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“I wanted to—”

“Forgive me, say what you need to say.” He looked a little resigned for some reason.

“I wanted to… I wanted to apologize.”

His gaze locked onto hers. “Apologize?”

She nodded. “I had no right to talk to you the way I did. Nor to avoid you this past week. I understand that you were trying to help Anna, and I should have known that you were not capable of what I accused you of.”

“Ah.” He plucked up a blade of grass and shredded it between his fingers. “I understand why you were angry with me, Lucy.”

Her chest swelled a little at the use of her first name. “I should have, at the very least, found out what had happened. I can be a little impetuous, I hope you can forgive me for that.”

Lord Eastbrook shook his head. “You owe me no apologies, Lucy, in fact—”

“Oh look!” She pointed toward the house. “Just look how beautiful it is.” The sun had dropped lower, covering the house now completely in amber. It stood out amongst the green treesand fields like a shining beacon. She turned to find him watching her instead of the house. “Why are you staring?”

“You really do love the manor house, do you not?”

“I really do. It is a wonderful place full of history and beauty. How could I not love it?”

“You were brought here as a child. I had imagined you might find it daunting. Not to mention you have been diligent in your care of it—many would find that a burden.”

“Do you find it a burden?”

He lifted his shoulders. “I find many things a burden. This house, however, not so much.” He offered her a smile that made her heart quicken. “That would be thanks to you.”

“Then why do you never come here?”

“That is a little harder to explain.” He twisted slightly to face her. “You need not have apologized, you know. In fact, it is me who should be apologizing. I left you here and neglected you. I was too buried in…” He rubbed a hand across his jaw. “Well, you paid the price for my neglect, and I hope that one day you shall forgive me for that.”

Lucy stared at him. Well, this was entirely unexpected. She had never even thought of his distance as neglect. It had merely been a time for her to take up the reins and prove to him that she could run this house. But, she supposed, he was right. He had neglected her.

She smiled gently. “I thank you for your apology. Though, I have never felt bitter about it. As you say, I love this house, and I love my life here.” She emphasized those words in the hopes that it might get through to him. That he might reconsider marrying her off.

“I’m glad. This house needs someone to love it. You have certainly done an outstanding job of keeping it running.” His gaze ran over her face, landing on her lips. “Lucy, you are an amazing woman.”

She looked down, the flattery warming her heart and making her feel all fluttery inside.

He put a hand to her cheek, forcing her gaze to his. She held her breath. It could not be happening, and yet it was, was it not? Here, with the sunset burnishing the hills, the marquis was about to kiss her.

And, goodness, did she want it.

His thumb stroked her cheek gently. She parted her lips and held his gaze, taking in the tiny dark flecks in his blue eyes. He leaned in, and every muscle in her body tensed, excitement tingled through her bones. He paused a mere inch away so that she could feel his warm breath upon her lips. She inhaled sharply, and the noise seemed to jolt him. His hand dropped from her face, and he moved back swiftly.

Lucy blinked, wrapping her arms about her waist. So, it seemed she did not have a girlish infatuation anymore. No, she did not know what this was, but more than anything, she had wanted to be kissed by him.

Oh Lord, what a pickle she was in.

Chapter Eight

For the first time in several weeks, Theo joined Lucy for breakfast. He grimaced as he eyed the vast array of food and beautifully set table. He really was an ass. Now, he could not fail to notice all the work that she put in around the house. All the menus she so carefully prepared, all the maintenance work she organized, how much care she put into the gardens. He should have never left her all those years ago.

The problem was, he was not certain he should be here now. Not after yesterday. Not after he nearly kissed her.

He gave her a tense smile, noting her wide eyes and her own hesitant smile as he moved past her toward the food set out to the side. Picking up a platter, he helped himself to some food and seated himself opposite Lucy.

Thoroughly aware of her watching his every move, he poured himself a strong coffee, foregoing any sugar or cream. In reality, he liked his coffee in the least masculine way, sweet with plenty of milk. But he supposed he thought he did not deserve such a thing—he was paying penance somehow. He smirked to himself. Lusting over his ward would need more penance than merely not enjoying his coffee.