Though, she was most definitely now a wicked widow. It was just a shame that she would have to return to sleeping alone because she would not dare be so bold as to allow Demetrius to spend the night here, nor would she sleep in his home, as she’d not scandalize the servants in such a manner.
Except, now that they were here, would she and Demetrius have another opportunity to be alone?
That thought was rather distressing and if she did find that it wasn’t possible, she supposed that she would simply need to wait until they retired for the night and she might just then pay a visit to Demetrius and return home before she was missed.
With a smile, Lavinia stepped to the window overlooking the beach only to note that Max was running along the water, but Demetrius was nowhere in sight.
“Breakfast is on the table, Lady Teviot.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Trenton.”
“There is also a letter that arrived in the post this morning.”
For a moment she wondered who would write to her here, then dismissed the question because no doubt it was from someone in her family worried about her odd behavior.
With one last glance toward his cottage, Lavinia turned from the window and wondered when she might see him again.
As soon as he entered the cottage Max ran past him, eager to be outside.
While Cal would be content to live anywhere, so long as he could find a spot of sun to nap, Max needed room to run. Demetrius’ set of rooms in London was too small for him and being walked on a leash was not enough exercise for a dog with so much energy.
Max would do better living here, which was another reason to leave London.
Demetrius had already made up his mind, and that was the very reason he washed, changed his clothing and then went into town that afternoon to meet with Old Joe at the tea room so that he could review the documents.
As he read the documents and answered questions, what Lavinia had said to him previously came back to Demetrius.
Do what makes you happy. Few are given the luxury of choice. Do not squander yours.
This was what made him happy. Not spending time as a barrister in a courtroom. He did not enjoy arguing cases and standing there to present a case.
“I know that you own Hartshorn, Mr. Valentine. But will you be living there or only visiting for holidays?” Old Joe asked after he had made his recommendations and handed back the documents.
“We do need a solicitor,” a woman at a next table said. “My widowed cousin fears losing her home, has no one to speak to and does not trust her brother-in-law.”
These people needed him, the Duke of Claybrook did not. There were dozens of trustworthy solicitors in London that he could hire but there was no one here for these people.
“I am uncertain,” he finally answered. Though it was a lie. The only time that he would be leaving Seaford was to return to London to pack his things and make his set of rooms available. He just wasn’t certain how soon he would tell Lavinia.
When he stood and turned for the door, he was brought up short to find her standing near.
Their eyes met. She already knew without him uttering a word.
“Lady Teviot,” he greeted. “What brings you here?” Had she followed him or was this a coincidence? Yes, they had grown very close, but he did not think she was the type to become possessive.
“I was posting a letter to my sister. She had written and I wanted to assure her that all is well.” She looked over to Old Joe. “I happened to notice you sitting here when I passed and came in to see if you needed any assistance.” The corner of her mouth quirked. “I have often needed to repair language in his contracts for my brother so if you would like me to look it over for you I will.”
Questions filled Old Joe’s eyes as well as a bit of panic.
“There is never anything wrong with my wording. Lady Teviot just enjoys being difficult,” Demetrius assured the man then took her by the elbow to exit the tea room.
“Is that why you are really here?” he asked.
“I was not really going to offer my assistance, and I did only happen to glance in the window when I saw you.”
He nodded and offered his arm. “Your family is worried?” he asked because he did not want to discuss his decision.
“The letter was from Octavia because my abandoning my family was quite out of character,” she mimicked to which Demetrius chuckled. “I assured her that all was well and was more honest about my reasons with her than I would be with the rest of my family.”
