He lifted a brow. “You don’t believe that I will.”
It wasn’t phrased as a question, but an accusation. Either way, she didn’t deny it. “To be blunt, my lord, no I don’t think that you will stay the entire two weeks. I believe that the lure of the city and your torrid lifestyle will begin to beckon you, and you will give your fond regards as you leave. In truth, I thought you were already gone.”
His gaze was unwavering. “While I don’t generally appreciate my honor being impugned, I suppose I haven’t really given you any reason to trust my word. But I vow that I will not disappoint your father in this regard.” He paused. “Or you.” Then he sighed heavily. “In fact, I should apologize for—”
She held up a hand. “Please, spare me your regrets. Our… unfortunate encounter has already left my thoughts, as it should your conscience.”
Again, there was that unnerving stare. “Very well.”
“Good.” She nodded her head curtly. “If you will give me a moment, I shall find a script for you and we can begin rehearsing.”
Chapter Seven
When they came to a pause in his lines, Cain did his best not to let his attention stray to Miss Meriwether, but that proved difficult to do. Wearing a simple muslin dress, her blonde hair pulled back into a plain knot, it wasn’t as though she was different from any number of women he’d met before, but there was… something compelling about her. He wasn’t sure if it was her innocence or her intelligence, or a combination of so many other characteristics that he found appealing, but it was enough that he hadn’t been able to leave Meriden as yet. When her father had given him the perfect excuse to linger a bit longer, he hadn’t been able to refuse.
Yet she was unimpressed, believing him to be just another scoundrel hoping for some fun. Normally, she wouldn’t have been wrong, but something was shifting inside him.
He was fascinated by her, and not just in a sexual way, although he certainly found her attractive.
The manner in which she spoke her part as Mary, as if she had been the one born to the role, was just one of the aspects of her personality that captured him. Every word she said was enunciated clearly and with purpose, and he was quite sure most of the actresses on Drury Lane would find it impossible to compare to her talent. But then, she wasn’t in this play as a way to impress anyone. She was simply doing her duty as the vicar’s daughter. While most women dreamed of marriage and a family, Dove was one of the few who yearned to please God as much as her father.
For someone like Cain, who had shunned both, her gentle nature and forgiving manner went far to make him rethink his entire existence. While it was obvious she wasn’t pleased about his appearance there that day, he intended to prove to her that even a ne’er-do-well could change and be a better man, because she made him want to be someone she could be proud of.
“Lord Markel. It’s your line.”
He snapped to attention at her harried whisper. “Oh, yes. Pardon me,” he muttered, and then said his part clearly.
At the end of the rehearsal, as everyone began to go their separate ways, the vicar walked over to him. “Lord Markel, I would like to invite you to our cottage for dinner, if you aren’t otherwise occupied.”
Cain slid his glance to Dove, but she wasn’t looking at him. Instead, she seemed rather interested in studying the lines they had just gone over. “I should be glad to accept your invitation, Mr. Meriwether.”
“Capital,” the older man grinned. “Dove just baked some bread, and I daresay you will not find any better made in the city.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Cain returned sincerely.
The vicar turned to Dove. “My dear, if you don’t mind escorting the viscount home, I have a few things to finish up here. I will join you for supper shortly.”
Cain was quite sure he didn’t misinterpret the way Dove suddenly pursed her lips in disapproval. “Of course, Papa.” She glanced at Cain and then headed for the door, apparently expecting him to follow her.
Once they were outside, she didn’t pause, but continued walking.
Cain frowned, as this wouldn’t do. “Have I done something to offend you, Miss Meriwether?”
She paused and glanced at him. “No. Why do you think so?”
“It’s just that you seem a bit… ” How could he put it delicately where it wouldn’t upset her further? “Distant. You weren’t like that before.”
She stiffened. “Before what?”
“Before today,” he clarified, knowing better than to bring up anything else.
“Oh.” She relaxed slightly and a small smile even graced her lips. “I am sorry for that, my lord. I suppose I’m just a bit overwhelmed at the moment. The play is always quite an undertaking with preparations, but the villagers look forward to it every year and we can’t disappoint them.”
“I would be glad to help ease the burden,” he offered with a friendly bow.
She studied him for a moment and then inclined her head. “I appreciate that, and I will consider it.”
They continued walking, kicking up the powdery snow with their boots as they went, but this time, she held back and kept an even pace with him. He was relieved that she had relented toward him, however slightly. “So what is on the menu for this evening?” he inquired.
