Standing tall, at least a full head above her, he exuded confidence and power, the sort that could send fear shooting through any man who crossed him, and Eve found her heart beating more rapidly than it had upon her arrival. Left alone with him to enjoy her tea and the warmth of the fire, she’d calmed her nerves with talk of her sisters and her situation without once considering how little interest a man like him would have in such matters.
But when she’d glanced at him, he hadn’t appeared the least bit bored. Rather, he’d considered her with compassion, then brought up the country dance, which had prompted her to take leave of her senses and ask a most forward question. His response had only made her wonder more about him and why he might choose to avoid a social gathering. As far as she could tell, the house was fairly quiet. Surely his wife would have materialized by now, if he had one.
She bit her lip and glanced around, wondering when the carriage might be ready so she could be on her way once more. However hospitable the earl was proving to be, she was certain he would prefer to return to whatever plans he might have for the evening.
“This fireplace would be perfect for roasting chestnuts,” she said, when the silence seemed to drag on for longer than what was comfortable.
Lord Ravenworth’s eyes filled with amusement. “Is that what you were thinking about?”
Unwilling to tell himhe’dbeen the subject of her musings, she quickly nodded. “The house I grew up in had an equally large fireplace. Roasting chestnuts on it was such a lovely pastime activity on cold winter days.”
He chuckled lightly. “You’re too young to be getting nostalgic, Miss Potter.”
“Perhaps. But the path my life has taken has made it impossible for me not to be.”
“You sound as though you have regrets.”
Averting her gaze, she stared into the dancing flames. “Not regrets so much as a feeling of overwhelming loss. I miss the comfort of my childhood and the simplicity of my life when both my parents lived. I miss them both terribly, and I miss the bright future my sisters and I looked forward to with innocent anticipation.”
A knock sounded at the door, drawing her attention to the butler who had returned. “My lord,” he said, addressing his master. “May I have a private word with you?”
Looking over at Ravenworth and noting his deep frown, Eve couldn’t stop apprehension from coursing through her. He gave a curt nod and rose to his feet, departing the room and leaving her alone to wonder what might have occurred. Of course, there was the possibility it had nothing to do with her. After all, this was a large household. Any number of things might demand the earl’s attention.
But when he returned a short while later and pinned her with his serious eyes, she knew the matter he’d been made aware of hadeverythingto do with her. “Forgive me, Miss Potter, but there seems to be a snag in our plan to get you to Amberly Hall tonight.”
Lips parting with surprise, she blinked. The significance of his comment began to sink in. “I cannot possibly remain here,” she said. “Unless there are other women living under this roof, it would be most—”
“Improper,” he said. He held her gaze. “Believe me, I am quite aware of the fact, and to answer your question, I am the only person in residence, besides the servants.”
“Then you must agree my staying here is impossible.” If anyone were to find out, as Margaret and her husband eventually would, her reputation would be called into question. And while she might be able to convince them that nothing untoward happened while she spent the night in a bachelor’s home, they would not in good conscience be able to introduce her to eligible young gentlemen. “If there is a problem with the carriage or one of the horses, I’ll be more than happy to walk the distance. You need only point me in the right direction.”
“Absolutely not.” The adamancy with which he spoke sent a jolt through Eve’s body. “No gentleman would ever send a woman out into the freezing night so she can walk six miles to her next destination. It is unconscionable for me to treat you with so little consideration. And what would your sisters say, or your friend, Mrs. Havisham, if something were to happen to you?Iwould be to blame!”
He drew a shuddering breath and raked his fingers through his hair. “My apologies. I did not mean to be so brusque about it, but the fact of the matter is, ice has formed on the road within the past hour. To venture out by carriage, on horseback, or on foot will be hazardous. I’ll not risk it. Which means you will remain here as my guest.”
“But surely—”
“Your reputation may remain intact if you simply inform your friend that the coach with which you were traveling lost a wheel and was forced to stop at an inn for the night.”
“You want me to lie?”
“Either that or risk ruining your chance of enjoying the Season your sisters are working so hard to give you.” It was as if he could read her mind. “In the meantime, I will ask my housekeeper to have the maids prepare a spare bedroom for you. You may even have a hot bath brought up if you like. And once you are ready, I would like you to join me for dinner. I find I’ve been eating alone for far too long.”
Without further comment, he left the room while Eve was forced to admit that, as much as she dreaded the possible impact of staying here, she was secretly thrilled with the prospect of spending more time in the Earl of Ravenworth’s company.
2
As soon as his housekeeper, Mrs. Dudley, had taken Miss Potter upstairs to the guestroom, Bryce went to the side table and re-filled his glass. He was in the middle of taking a sip when Radcliff returned, making his presence known with a knock on the door. Bryce turned toward him. “Yes?”
“My lord, I apologize if I am about to overstep, but in light of the current situation regarding Miss Potter, I would like to offer a bit of advice in order to…ahem…minimize the impact of her visit.” Having previously served in his father’s employ, Radcliff had known Bryce his entire life. He’d stood by him when no one else had and took no issue with speaking his mind whenever doing so served his master’s best interests.
“You worry I might make certain advances?”
Radcliff’s eyes went wide. “Oh no, my lord. I would never suppose such a thing. You are far too gentlemanly to even think of imposing yourself on a young woman.”
His butler was right, but that hadn’t stopped Bryce fromthinkingof making advances since Miss Potter’s arrival. To say so would not be helpful, however, so he asked instead, “Then what is your concern?”
“If I may be blunt, what you do or do not do will hardly matter once word of her spending the night here without a chaperone gets out. Your reputation—”
