Her face turned brighter. “No, I haven’t forgotten. I was actually…” She licked her lips. “I was coming to see if you were awake. I need to talk to you.”
His heartbeat quickened. “Then by all means.” He motioned toward his door. “Please come in so we can…talk.”
The blooming color of her face brightened even more as she walked with him into his room. Since there was no reason that the servants should know about his late-night visitor, he closed the door. She stood clasping and unclasping her hands against her middle as her gaze jumped around his room.
He stepped closer, and she met his gaze. She was so very lovely with her hair hanging around her shoulders and down her back, and the look in her eyes hinted of her desire for him.
If only he wasn’t trying to prove to her that he was a gentleman and not a rogue… He tried to steady his breathing and squash the thoughts filling his head right now.
“I missed you today,” he said, stroking her hair. “I’m sorry we didn’t spend much time together.”
She smiled. “I would say I missed you, but my sisters took up all of my time.”
He chuckled. “As it should be.”
“But I do wish we could have spent more time together.”
“As do I, but I had things to do in getting the coach repaired and the stable’s wall rebuilt.”
“Were you able to accomplish these tasks?”
Sighing, he stopped her wringing hands by taking them in his. “My darling Cilla, you didn’t come to my room this late at night just to ask about my projects, did you?”
Her shoulders relaxed slightly. “No.”
“Then I beg you, please say what is on your mind.” He hoped it led to kissing. If not, he would certainly turn the conversation in that direction.
She nodded. “I must tell you how wrong I was about you.”
That wasn’t something he’d expected her to say, and he couldn’t wait for her to continue. “I’m grateful for that… I think.”
She laughed. “Forgive me if I have lost my words, but what I have to say is positive, I assure you.”
“Splendid.” He caressed her hands. “Then tell me.”
“Since you hurt me eighteen months ago, I put up a wall around my heart. When I realized you were the dowager’s grandson, I wanted to hate you that much more for trying to ruin my life. However, some of your actions made me pause in my judgment. Although you may still have roguish tendencies, I believe you have indeed changed for the better.”
His heart softened. He brought her hands up to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “I’m so very happy to hear you say that, because I believe I have changed.”
“You were so very selfish when I first met you, but I can see that you do care for others. You showed me that by the way you treated me, and treated my sisters while they were here.”
She was correct to think that he had been selfish before his father died. Inheriting the title made him grow up so much, and so quickly. But he did enjoy the attention he received when he did kind deeds versus selfish acts.
“It is difficult to admit,” he said, “that I was so heartless before, and I hurt so many people. I thank you for giving me another chance to get to know you. I was blind when we first met, and I didn’t give myself time to get to know the sweet woman with a loving heart.”
She tilted her head. “Indeed? You think I have a loving heart?”
“Of course, my love. Look at the way you have helped my grandmother. And let us not forget when you tried to help the staff put out the fire, all the time with a sore ankle. And then when you tried to rescue my grandmother and her housekeeper single-handedly. They both sang your praises after the accident. And I’ll be forever in your debt with how you assisted me whenmy allergies were bad, and when I was knocked down by a fallen door.”
Her smile grew. “I’m so very relieved that you believe such things about me, but I fear you may change your mind when I confess something else to you.”
There was more? He hoped it was something he wouldn’t get upset over. Then again, with this woman, it was easy to forgive. “What is it?”
She inhaled slowly, then released it. “The other day, with the kitten and your allergies?”
“Yes.”
“A while ago, I had heard a rumor that you were allergic to cats, but I didn’t believe it.” She shrugged. “At that point in my life, I had heard many rumors about you that were probably not true. Anyway, I purposely put the animal in your arms to see if you had a reaction.”
