Page 131

“I did, but you are not incorrect in telling me of these things. It has been many years since I climbed and walked across the lands around the estate. As soon as I was close to being a man, those sorts of adventures were no longer acceptable.”

She pursed her lips. “If you could, would you give up the title? You work so hard for it.”

“Do not think I have not thought of it, but there is so much history behind this name.” He squeezed her hand. “You have reminded me of that, Lucy.”

She gave a little shrug. “I do not have a history of my own. So, I suppose I’m a little guilty of adopting your family as my own.”

“And why should you not? We took you in. It is entirely within your rights to lay a claim upon us.” He released his grip on her hand and looped an arm around her waist, drawing her close. “For the moment, however, I would like to lay claim to one thing…”

Lucy held her breath. To her? Did this mean…?

“A kiss,” he murmured.

Her heart sank a little even as his lips met hers. Somehow, she would have to summon the courage to address their future. She might have no suitors waiting in the wings, but she had no intention of being someone’s mistress either. Not that she really thought Theo would want such a thing. Not after what had happened with his wife.

She needed to know for certain, though.

He drew back and searched her gaze, a little crease appearing between his brows. He shook his head marginally then took her hand once more, and they headed toward the wildflower field.

Theo aided her over a stile, and she paused to admire the scattered collection of colors—reds mingled with greens andblues and occasional sprigs of white and purple. She smiled broadly. “These will be perfect.”

“As I said, I know little about flowers, but I am certain you will create something wonderful from them. Although, as much as I want things to be done on a budget, I may allow a little more funds for the flower arrangements if it makes your life easier.”

She shook her head vigorously. “No, I would not wish to waste money on such a thing, and besides, it will be fun creating something from these.”

She sensed him watching her as she stepped around the edge of the field, fingering a few flowers, picturing how they would work together. He waited by the fence, leaning back with his elbows on the wood rail.

Swallowing hard, she made her way back over to him. Blast. Did he have to look like the most handsome man in the world? It made it all the harder to bring up the subject of their future. There was nothing she wanted more than to be lost in his arms and his touch, to simply enjoy his company. However, the part of her that sought for her life to be organized sought answers to the future too.

“Theo?”

He pushed away from the fence and locked his arms around her waist. Running a finger down her cheek, he let it linger on her lips, tracing the curve of them. Every inch of her tingled from his touch.

“There is no one like you, Lucy, I hope you know that.”

She searched his blue gaze. Of course, the words were said with utter sincerity. She did not think the man ever said anything without sincerity. Her heart expanded another fraction as though wanting to stretch out toward him and offer itself to him.

Pursing her lips, she drew in a breath. All she needed to do was ask the question. Somehow. What was their future? What did he imagine for them? It was easy.

Except it was not.

“Why exactly did you return to Eastbrook, Theo?” she blurted out instead.

He stiffened and something odd flickered in his gaze. A knot of tension tightened her throat.

“Theo?” she pressed.

He smiled, though it looked strained. “It was about time, that was all.”

“And the ball?”

“I thought it was about time for one of those too.”

“But—”

He took her hand. “Come, it looks as though it might rain. The last thing I want is for you to sicken.”

Lucy scowled at the lone gray cloud in the sky that was unlikely to do anything other than pass over them, but she allowed herself to be dragged along. She should just come out with it…just say it…