TEN
Slowly, Adrian inhaledLyndsey’s sweet fragrance, fighting the urge to close his eyes and enjoy. Her scent was already branded in his mind, and he couldn’t figure out why it was so difficult to rid it from his memory. The last time his mind was constantly on a woman was when he’d considered marriage. Thankfully, the young lady had changed his way of thinking, and for the better.
Strangely though, he’d thought the same way about Lyndsey when they’d first met, but over time, her personality caught his interest, and then there was that passionate kiss they’d shared not long ago. However, two days ago when he’d gone with Collin to beintroducedto the Benson family as Lord William,he’d had the privilege of overhearing her conversation with her sister. It had surprised him that she wasn’t interested in Collin’s money. And the more Adrian pondered on the tone of voice when asked about her feelings for Collin, and how she’d hesitated as though she didn’t know her own mind, the more thrilled Adrian had become. He’d been so wrong about her, and he really wanted her to know how wrong she was about him. He still held out for her to change her mind about him, knowing that he enjoyed rescuing damsels in distress.
At long last, Miss Priscilla finished playing, and Collin called for the servants to bring in some drinks. Their guests stood and started mingling. Lyndsey quickly rose to her feet, and he jumped up beside her. He touched her elbow, stopping her from leaving his side.
“Miss Benson,” he said, loud enough that anyone nearby would hear that he was in a conversation with Lyndsey, but not too loud that everyone could hear, “I would really enjoy discussing your infatuation with mystery novels. I, too, enjoy reading a good mystery.”
She faced him and sighed with defeat. He was grateful she finally gave in to his plea.
“What exactly do you want to discuss, Lord William?”
He found it odd how he loved hearing his name,Adrian, come from her mouth, instead of his first name. It didn’t bother him when others called him Lord William, only with Lyndsey. “I would like to know how you go about putting clues together as you’re reading. And do you ever get to the end of the book and realize you’ve guessed the villain?”
She arched her eyebrow as a grin touched her face. “Are you quite serious?”
“I am.”
“Mysteries and clues?” She lowered her voice. “Does this have something to do with what happened the other day while we were riding?”
“Indeed, it does.”
She remained silent for a few moments, watching him with narrowed eyes. He had hoped to pique her interest, knowing how much she loved a good mystery.
“I must admit, my lord, you have made me wonder what has been happening around the estate recently.” She paused. “Did it happen to just you, or were other people present?”
He shook his head. “Both me and my brother. And of course, you were there with us while we were riding.” He stepped closer and lowered his voice, “I spoke with Collin about it, and we both think that someone at the estate wants to harm us. Or...killus,” he whispered the last part.
She gasped. “So perhaps I should meet with you and your brother and try to help you put clues together so you can solve this mystery before,” she swallowed hard, “it’s too late.”
“I would like that very much, Miss Benson... more than you’ll ever know.”
Heavens, she looks so pretty this evening.Adrian sighed and smiled. She wore the same light blue gown she had worn at the ball. But her hair was in a softer style tonight. Her eyes were a soft blue, and her mouth much too tempting.
He enjoyed how her gaze roamed over his face, but it was even nicer because she wasn’t glaring at him. He prayed she remembered all the things they’d shared in just a short time.
She licked her lips and sighed. “Are um... you and your brother doing all right?”
His heart soared. Shedidcare. He wanted to touch her arm so badly, so he folded his arms to keep from following his urges. “Yes.” He stepped closer. “How is your family doing?”
She smiled. “We are doing quite well, thank you.”
“Miss Benson, would you and your sister like to come over to the manor tomorrow so that my brother and I can take you on a tour of the grounds? We’ll be able to discuss the accidents that have been happening in more detail.”
Her smile grew. “I believe I can arrange that, as long as Lord Hanover agrees.”
