“The lure of sin is like no other. It tries to engage us every day, but most often when we choose to walk the path of righteousness. That is when we must truly be steadfast.” He strode over and put a hand on Cain’s shoulder. “Believe not only in God, my lord, but also yourself.”
With a gentle pat, he headed toward the entrance of the church, and Cain followed.
The walk to the Meriwether house was accomplished in silence. Cain was lost to his own thoughts while the vicar was likely contemplating what other philosophical things to say. In truth, he’d given Cain a lot to ponder, the least of which was the shame he continued to feel when he looked back over his life from the past few years. Ever since he’d left Oxford, he had cut a swath through London’s gaming hells and brothels, most generally with James at his side to share in the deviltry. Now, he couldn’t help but feel as if he owed his mother and father more than just an apology, but a thorough atonement for his transgressions. It was no longer enough that he simply perform his duty and settle down to fill his nursery. He needed to find some way to be a role model for others. Surely he could find a way to help others the way Dove had at the local infirmary. Perhaps a true orphanage?
It might take some consideration, but he was determined to find a proper course of action. While he wasn’t naïve enough to believe that what he chose would ensure him a ticket past the pearly gates of heaven, just considering the prospect made his chest fill with warmth. Could it be pride?
By the time he’d reached the cottage, he walked inside with a smile on his face. It only grew when he smelled the air. Something tantalizing was brewing, but it wasn’t just whatever Dove was cooking. It was deeper than that.
For the first time in a long while, Cain’s smile expanded. It was as if he’d walked in a door—and found his way home.
The instant Lord Markel walked into the kitchens with her father, she could tell that something was… different about him. While he was still entirely too handsome for her peace of mind, it was his expression that had altered. There was generally some sort of spark in his eyes that promised wicked delights, but today, in that moment, he looked like he was… at peace.
“It smells delightful, daughter. What have you prepared for us?”
“Mutton and cabbage with bread and honey cake.”
“My favorite,” her father gushed. “Have you already set the kettle on the stove?”
She nodded. “Yes. The tea is steeping now.”
Cain stepped forward. “Allow me to take a tray into the dining room.”
“Oh, no, my lord. My manners won’t allow that.” Her father waved a hand. “Please, do sit and keep Dove company and I will attend to the tea.”
When he walked out the door, Dove wasn’t sure what to say to break the silence that had suddenly descended over the kitchens.
“Might I be of some assistance?”
Dove instantly brought to mind the day before when he had pinned her up against the counter and kissed her soundly. Her cheeks warmed of their own volition. “I can manage, thank you.” She didn’t intend for her words to sound so clipped, but her nerves were taut and it made her more frustrated than usual.
“I’m sorry, Dove. For yesterday. For the day at the castle.”
This got her attention. She finally faced him fully, and while she wasn’t sure what she might see in his gaze, she hadn’t been prepared for sorrow. His eyes were a soft mixture of swirling green and brown, both of which told of his regret. She would have almost rather accepted his pity, but the latter meant that he was remorseful for ever kissing her. That was a particularly bitter pill to swallow, for her waking hours were filled with the desire to be in his arms again.
But, of course, he would feel guilty for allowing some village girl to imagine that he might actually feel something for her. He didn’t want to leave her with a broken heart and could she really fault him for that? At least he was being honest, if not brutally so.
“It’s fine, my lord. All is forgiven.”
He regarded her steadily. “Is it?”
“Of course. I had nearly forgotten about it, so please don’t punish yourself when it has hardly crossed my mind.”
She wasn’t sure if he was injured by her false assurance, or perhaps his pride was bruised, but she didn’t wait to see because she turned her focus back to the stove. After she had put the finishing touches on the meal, she finally faced the viscount and found that he looked no different than before. Then again, he said nothing as he walked over and took the platter of meat from her grasp.
It wasn’t until he was at the door to the dining room that he said, “I never meant to hurt you, Dove. I know you’ve been hurt before, and I just wanted you to know that all the endearments I’ve told you were true. You really are the most amazing lady I’ve ever met, and you have gotten under my skin more than any other woman ever has. I realize now that I wasn’t just passing through Meriden that day. I was led here. To you.”
Dove clasped the edge of the counter after he disappeared. It wasn’t his shocking pronouncement that unnerved her, because something told her that, more than ever before, he was telling the truth.
What bothered her was that he mentioned something about her being hurt before. The question that rushed through her mind was—how did he know?
The meal was one of the finest that Cain had ever consumed, either because Dove was a remarkable cook or he found little fault about her at all. However, Dove herself mainly picked at her food and consumed only a few bites before she pushed it away, virtually untouched.
The vicar, on the other hand, had no such reservations as he leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh and an empty plate. “Your skills in the kitchen never fail to amaze me, Dove. You shall make a fine wife and mother someday.”
A rosy pink hue flushed Dove’s cheeks, and she worked hard to avoid Cain’s gaze. “You know there is no one who could ever replace you, Papa.” She got to her feet and began to clear the dishes.
Instead of asking if he could help, Cain began to offer his services without a word, gathering up what he could. Besides, it was the perfect excuse to talk to Dove in private. He felt the need to do so, as he realized he’d spoken boldly earlier and he wanted to ensure that he hadn’t frightened her away before he could make his suit.
