Page 78

Bending his neck, Layton touched her forehead with his and inhaled her wildflower scent.

This overwhelming tenderness he felt for her might well emasculate him, but he did not care. “I am sorry I did not say goodbye. Circumstances prevented me from doing so, but I know I hurt you.”

Surrounded by the silent night, she stepped backward, searching his face in the dim light.

“Why did you come back, Layton?”

A steely thread laced her soft question.

That was Lilly.

All pragmatic and sensible.

And she’d had time to erect a defense to protect herself against further pain.

A bold declaration about a future together might not be the best approach at this moment.

Instead, he sought to reassure her.

He cupped her shoulders, peering into her wary eyes.

“First, you must know. I am not married, Lilly. I was, several years ago, but she died.”

She did not need to know those unpleasant details right now. Of course, Layton would tell her.

There would be no secrets between them. Ever.

The darkness made it impossible to see for certain, but he thought relief may have swept across her beloved face.

Still, she remained silent, staring at him with those enormous eyes.

Layton understood her silent question.

That he was not married did not explain his return to Kelston Hall, nor why he had asked her to meet him tonight. Was it possible that his strong, spirited, independent Lilly was afraid to ask what was in her heart?

“While in London, I learned my abductors had been caught and imprisoned.” He had already sent word for the men he hired to watch Kelston Hall to take their leave. “There is no need to worry about them any longer.”

No need to talk to Wrottesley either.

Layton had learned of the lascivious rapscallion’s reputation and did not want the sheriff anywhere near Lilly.

“That is a relief. I had worried…” As if Lilly revealed too much, she cast a forlorn glance toward the silvery meadows, then shrugged as she shook her head. “’Tis of no matter.”

It mattered.

She regarded him warily again. “You could have written and told me those things, Layton.”

“I could have, yes, but I wanted to tell you in person.” He smiled at her tenderly, so reserved and guarded. “I have created a trust for Kelston Hall and made you the trustee.”

Layton would start there and see where the conversation led.

That surprised her, and she tilted her head like an inquisitive little wren. “Why would you do that, and where did the funds come from?”

Her reticence was not unexpected, and he had prepared a defense.

“I used the inheritance from my father. He was not an honorable man, and from a very early age, I determined I would only ever use the money for a benevolent cause and never for my benefit.”

The years of anger Layton had harbored toward his father dissolved when he signed the trust documents. Finally, free of the encumbrance of resentment, he looked forward to the good Lilly would do with the money.