Looking heavenward, Bennett muttered a few words under his breath before returning his gaze to Edwina. “You are being impossible.”
Edwina visibly tensed. “Says the man that is trying to force me to marry Lord Hilgrove.”
“Did you already forget that I caught you in a compromising position?” Bennett asked, his voice taking on an edge. “What choice do I have?”
“You do not have to be a jackanapes!” Edwina exclaimed before she continued down the path.
Together, they watched Edwina’s retreating figure. After a long moment, Bennett’s voice broke through the silence. “Mycousin is stubborn, but surely- in due time- she will realize this is the only way.”
Miles was sure that Edwina was his future, but now he had to convince her of that. Why couldn’t she see that he was trying to protect her by wanting a marriage in name only?
In a hesitant voice, Miles shared, “She wants love.”
Bennett turned to face him. “And you can’t give that to her?”
“No, I’m afraid I can’t,” Miles admitted. “I have loved once and it did not go well for me. I can’t risk it… not again.”
“That was a tragic circumstance, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on love,” Bennett said.
“What choice do I have?” Miles asked.
Bennett ran a hand through his hair. “Love is a choice. You must make it every single day.”
Miles scoffed. “Pardon me for not wishing to take advice from someone that has never been in love.”
A pained look came into Bennett’s eyes. “I have loved before, but my affection was not returned,” he shared.
Feeling contrite, Miles said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“How could you?” Bennett asked. “I never told you or anyone for that matter. It is not something I wish to dwell on.”
Miles watched as Edwina disappeared within the manor as he asked, “How do you propose I can convince your cousin to marry me?”
Bennett shrugged. “You could always buy her a falcon,” he joked.
“I would prefer not to,” Miles said.
Growing serious, Bennett remarked, “Regardless, we need to deal with the issues that you have brought up about my father.” He paused. “My father is a good man. I do not believe what you are claiming he is capable of.”
“It isn’t uncommon for a man of Lord Dallington’s position to have a mistress,” Miles attempted.
Bennett narrowed his eyes. “My parents love each other, and I resent the accusation.”
“I know what I saw, and it did not look good for your father,” Miles asserted.
“You were mistaken,” Bennett declared with a swipe of his hand. “It is preposterous to even think that my father has another family.”
Miles gave his friend an understanding look. “Perhaps you should come see for yourself the next time your father says he is departing for the village.”
“Fine. Then I can prove to you that it was just a misunderstanding,” Bennett said. “But first we need to speak to my father about the state of the estate.”
“What of Lady Edwina’s inheritance?” Miles asked.
Bennett looked displeased by his question. “I will take a look at my uncle’s will, but I am sure there is a perfectly plausible reason for why my father didn’t say anything.”
Miles nodded. “If you say so.”
“I do,” Bennett stated. “I know my father and he is not a bad man.”
