Page 116 of Courting the Country Miss

Tristan shook his head. “No one cares for these children. If we don’t help them, they will grow up unloved, unwanted, and unworthy. They will spend all their lives scrabbling for food and never have the self-possession to seek a better life.”

Leticia had given that to them; she could give that to others. Tristan would help her any way possible.

Leticia’s eyes shone as she gazed up at him, admiration so clear. His chest swelled in pride. He glanced at Bradbury who studied him.

Tristan slipped his hand into Leticia’s and faced Bradbury, daring him to contradict. “We will hire more security, and perhaps look for a different neighborhood, but the school remains open.”

Bradbury addressed Leticia. “I won’t allow you to put yourself at risk.”

Leticia shook her head. “My lord, this is a conversation for another time.”

Bradbury went very still and glanced at Tristan warily. To Leticia, he nodded. “Of course.”

Tristan squeezed her hand. “I’m going to the school to see what became of the attacker.”

Leticia handed him a key. “Be careful.”

Though tempted to kiss Leticia in front of Bradbury and thus stake his claim, Tristan nodded and left, vowing to do all he could to protect the school, its teacher, and most of all his beloved Leticia.

Chapter Thirty-Three

From the foyer of her aunt’s house, Leticia watched Tristan leave and offered a wordless prayer for his safety as he returned to the scene of the violence.

“Miss Wentworth.” Lord Bradbury’s voice drew her attention. She’d almost forgotten his presence. “It appears I have come at an inconvenient time.”

She steadied herself. “No. No, this is as good a time as any.”

After exchanging a glance with her aunt, who moved to the flower arrangement on the table, Leticia led the way to the front parlor and left the double doors wide open.

Lord Bradbury approached and stood so close that his clothing brushed against her arm. “I have a matter I wish to discuss with you.” He hesitated. “Perhaps I should have asked for an appointment. You are preoccupied, and seem to have returned moments ago from a ride?”

She glanced down at her riding habit. “Yes, Trista—er, Mr. Barrett and I went riding and he stayed for breakfast.”

“I see.” He paused.

She faced him. “There is something I should discuss with you without delay.”

He gestured. “Very well. Perhaps you should speak your mind first.”

“I…” Oh dear. How does one tell a kind gentleman—a lord—that one’s feelings have changed without sounding like a fickle chit or a jilt? She sank down on the nearest chair. “Won’t you please sit, my lord?”

He perched at the edge of the closest chair, his knees almost brushing hers. “My Christian name is Blake—I’d like very much if you would call me that.”

Oh, no. This was serious. Leticia held herself in check lest she shoot out of the chair and force the gentleman to stand. She clasped her hands together. Drew a breath. Swallowed. “My lord, I find it difficult to tell you this, but it appears that I did not know my heart—have not been aware of my heart for quite some time now.” A trickle of perspiration wandered down the back of her neck. “I implied…something that you might have understood as a promise. Indeed, that is how I meant it at the time, or at least, I thought I did.”

He took her hand. “Miss Wentworth. I urge you to re-consider what you are about to say.”

“Please…”

He rushed on, his expression urgent. “I know you and Mr. Barrett are lifelong friends, and you have understandably tender feelings for him. I am also aware of his appeal to ladies.” His grip tightened. “Please consider the life I offer you. I offer you my title and my wealth, as well as my heart and my complete fidelity. I seldom drink or gamble and have always treated the fair sex with the dignity and respect they deserve—even those who do not respect themselves. I am not a rake—have never been a rake—and have always valued honor and fidelity.”

Leticia’s eyes burned. This was more difficult than she had feared. “I admire that, and so much more, about you. But Tristan has changed. And he loves me.”

He stepped closer, a breath away from an embrace. “I love you.”

He was so handsome, so sincere. Oh, why had she not been more open to her heart regarding Tristan before engaging Lord Bradbury’s affections? Her vision blurred and she focused on their clasped hands, his so warm and strong over hers. She blinked back her tears and returned her gaze to his face.

“My lord, I am honored, but—”