Page 24 of An Enchanting Kiss (Captivating Kisses #5)

She told herself that he wouldn’t be a good husband to her.

That he would always put Celia above his wife.

While she thought it admirable that he thought so much of his niece and was protective of her, Lia believed a marriage should be sacred, and the love of husband and wife should outshine everything, even the children they had.

Yes, children were important and deserved to be loved for who they were, but not if it sacrificed the relationship between their parents.

Despite her tender feelings toward the viscount, she saw now that he could never return the same to her. Celia would always be between them.

Much as Lia liked the little girl, she would never play second fiddle to anyone.

Marching ahead, Viscount Cressley caught up to her. “You took off without me.”

Tamping down the strong emotions still running through her, and not wanting to embroil him in her personal turmoil, which he was totally unaware of, she apologized.

“I am sorry, my lord. I got caught up in my own thoughts and the beauty of the land.” She gazed ahead. “We should catch up to the others.”

Lia hurried off, not waiting to take his arm.

She did not think she could stand to have him touch her again and would do whatever it took to avoid his touch.

She would not be able to avoid seeing him, however, especially since she had agreed to help him in supervising Celia.

Then again, while Celia was in her care, it would free Lord Cressley so that he could attend to his duties.

If she were lucky, she would only see him sporadically.

They continued their walk around Buttermere Lake.

Lia made certain from that point on, they were close to the others, enough so that she could converse with her sister and cousins.

Every now and then they would stop and point out something of interest. She had a fondness for birds and spotted a white-throated dipper and a peregrine, while Tia saw a red kite and Tray identified a raven.

She also enjoyed seeing the numerous red squirrels in the area, so very different from the squirrels running about Kent.

“The area is frequented by those wishing to see its beauty during the summer months,” Tray said.

“A travel guide was written last century, describing the area, and the name Lake District took hold. In late spring and throughout the summer months, the surrounding region has hordes of visitors descend upon it, wishing to tour from Keswick to Grasmere.”

“I am glad we are seeing it at this time of year,” Lia said. “I am not particularly fond of crowds.”

They arrived back in Buttermere close to two and a half hours after they had set out.

The pub owner greeted them, saying he had an upper room where they could dine in a bit of privacy.

The ladies excused themselves to take advantage of using the facilities, and when they returned, cold ale was set out on the table.

Lia drank half her mug in one swallow, parched after their long trek.

The food brought to them was tasty, a hearty stew, filled with chunks of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Fresh, hot bread and crocks of butter were also brought.

When Tray asked if dessert was available, the pub owner said to leave it to him. Minutes later, bowls of baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon arrived, with scoops of apricot ice cream atop them.

“I have never tasted anything so good,” she declared.

Then her gaze met Lord Cressley’s. He sat opposite her, and she had avoided looking at him, talking to everyone but him as they ate. He held it, and she sensed a deep yearning, something which confused her to no end.

Tia tapped her arm, breaking the spell, and Lia turned to her twin, who asked her a question. By the time she had answered and looked back, Lord Cressley was speaking with Justina.

“Is everyone finished?” Tray asked. “We should claim our horses and make our way back. We will go home a different way than the way we came. Newlands Valley will be a large part of the scenery and something different for us to enjoy.”

“Can we stop at the waterfall?” Justina asked. “It is only about a quarter-hour walk from the road we will be on.”

“No, I think not,” Tray said. “We have no one to tend to our horses. Most likely, there is no place we could tie them up. And the path is too narrow and rocky to ride them to the waterfall. Perhaps another time, Justina.”

Tray settled their bill with the pub owner, and they claimed their horses again. She made certain her cousin helped seat her upon her horse, and she chose to ride close to Tray on their way back. He told her about some of the mining in the area.

“Cumberland is full of other mines beyond slate. Copper. Lead. Even graphite, which is used in pencils.”

“I am keeping a journal of what I have seen on my travels from Kent to Cumberland,” she told him.

“I will certainly rave in my writings about what we have seen today. The cloud-capped fells. The clear blue of Derwentwater. The rugged beauty of the fields. I am glad we made the circuit about Buttermere Lake. It was idyllic being surrounded by mountains and such breathtaking views”

They cantered on and off the rest of the way home, and Lia was pleased that she did not have to speak once to Lord Cressley.

When they arrived at Traywick Manor, she was glad to finally be home again. It would take time to nurse her bruised heart, but now that she knew Viscount Cressley held no interest in her, Lia could push aside the foolish notions she had held about him and merely enjoy her visit to Cumberland.

She dropped to the ground from her horse and took the reins, leading it inside the stables and handing a groom the reins before exiting the structure.

They walked as a group up to the house. She couldn’t help but be aware that the viscount walked with Tray, and she thought it a good thing.

Lord Cressley might not be interested in her as a wife, but he would be a good friend to Tray, especially once Tray completed his studies and returned to Traywick Manor for good.

They were met by Larsen, who said Cook had anticipated they would be hungry after the long day and that a buffet would be set up in the breakfast room for them.

“I should be off,” Lord Cressley said. “Where might my niece be?”

“Last I knew, she was in the schoolroom having milk and bread with Lady Traywick, my lord,” the butler replied.

Lia saw the others had headed toward the breakfast room, so she said, “I can take you to Celia, my lord. We should discuss what time you need me to arrive at Crestbrook tomorrow.”

