max did not like them.”
Certainly, she misunderstood. Demetrius was a reasonable and intelligent man. He’d not make serious decisions in such an inane manner. “Your dog decided?” she repeated slowly.
Demetrius grew very serious, nearly grave. “He is very particular.”
As she had heard no barking when one woman was leaving and another approached, Lavinia decided that Demetrius was blaming his peculiarities on his dog. What those characteristics were, she did not know, nor was it any of her concern. “I hope you have more success tomorrow.” She then turned to continue down the drive, though wondered if she should invite him to dine with her again given there was nobody to cook for him. Instead, another option occurred to her. “I will ask Mrs. Trenton to deliver a plate this evening so that you do not starve or poison yourself.”
“You are too kind.” His tone was dry and Lavinia suspected if she were to look into his eyes at this moment that they would reveal the same humor she often noted when she was trying to make a point during their various discussions.
While handsome and intelligent, Demetrius Valentine could be aggravating. Why did it always seem that there was laughter, just below his surface, that he managed to contain and too often she suspected that it was directed at her, though he continued to treat her with respect?
Not aggravating or irritating, but likeable, and it often confused her because his words and tone would often indicate one thing, but those warm brown eyes held warmth and sometimes delight. “Yes, well, I am invested in keeping you alive.”
She continued to the front door, very much aware that he was still behind her as Lavinia could feel him watching her. Though she had recovered from her headache there was still disquiet within as some of the anxiety that had greeted her this morning remained.
“Lavinia,” he called just as she stepped onto the small stoop.
“Yes?” she asked as she turned.
“Were you aware that there is a Christmas assembly being held in town this evening?”
“Yes. I heard mention of it and I was invited to attend.”
“As was I,” he offered.
A pang of jealousy struck in the very center of her chest, no different than the one when she spied one woman leaving his cottage as another arrived. “Which of the women will you be escorting?”
“None.”
She finally glanced back at him, which had been a mistake because Demetrius sauntered forward wearing a blasted grin. Why was he so happy most of the time?
If only she could be.
Lavinia stopped the thought and concentrated on him.
“Then it appears we will both remain in this evening.” She turned once again, anxious to get into the cottage and close the door because there was something about Demetrius Valentine that put her off balance and she needed to discover the cause, then the cure, so that it did not happen again.
“I had hoped that you would allow me to escort you.”
Lavinia’s heart started to hammer as her pulse raced. Why would he want to take her? She had seen the women who had been at his cottage today. They had been younger than her and quite pretty.
Slowly she turned, having given up the hope of escaping into the cottage, and not certain she wished to any longer. “I had not considered…”
“When was the last time you attended a ball or assembly for enjoyment?” he asked quietly.
“I attend them all the time,” she offered by way of dismissal.
What was wrong with her? Last night she had wanted to spend time with Demetrius. She had wanted…what she should not even consider. In fact, it would be best to put the foolish idea of a lover from her mind.
“You go as a chaperone to watch over your younger sisters, who are not here. When was the last time you attended such an entertainment just for the pleasure of it?”
All Lavinia could do was stare at him as she tried to recall. “Not since before I wed.” There had been no reason to attend a ball or anything for that matter after she had become a wife because her place was in his castle and hidden away in Scotland.
“Do you not believe that it is time? You did come here because you wished to do something for yourself. Would this not be the perfect opportunity?”
