TEN
Back to the present
Adeline’s chest ached with the emotions she held back. Throwing accusations at Collin while he had no memory would be futile. His blank expression told her that his memory still hadn’t returned. He had asked how they met, and she gave him short, inane answers. She didn’t mention Lloyd much, and only referred to him as Collin’s friend. That was another chapter in her past she didn’t want to talk about. Remembering every detail about her life since meeting Collin and Lloyd was difficult enough, and to speak about it would break her heart that much more.
She stared at the empty plates on the tray that Mrs. Pettingill had brought in for Collin. Perhaps Adeline should take the tray back to the kitchen. At least that would give her an excuse to leave.
“We have known each other for a little over a year?” Collin asked.
“Yes.”
“Then I assume you are an important part of my life.”
She wanted to laugh out loud, and she struggled not to smirk. “I highly doubt that, my lord.”
“Am I an important part ofyourlife?”
Feeling very uncomfortable with these questions, she stood and moved to collect the tray, but Collin touched her arm, stopping her.
“Lady Kentwood,” Collin asked. “It’s not my intension to upset you, but I need to know just one more thing.”
Adeline really didn’t want to tell him anything else. Remembering those days from her past had drained her. “What is it that you want to know?” She moved toward the tray and started stacking the plates.
“Are we happy with our lives?”
She paused as she studied his handsome face. What was he talking about...we? “I don’t quite understand your question, my lord. I suppose I’m happy enough now, but I cannot possibly know if you are happy.” She shrugged.
He released a small chuckle and shook his head. “No, I mean... are we happily married?”
Married!Her hands shook and the plates knocked together. The tray slipped in her hands, but she quickly righted it before everything dumped on his lap. She carefully set it back down on the night stand.
“My lord, let me get one thing perfectly clear. We arenotmarried, and we never will be,” she blurted out. “I married your distant cousin.”
His forehead creased. “Then why do we share the same title?”
“Because your cousin – my husband – died, and you were the next heir.”
He scrubbed his chin as confusion remained on his expression. “But from those memories you shared with me about our first meeting, I assumed we had fallen in love and married.”
Heat exploded in her face. She wasn’t sure if it was embarrassment or anger. “Yes, one would assume such a thing from knowing our past. However, that’s not what happened.Youdidn’t want that to happen.”
Emotion choked her throat, and she couldn’t say anymore. Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to cry. Hadn’t she shed enough tears for him as it was?
She grasped the tray and hurried out of the room before he could ask anything more. It was too soon to speak now. Because she would not permit herself to cry in front of him ever again.
* * * *
COLLIN DARED LEAVEhis bed bright and early the next morning. The throbbing in his skull had lessened, but his confused mind wouldn’t let him rest another moment. Off and on throughout the night, his memories opened up. He now remembered his family, and his cousin, Lloyd Kentwood. Collin’s heart wrenched when he thought about his dear friend’s demise. Collin had known Lloyd’s drinking would eventually be the death of him.
Other memories made their presence, as well. He remembered meeting Addie – the nickname he’d called her.My sweet Addie.He also recalled how his heart had burst inside of him during their very first kiss in the thicket of trees. She’d been so incredibly lovely that night wearing a red and black gown, and her matching mask. It had thrilled him the way she wanted to learn about passion.
Of course, by now she would have learned all of that from his cousin, Lloyd. The one thing Collin did remember about his cousin was how the man loved women – and in turn, the women loved his attentions. Lloyd knew how to use his words to charm them into his arms. There were several times Collin had wished he had his cousin’s talent for wooing the ladies.
Collin pulled on his trousers and shirt, but that was all. He knew he’d be back in bed later this morning since he still felt weak. But right now, he needed to see the manor in hopes that his memory would completely return.
The corridors were empty as he moved from one floor to the next until he reached the bottom floor. There was a music room with a shiny pianoforte, and immediately, he recalled how he loved to play. Although the urge was strong to do so now, he put it aside until he had eaten something.
The scent of scones and – he inhaled deeply – ham. He smiled, happy to remember the scent of that delectable meat. But the heavenly scents of breakfast lured him toward the dining room. His stomach grumbled, making him hurry.
