Edwina laughed, a beautiful sound that momentarily stole Miles’ breath. “Yes, the Lockwood family is known for our stubbornness. It has been passed down for many generations.”
Miles cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away. “Good day, my lady.”
“Good day, my lord,” Edwina responded before she urged her horse forward.
As he watched Edwina disappear down the path, Miles was forced to recognize that his initial impression of her had been incorrect. She was reserved, given the right circumstances, but she also could be rather pleasant to converse with. He usually found most conversations with young women to be tedious, but Edwina was different. She was purposeful in her thoughts. A trait that he greatly appreciated.
Nevertheless, he would be mindful to keep his distance. He had no intention of delving deeper into more of an acquaintance with Edwina.
Chapter Four
Reining in her horse in front of Brockhall Manor, Edwina gracefully dismounted and handed off the reins to the waiting footman.
She murmured her thanks before she headed up the stairs towards the main door. The lanky butler, White, stood to the side, his impeccable black hair slicked back and glistening in the sun.
With a subtle nod, he acknowledged her presence as he held the door open. Edwina entered the entry hall, casting a thoughtful glance at White’s stoic expression. She wondered if there was a chance to witness a smile on his face, a rare sight since he took charge as the butler.
“Did you have an enjoyable ride, my lady?” White asked.
“I did,” Edwina replied. “I shall go change and come down for breakfast.”
White closed the door as he said, “Very good.”
Edwina turned on her heel and made her way towards the stairs. Her gaze swept over the entry hall, a space her uncle had left untouched. Yet, it seemed so different now that her father wasn’t here.
As her hand touched the cool iron railing, she beganascending the stairs, reflecting on the vulnerability she had shown Lord Hilgrove in the woodlands earlier. She questioned what he must think of her, having exposed so much of herself. However, she did believe him when he assured her that he wouldn’t betray her confidence.
The depths of trust she placed in a man she hardly knew puzzled her, yet she couldn’t deny it. There was an unspoken connection in their shared grief that resonated with her, providing the courage to confide in him- a rare occurrence since her father’s passing. Few cared to know the true extent of her thoughts and pain, but with Lord Hilgrove, she felt heard.
Edwina proceeded down the corridor until she arrived at her bedchamber, opening the door. Inside, her silver-haired lady’s maid was busy organizing the vanity table in the corner.
Martha, who had once served her mother in the same capacity, greeted Edwina with a warm smile. “How was your ride?” she asked.
“It went well,” Edwina replied as she closed the door behind her.
“You are back much earlier than I was expecting,” Martha noted.
Edwina didn’t dare admit that Lord Hilgrove had been the reason she hadn’t tarried as long as she usually did in the woodlands. “I didn’t wish to be late for breakfast,” she offered. At least that much was true.
Martha eyed her curiously. “Since when do you care about being on time to breakfast?”
“Since we have a guest residing with us,” Edwina explained. “I do not wish to give my uncle any reason to chide me.”
“Your uncle cares for you,” Martha attempted.
Edwina huffed in disbelief. “He used to,” she replied. “But ever since he inherited my father’s title, he chides me for the tiniest infraction.”
“Perhaps he does care too much about what you do,” Martha responded as she walked over to the wardrobe. “Shall we change you out of your riding habit?”
“I suppose that would be for the best.”
Martha removed a black muslin gown from the wardrobe. “What are your thoughts on Lord Hilgrove?”
“I have none,” she rushed out.
“Not even one?”
Edwina shook her head. “I do not think upon Lord Hilgrove at all,” she replied. “He isBennett’s guest, not mine, and his appearance does not matter to me, especially since I don’t plan to spend more time with him than necessary.”
