“It is the limb of a bush,” he announced.
Victoria frowned. “That has never happened before.”
“Maybe you have never noticed, or it is in need of trimming.” he suggested. “There is also a stronger than usual wind tonight.”
Just as the words left his lips there was a flash of lightning and clap of thunder so bright and loud that he stepped back.
“I do not think you need to fear your attacker tonight. The man would be a fool to be out in such weather,” he proclaimed as he made his way back to the table and resumed eating.
Four
Storms had never frightened Victoria and there were times that she had enjoyed watching them from her window when she lived by the sea. The only reason this one likely startled her was because she was already on edge. But Benedick was correct. Nobody would be out in stormy weather unless they were forced to be and with those thoughts, she began to relax.
Except her hands shook and she could not determine the cause. There was nothing to fear, yet she remained on edge.
“You have hardly eaten anything,” he said.
“I suppose I am not hungry.” Victoria pushed her plate aside.
“I was famished.” He grinned.
She glanced at his plate to find it empty except for chicken bones.
“Would you like more?” She gestured to her plate of food.
“No, but thank you,” he chuckled.
Victoria frowned. When Benedick had first joined her at the table, he was more distant, which was likely because of their earlier discussion…argument. In fact, they had not spoken since he told her that she likely had nothing to fear tonight.
Now he was chuckling. What had changed?
Unless he was now more relaxed because he wasn’t afraid that anyone was going to break in.
“Would you like to join me in the parlor for tea?” she asked before she stood. It was a proper request when there was a guest in the house. And, if she were to be honest, Victoria did not want to be alone and was not eager to retire to her lonely chamber.
“I would like that. Thank you.”
There were also unresolved matters between them, secrets that she had never told anyone and perhaps once they were shared, she could finally put to rest what had happened last summer, as well as his misconceptions.
However, Victoria said nothing, nor did Benedick until the tea had been delivered and the footman left them alone.
She reached forward to pour, remembering his preference of only a dash of milk, then prepared her own.
“Do you know what pains me the most?” she asked after a moment.
He looked directly at her, wariness in his gaze. “What would that be?”
“That you think so little of me.”
Benedick blew out a sigh. “I do not, Victoria. I never did, but surely you understand why I…what Society…”
She simply shook her head. “That is because you know nothing about me.”
It was insulting that he would dare think that she would reject him after they had spent so much time talking and sneaking away at the house party. He should have known her better than to assume.
Oh, the more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
“Do you think I ever cared about rank or status?”
