“Because she would likely understand,” he concluded.
She simply nodded as they continued to walk out of town.
“You have decided to remain in Seaford, have you not?” she asked quietly once they were beyond anyone who could hear.
For a moment Demetrius considered telling her that he was still undecided, but instead chose to be honest. “Yes.”
Lavinia simply gave a nod and not another word passed between them until they reached the place in the drive where he would turn one way for his cottage and she in the other direction.
“Will I see you at supper?”
“Yes, Lavinia.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips and placed a kiss upon the back. “My time with you is even more precious than before and I shall not waste a moment by not being in your presence.”
If he wasn’t mistaken, there were tears in her eyes. He wanted to cry as well. “Until tonight.”
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Lavinia told herself that this was for the best. Seeing Demetrius in London would just be too difficult. Except, she would at least see him.
She had also thought to live here when not in London for the Season. Could she do so now?
She found happiness at Sea View but would that be ruined if she returned next summer, after the Season ended, to find that Demetrius was no more than a stranger living next door and no longer interested in her. Or would they continue to be lovers only when she was here?
She would not want that. She may have enjoyed this holiday and learned so much about herself and found happiness, but that would all be tainted if she continued to carry on in such a manner when not required to be with her family, and eventually the servants would notice and those in town would talk.
“Mr. Valentine has arrived,” Mr. Trenton announced.
“Thank you.”
Lavinia took a deep breath and smiled. She would not let him know that their parting distressed her. They were never meant to be a forever, and she would simply need to keep reminding herself or her heart may very well shatter into a million pieces.
“Good evening,” he greeted though she noticed some sadness in his brown eyes, but before she could inquire, dinner was announced.
There was little conversation throughout the meal, unlike all the times before. When they did speak, it was stilted and she wasn’t certain if it was because they had come to an end and Demetrius was just waiting to tell her or because the servants might hear them.
“Would you care for brandy?” It was the same question she always asked after they had eaten.
“Not tonight, Lavinia.”
Her heart squeezed. He was going to eat and then leave.
She anticipated this happening but she was not ready.
Still, she smiled and said nothing and hoped that her pain was hidden.
“I thought we might walk.”
Likely so that they could talk in private, which she understood.
“I will be but a moment.”
Lavinia made her way upstairs for her cloak. Then she took a deep breath and willed herself to be calm and to not react emotionally to anything that he might say.
Demetrius was waiting for her by the door leading to the terrace and then escorted her outside. There was a breeze and it was cool. Her pelisse would have offered better warmth but she was not going to go back and change it now. She needed to get whatever conversation they were about to have over with.
“I did not come to my decision lightly,” he said quietly.
