What if he now kept to himself at Hartshorn, and they did not visit again?
What if she did not see him until he visited Leopold to review a contract?
How would she even be able to remain in the same room?
Oh, the humiliation would be far too great as would the knowledge of his rejection.
As the day grew long and the walls of Sea View closed in on her, Lavinia stepped out and onto the terrace and hoped that the sea would calm her nerves.
If she were one to run away, she would return to London just to save herself from having to face him again, but running never solved problems so she would just need to find a way to enjoy what remained of her holiday in peace.
The breeze was gentle today and instead of remaining on the terrace, she took the stone steps to the shingle beach, but only so far as where the water reached with each wave that rolled in.
How often had she and her siblings played out here, running to the waves then back again so as not to get wet. In the summer months they had liked to take off their boots and stockings and then they’d be scolded because even though they promised to stay dry, they always ended up paddling in their clothes.
Life was simpler then. She had been a child and boys were just boys. She wasn’t even certain she had known what kisses were back then, and she certainly had no idea what else could happen between a man and a woman.
If she could only go back to that simpler time, and make different decisions…
Except, Lavinia knew that nothing would have changed. She had always known her duty to marry well. That had been instilled in her without being told exactly what it entailed.
Now she was alone.
After she became a widow, it was what she had wanted.
She also wanted to heed the advice of her friends—she wanted a lover.
Would Demetrius be willing or had she kissed so poorly that he had no interest in pursuing anything further?
How did one even go about seeking a lover, or asking?
And truthfully, did she even have the courage to do so?
“You are as afraid as I am, Max,” he said to the dog that wanted his ball back but was too afraid to take it from the cat.
Eventually, Max gave up and turned away but then stopped, his head lifted, ears perked and looked further down at the beach. Demetrius stood, ready to catch Max before he took off again. Except, Max was a lot faster and once again Demetrius was running after him, afraid for whoever might be greeted by Max this time.
He slowed before he reached Max, who was now sitting in front of Lavinia and she was pointing at him.
At least the dog hadn’t knocked her over again.
Did he dare approach and take his dog back or let them be and assume Max would eventually come home? Except, if he was Max, Demetrius would stay with Lavinia too.
“Once again, I apologize for my dog,” he offered on his approach.
“He caused no harm and I believe we are beginning to understand one another.”
Yes, but were he and Lavinia doing the same?
“I will take him so that you can enjoy your walk in peace.”
Demetrius approached with the intention of grasping his collar.
“He is no bother,” Lavinia said.
Had he so quickly been replaced by a dog? Or would she like him to remain as well? Did he ask?
No. He had presumed too much already.
