“How was that possible?” he asked.
Her face softened. “Love doesn’t always make sense. In fact, falling in love when you least expect it is the greatest kind of love.”
“What about my love for Arabella?”
“You are always going to love Arabella, but opening your heart again is not betraying her. It is honoring her memory,”Lady Dallington said. “Do you truly think that Arabella would have wanted you to stop living?”
Miles lowered his gaze. “No, she wouldn’t have.”
Leaning forward in her seat, Lady Dallington said, “I know this is not my place, but I can see it in your eyes. You love Edwina.”
His gaze shot up. “That is impossible,” he exclaimed. “I care for Edwina- greatly- but love…” His words trailed off as he searched for what to say to convince Lady Dallington that he didn’t love Edwina.
Lady Dallington gave him a warm smile. “Are you attempting to convince me that you don’t love Edwina or are you trying to convince yourself of that?”
Miles’ shoulders slumped. “I don’t know.” And that was the truth. Did he love Edwina? He wasn’t sure, but he couldn’t deny that even though they had been together for only a short time, he couldn’t imagine a life without her.
“Life is a journey. One never knows what unexpected surprises will be waiting around the corner,” Lady Dallington said.
“And what if…” His voice hitched as he struggled to say his next words. It was the one fear that weighed heavily on his heart. “What if I lose Edwina, too?”
Lady Dallington’s eyes held compassion as she replied, “Then you pick yourself back up and live another day.”
“I don’t know if I can take that chance,” Miles admitted.
Rising, Lady Dallington said, “Then your journey will be a lonely one.” She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Trust your heart and choose to let go of fear.”
As she departed from the room, Miles settled back into his seat. Lady Dallington made it sound so easy. But he was scared. If he didn’t love Edwina, it wouldn’t hurt as much when she inevitably would depart from his life.
But his heart was telling him a different story. A heart thatwas supposed to be impenetrable. Yet, it seemed to have started beating again- the moment he met Edwina.
Dressed in a jonquil ballgown with an intricate lave overlay, Edwina emerged from her bedchamber and saw Miles leaning casually against the wall. He straightened at the sight of her, his posture suddenly more formal.
His eyes perused the length of her, and in them, she saw a glimmer of approval, making her feel beautiful. She had never felt more beautiful than when she was in Miles’ presence. The way he looked at her made her feel appreciated. Cherished, even.
“Good evening, Edwina,” he greeted with a charming smile, causing her heart to take flight.
She gave him a questioning look. “Do tell, why were you loitering outside of my bedchamber?” she asked, playfully.
“I was merely waiting for you,” he replied. “I had hoped to accompany you to the library where your family is gathering before the soiree.”
Edwina smiled, secretly pleased by his gesture. “I would greatly appreciate that, kind sir.”
As Miles offered his arm, he said, “I must admit that I look forward to these moments alone with you.”
“As do I,” she admitted.
They started walking down the corridor and a comfortable silence descended over them. She wanted to say something clever, but she was at a loss for words.
Fortunately, Miles broke the silence. “Are you looking forward to the soiree?”
Edwina nodded. “Yes, it will be the first social event that I have attended since my father passed away.”
“And how are you coping with that realization?” Miles asked gently.
“Better than I expected. It feels like the right time to move on and embrace Society,” she answered.
Miles gave her a knowing look. “So you have no objections to dancing the first set with me?”
