“It seemed like a good explanation for my coming here in case someone saw me.”
Of course. She’d risked so much in order to come here – to see to him and make sure he was well. Feeling awful, he told her gently, “I will escort you back so I’m there to help in case anyone gives you trouble.”
“That’s really not ne–”
“As your future husband, I absolutely insist.” Without waiting for her to argue the point, he set the basket aside, grabbed her hand, and led her back the way she’d come. While the need to protect her compelled him, there was also a strong desire to get her out of his garden as fast as possible so he could give his emotions free reign. So although he experienced a brief pang of regret when he took his leave moments later, relief swiftly followed.
Returning to the folly, he snatched up the basket she’d brought, delivered it to the kitchen, and went back to work, pouring every piece of fear he harbored into each rock he carried.
Chapter Seven
THE LAST THREE WEEKShad gone by in a whirl.
Sarah looked at herself in the cheval mirror while Anna adjusted the white lace bow at the back of her pale blue muslin gown.
“I cannot believe you are getting married today,” Athena said from her position on Sarah’s bed. “It will be odd to be the only child left.”
“I’m sure Mama will manage to keep you busy,” Sara said with a hint of mischief. “Prepare for her to corner you tomorrow with a list of suitors she’ll want you to consider.”
“Heaven help me,” Athena groaned. “It really isn’t fair. I’m two years younger than you, so I ought to be allowed at least that much time before I begin considering marriage. Perhaps I should visit Charles and Bethany for a month or two. After that, I can stay with James and Abigail for a bit before stopping by Will and Eloise and finally you and Brunswick.”
“Sounds rather perfect, actually. By the time you’ve finished making the circuit, the next Season will have begun and Mama will be here waiting for you to step out and make a fantastic impression.”
“Now I know you’re teasing me, Sarah. I never make a fantastic impression on anyone. In fact, the last time I made any impression at all was rather disastrous.”
Sarah set her mouth in a firm line and turned to face her. “That was years ago and it all worked out well in the end.”
“I’m not sure Langdon, or rather, Darlington as he’s now called, would agree,” Athena grumbled.
Sarah wasn’t sure either. The marquess had been Charles’s good friend. He’d also been engaged to Bethany when Charles had met her. If it hadn’t been for Athena, Bethany would have done the socially correct thing and married Darlington.
“He didn’t love her, Athena. And she did not love him. It was to be a marriage of convenience and would have made at least two people desperately unhappy.” Surely that ought to be some consolation.
“Maybe. I know Charles and Bethany are perfectly suited, and I’m glad they were able to end up together. In fact, I dare say that in spite of the scandal I caused, I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Sarah smiled. “I know you would. You’re a romantic, Athena, and you cannot bear to see those you love heartbroken.”
