Edwina placed a comforting hand on his sleeve. “You did all that you could.”
“But it wasn’t enough,” he said, his voice heavy with guilt.
With a soft sigh, Edwina responded, “Life can be terribly unfair at times, but the only thing we can do is accept the things that we cannot change.”
Miles glanced down at her hand, finding some small measure of solace from her touch. “I can’t accept this.”
“Then you will never be able to move forward,” Edwina said, withdrawing her hand. “I didn’t think I would ever accept my father’s passing but it happened all at once.”
“When was this?” Miles asked.
“Today, in fact, when you saved my life,” Edwina said. “My perspective changed, and it was all because of you.”
Miles shifted his gaze away from her. “You make it sound so simple.”
Edwina let out a soft, disbelieving laugh. “Simple?” she asked. “No, far from it. I had to almost die to realize that I was living in the past.”
“I am not living in the past,” Miles said.
“Well, you are certainly not living in the present,” Edwina remarked.
Miles grew tense at her words, unwilling to continue this conversation. “I am supposed to take advice from you now?” he growled.
Edwina smiled- actually smiled at him, despite his best attempt at intimidating her. “You can do whatever you want, but just know that I am here for you,” she said.
As the words left her mouth, Bennett’s voice came from the entry hall, interrupting them. “Are you two still yammering on?” he asked, his voice holding mirth. “I am getting hungry.”
Miles remained rooted in his spot as he watched Edwina gracefully descend the stairs, as if having not a care in the world. He wondered what had happened to her. She seemed more confident in herself. Which was a good thing, except when she was lecturing him. Because that is exactly what she was doing. Her advice was wholly unsolicited, but he couldn’t seem to brush off her words so easily. The worst part was that she wasn’t wrong in her assumptions.
Botheration.
Edwina’s words shouldn’t have touched him as much as they did. His heart was supposed to be impenetrable, but somehow, her words seemed to soften his heart. Which would not do. He needed to keep his distance from Edwina for now.
Bennett gave him an expectant look. “Are you coming for dinner, Miles?”
“Yes,” he replied as he started to descend the stairs. “Ihope I didn’t inconvenience Lord and Lady Dallington too much.”
“They haven’t come down yet, but I expect them shortly,” Bennett informed him.
“Then why the rush?” Miles asked.
Bennett grinned. “I suppose I just missed you.”
“You are a terrible liar,” Miles muttered.
Turning towards Edwina, Bennett acknowledged, “You are looking lovely this evening. That blue color suits you.”
“Thank you, Cousin,” Edwina said. “I suppose I should return the compliment by saying your waistcoat suits you.”
Bennett chuckled. “That was a terrible compliment. I expect better from you next time.” He glanced up at the stairs. “I wonder what is taking my mother and father so long.”
“Perhaps they have grown tired of you,” Miles joked.
“That is absurd,” Bennett retorted. “That couldn’t possibly be the reason since I am their favorite,” Bennett said.
Edwina cocked her head. “I would have thought Winston was their favorite.”
“No, Mother always tells me that I am her favorite,” Bennett remarked.
