But she was curious about why Carlisle was here when his mother and sister had gone to spend Christmas elsewhere. “Why did you stay in Somerset instead of going away with your family?”
He finished his soup and motioned for the footman to take their plates. “I had business to attend to here.”
“But it’s almost Christmas.”
“Exactly,” he said. “I decided it was high time that I handled this matter. I’ve ignored it long enough, and I couldn’t allow it to continue.”
Millie wanted to ask for more details. It was her worst fault, she knew—her curiosity. But in the end, it really wasn’t her business.
“How long do you think I’ll need to stay here?”
“At least a day but most likely two. It depends on when the snow stops. It’s slowed, but it was still falling before dinner. I went to the stables and spoke with the head groom. He confirmed that it wouldn’t be safe to take the carriage out.”
Millie let out a breath. “Thank goodness I left a note for my parents to let them know I intended to visit Sarah. Hopefully they don’t know she’s not here. They might be upset if they thought I was alone here with you. Which is ridiculous, but I imagine you know how overprotective parents can be about their daughters.”
Carlisle shook his head, but one corner of his mouth tilted with amusement as he watched the footman bring out the main meal. She had no idea why he’d found her statement so amusing, but she didn’t really know Carlisle all that well. Perhaps that would change over the next few days.
A thrill of anticipation went through her at the thought.
CHAPTER 5
Millie hadn’t expected to fall asleep that night. Her private dinner with Carlisle had been an unexpected surprise, and thoughts of him filled her mind as she returned to her bedroom. The way he’d looked at her directly instead of avoiding her, how he’d listened to everything she said as though her conversation fascinated him.
It reminded her of the man he’d once been. She wasn’t sure when he’d changed, or why, but she was delighted that she hadn’t been the reason he’d become so distant over the past year. She’d half feared that he’d realized she liked him more than she should and he’d decided that avoiding her was the best way to dissuade her infatuation.
But her arduous trek through the snow had a lingering effect on her body, and as soon as she changed into nightclothes and snuggled under the blankets, sleep was quick to claim her.
She awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and much like her normal self.
She sat up in bed and was reaching for the bell pull that hung by the headboard when the bedroom door began to open. For one heart-stopping moment she expected to see Carlisle, but of course it was the maid. Carlisle had only been in her bedroomyesterday because he’d been concerned for her well-being, and he’d gone out of his way to make sure they were properly chaperoned. He had no reason to enter her bedchamber that morning.
The maid dipped into a shallow curtsy. “How are you doing this morning, miss?”
She smiled at the young woman. “I’m feeling much better, thank you. And I must admit I’m feeling ravenous this morning. I’m afraid I didn’t eat much last night.”
“I’m glad to hear that. His Lordship was concerned about you. He wanted you to know that breakfast could wait until you were feeling up to it. I’ll just slip out for a moment and tell the footman you’re ready for breakfast now.”
She hurried from the room, and Millie took the opportunity to look outside. It had stopped snowing, thank goodness, and the sun was shining, causing the snow to sparkle. It was beautiful, and a perverse part of her wanted to head outside to play in it. Not for long, of course, but surely a few minutes wouldn’t hurt.
The maid returned a minute later and helped her dress for the day. She hoped that Sarah wouldn’t mind that she was wearing her dresses.
She thanked the young woman and made her way downstairs to the small dining room. This time she wasn’t surprised to see Carlisle waiting for her in the hallway.
She was imagining things. His quick glance down her figure wasn’t because he was admiring the way she looked. He was probably noticing that this was Sarah’s dress. Thinking that it was a good thing Millie and his sister were similar in height and size.
She greeted him, but today, instead of waiting for him to escort her, she proceeded him into the room. Her nerves wouldn’t be able to handle being in such close proximity to him again. No doubt he would be relieved since it would signal thatshe wasn’t romantically interested in him. Or at least she hoped it would.
She headed straight for the sideboard and began to pile her plate with eggs and meat. Carlisle didn’t comment as he stood next to her, waiting for his turn.
“I saw that it stopped snowing,” she said as she carried her plate to the table and waited for him to join her.
“It has, thank goodness.” Carlisle lowered himself into the chair directly across from her and cast a significant look at the small heap of food on her plate.
She shrugged, refusing to feel embarrassed. “I didn’t eat much last night. I think my body is quite angry with me this morning.”
His expression was soft. “It’s to be expected. But I’m glad you seem to be suffering no ill effects from yesterday’s ordeal.”
His concern touched her, and she started in on her breakfast. Her imagination was getting the best of her, seeing fondness where none existed.
