Page 23 of To Woo a Wicked Widow

“But they are the ones with no taste for adventure, I’ll wager.” That particular adventure continued still, with surprises all along the way.

The clock on the mantel chimed three and Nash reluctantly rose. “I should be going, my lady. I have discharged my duty to your father, although if I can render you any service regarding these plaguey robbers, please send to me at once. At times they seem more a nuisance than a danger, although I do not like that they have lingered here in Kent so long.”

She turned those sea-green eyes on him and he caught his breath.

“Will you not stay for the house party, Lord Wrotham? There is ample room here at Lyttlefield Park and I would consider it an honor to have you as my special guest.” She grasped his hands and heat danced along the tops of his forearms. “I can never repay you for the kindness you did for Edward. But please allow me to offer some entertainment to you this weekend. I am sure you would like a rest before returning to London.”

Nash couldn’t repress a chuckle. “Not quite so far, I’m afraid. Your invitation followed me from Town to Wrotham Hall, scarcely a mile down the road from your estate.”

“Oh, dear, yes, of course.” She released his hands and her cheeks pinkened prettily. “The village is Wrotham. Why did I not realize it was you?”

“I am sure you had many other things on your mind, my lady, than my name.” He missed the warmth of her hands. “And I was situated in London when we met in June.” Nash recalled that evening and some of his lightness dimmed. “I understand you are widowed?” There must be a story there. Why marry if she had been in love with another man?

“Yes. My husband died just after Waterloo.”

“My condolences.”

“Thank you.” She nodded curtly, although her countenance did not seem grieved.

“Was Almack’s your first venture into society after your mourning?”

“Yes.” Her hands tightened in her lap. “My cousin and I thought it fitting to emerge from mourning at the ball to commemorate the anniversary of that dreadful battle.” She sent him a fleeting smile, then dropped her gaze back to her lap.

“I was sorry not to have had the benefit of your company longer that night, Lady Cavendish. I had hoped to partner you for one of the dances.” Nash waited, keen for her response.

“Oh, Lord Wrotham.” She clasped his hand once more, and Nash was hard put to stand still. “I am truly sorry for that inexcusable breach. I assure you I had given Mr. Garrett no cause to believe I had promised him that dance.” She hung on to his hand as though it were a lifeline. “I would never have accepted you if I had. Please, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, especially as we are to be neighbors.”

He raised her hand and kissed it, the soft, rose-scented skin intoxicating. “Consider it forgiven and forgotten, my lady. I will therefore live in hope of another opportunity to claim you for a dance.”

She nodded, another brilliant smile lighting her face. “I will look forward to it, my lord.”

As would he.

“Look forward to what, my dear?” Lady John Tarkington’s voice startled them both. Nash jumped back and Lady Cavendish rose to greet her cousin.

“Jane! May I present the Earl of Wrotham?” Her eyes sparkled, darting her gaze from him to her cousin.

Overly excited for a mere introduction. Had his confession made such an impression on her?

“I have just discovered his lordship is our neighbor.”

“Indeed? His lordship and I met at Almack’s in June, my dear. How do you do, my lord? I am so glad you have turned up after all. Dear Charlotte was quite in a dither that she had not heard from you. It is excellent news that we have you close to hand if we ever require assistance.”

“Jane!” Lady Cavendish gasped and blushed for a third time. The lovely color in her cheeks was even more becoming, although he feared she might overheat at any moment.

“I was just telling Lady Cavendish I hoped for another chance to dance with her.”

“Splendid, Wrotham. You shall get your chance at the party this weekend.”

“Indeed I had hoped so.”

“So you will attend, Lord Wrotham?” Lady Cavendish’s face glowed with happiness.

How could he deny that face? “It will be my pleasure, my lady. Although I beg to be allowed to reside at home, for tonight at least. I have several matters that must be seen to first thing tomorrow.”

“It will be as you wish, my lord.” Lady Cavendish took his arm, steering him toward the entrance hall. “I enjoy keeping country hours, therefore dinner is at six.”

“Lady Stephen will be in directly,” Lady John called after them. “She insisted on repairing herself before her entrance.” She peered around. “Is she the first to arrive other than Wrotham?”