And she wouldn’t have been the only one to suffer because of her misdeeds.
Her father would likely have borne the brunt of the consequences.
Tears of frustration stung her eyes, and she headed blindly for the gate, eager to ride away. For a place that had become something of a private sanctuary for her, she wasn’t sure she could ever return.
And she had no one to blame but herself.
Chapter Six
Cain had allowed the silence to be their guide on the way back to Meriden, because he wasn’t sure what to say. It wasn’t as if he had regretted that unexpected tryst with Dove, but he could tell that she did. She likely felt as though she’d done something unforgiveable, had partaken of some unimaginable sin, when they had only shared a mutual passion as God had intended from the very beginning.
But picturing her personal torment pained him the most.
They parted ways at the inn with little more than a murmured farewell while Dove kept her eyes averted.
The next day, when Cain trudged through the newly fallen snow to call upon the Meriwether household, the vicar greeted him once more. He looked more improved than the day before, but Cain could tell that he still wasn’t entirely steady. However, he invited him into the parlor for a chat. Dove was nowhere around, and Cain suddenly didn’t have the courage to ask after her.
When the vicar mentioned their outing the day before, Cain went on alert, wondering if he was going to demand that he walk his daughter down the aisle for his torrid behavior.
But he did nothing of the sort. In truth, he spoke with a very gentle demeanor. “You must call me Edmund, my lord.”
Cain inclined his head. “As you prefer.”
“I do. I find it is easier on my congregation to feel comfortable with me if they are to confess their sins.”
Again, Cain agreed. “Understandable. I appreciate you giving me the same courtesy.”
“Of course.” Edmund smiled gently, his slightly wrinkled face creasing around very blue eyes that were very reminiscent of his daughter. Cain glanced away, as his chest suddenly ached with the desire to see her, to ensure that she was all right. “Dove told me of your journey yesterday, although I daresay there was a particular sparkle in her eyes as she did so. While the castle ruins have long been a favorite place for her to go, I noticed a difference in her with you as her companion.”
Cain resisted the urge to shift in his seat. “I’m sure I had nothing to do with it.” He grasped on to the first excuse he could think of. “She was quite fascinated by the snow, if I recall.”
“Ah, yes.” Edmund’s expression took on a faraway look. “Her mother was always fond of it as well. Personally, I don’t much care for the cold. As I’ve gotten older, these bones of mine have begun to ache and protest.”
Cain snorted lightly. “Some would say that is a good sign, as it means you aren’t yet dead.”
The vicar shook his head. “I am not afraid of what lays beyond this life, because I know it will be filled with eternal glory.”
Cain released a heavy sigh and sat forward, clasping his hands between his knees. “I wish I could be as confident as you about that.”
Edmund mirrored his pose. “It’s never too late, my son, and I know just where to begin.” He paused. “Tell me, are you familiar with the nativity story?”
Cain resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “I am not unfamiliar with what is taught in the church. I’ve just… veered off course over the years from its teachings.”
“Then what better way to restore your faith than by going back to the beginning?” He lifted a bushy, gray brow. “If you are interested in saving your soul, as you claim, I am offering you a chance to prove yourself. Every year, the church hosts a nativity play. Generally, Dove plays the part of Mary, but the gentleman who plays Joseph was recently wed. While he is growing used to his new role as a husband and potential father, I was looking for someone to fill his role. I think you would be a perfect fit.”
This time Cain did shift in his seat. “Are you sure it’s wise to tempt the Lord by giving the part of His son’s earthly father to a man named Cain?”
The vicar chuckled. “You are not a murderer, my lord, and if you are seeking to gain His favor, then you will not be turned away. On that you can be assured.”
Cain frowned as he stared at his clasped hands. If he declined the offer, then he should merely forgo this entire quest and ride back to London and just do his duty to his title and be done with the rest. But, if he were to accept the challenge presented to him, he would be in Dove’s presence every day, and yet, unable to do anything more than speak a few words to her. It would certainly test his resolve if he was serious about returning to the Lord’s “flock,” as he claimed.
It wasn’t until he pictured Dove’s face that his decision was made for him.
He got to his feet and bowed. “I would be honored to play the part of Joseph.”
Dove saw the viscount come out the front door of the cottage on her way back from the infirmary, and quickly ducked behind a nearby hedge row before he could see her. She held her breath where she crouched down in the snow and waited for his steady gait to pass by.
Only when she was assured that he was gone did she slowly rise. She felt foolish for hiding from a man who likely hadn’t thought any more about their scandalous interlude at Kenilworth Castle, while it had seldom left her mind. She’d had a difficult time concentrating on anything else, her mind wandering back to that exquisite moment when their lips had met…