She went to the staircase and climbed the stairs without his assistance. They reached the top, and she turned to her right.

“The schoolroom is this way, my lord,” she said, hoping he would follow her.

Suddenly, his hand took her elbow, preventing her from moving. “My lord?” she asked, frowning at him.

His gaze burned in to her, boring to the depths of her soul.

“You said you had never tasted anything as good as those baked apples,” he said, his voice low and rough. “Since that moment, all I have wanted to taste... is you.”

His words hung in the air. Lia shook her head, utterly confused. Then he took a few steps into the nearest room, a small bedchamber, bringing her along with him. His fingers still held her elbow, the heat of them scalding her. With his other hand, he cradled her nape.

“I may regret this, but I am going to kiss you, Lady Lia. The way I have wanted to ever since we met.”

She stilled. She had never been kissed. It was a moment she had not thought much about, simply because Mama had harped upon the fact that she was never to be alone with a gentleman. That if she were found that way, especially if in an embrace, she would be ruined.

The viscount’s head bent, his mouth touching hers almost reverently.

He pressed his lips against hers softly, breaking the kiss, then kissing her again.

And again. His bergamot scent swirled about her, intoxicating her, even as his lips danced against hers.

Lia reached up and linked her fingers behind his nape, pulling him closer to her.

His arm went about her, pinning her to him, their bodies flush against one another.

Heat sparked within her, rushing through her limbs.

His kisses grew more demanding, lasting longer each time.

Then he shocked her, slowly running his tongue along the seam of her mouth, causing her to gasp.

Quickly, his tongue slipped inside her mouth, gliding along, caressing her tongue, bringing about the most incredible sensations.

She tasted him, even as he tasted her, and he was far more divine than any baked apple could ever be.

They continued kissing, her tongue now warring with his as she quickly learned the art of kissing from him.

The blood pumped loudly in her ears, roaring so that if he had spoken to her, she would not have heard a word.

The place between her legs came to life, aching, then throbbing, wanting something she did not understand.

Then as quickly as it began, he broke the kiss, his hands lightly clasping her wrists, bringing them back to her side. She stared up at him in wonder.

“You tasted of those baked apples and cinnamon,” he said softly, his thumb sliding along her bottom lip. “But also of so much more.”

Then his hand fell away. He stepped back, leaving her perplexed.

“I thought... you did not like me,” she told him .

A gleam came into his eyes. “I find that I like you too much, Lia.” He cleared his throat. “We must go to Celia.”

He returned to the corridor, and she joined him, her legs shaky. They continued down the hall, and she showed him the door, incapable of words.

Opening it, he exclaimed, “There is my girl!”

Celia ran to him, standing on tiptoe and throwing her arms about his waist. He scooped her up.

“How was your day with Lady Traywick and Her Grace?”

“Fun,” she said. “We played with dolls. Her Grace took me to the music room. I got to touch the...” She looked back at Aunt Agnes, who smiled and said, “The pianoforte.”

“That’s it. I played music, Uncle Rupert! And we went to the stables and petted the horses. I got to play with a cat.”

“It sounds like a wonderful day, Celia.” He turned to face Lia. “Might you be at Crestbrook by nine o’clock tomorrow morning, my lady?”

“Of course, my lord,” she said demurely, her heart still beating far too quickly. “I can stay as long as you need me to do so.”

“I should return every day by teatime. In fact, I will try to do so before then so that you might be back at Traywick Manor to take your own tea with your cousins.”

Disappointment flooded her. He had just given her a magical, enchanting kiss, one which made her feel womanly and desired—and now he was acting as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Raising her chin a notch, she said, “That would be most acceptable, my lord.”

“Then I will be back by half-past three tomorrow.” He looked to her aunt. “Lady Traywick, I am forever in your debt and that of Her Grace’s for watching over Celia today.”

“She is a good girl. We had a marvelous time.” Aunt Agnes looked to Lia. “How was your tour? ”

“Very good. I have never been swept away by such incredible scenery.” Lia was proud she was able to put a full sentence together and grateful that her words actually made sense. “Larsen said Cook has prepared a buffet for us. Come and join us, Aunt Agnes.”

“Might you stay, Lord Cressley?” her aunt asked.

“I fear I need to get this little one to bed, my lady, but thank you for your kind offer.”

He left with Celia still in his arms. Lia and her aunt followed him downstairs, where he told her he would send his carriage for her.

“That is not necessary, Lord Cressley. I will ride over. It is more convenient.”

“Then we will see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow, Lady Lia,” Celia cried gleefully, and Larsen let them out the front door.

Lia turned and headed toward the breakfast room with her aunt, who caught her arm just before they entered.

“Do you have anything you wish to share with me?” Aunt Agnes asked, a knowing look in her eyes.

“No. Not at this time. Maybe after I reflect upon things I will come to you.”

“Then I shall say nothing to Alice.”

She hugged her aunt. “Thank you.”

They entered the breakfast room and as Lia fixed herself a plate, she tried to push the kiss from her mind. It was definitely something she must think on at length. Alone.

She and Aunt Agnes took a seat, and they began reliving their day, talking about what they saw. She made certain to join in so that her mother would not suspect anything was amiss. Lia did not want Mama to forbid her from going to Crestbrook tomorrow.

When they finished eating, Lia said, “I need to go practice since I missed doing so this morning.”

“You are so dedicated to your music,” Justina said .

“It soothes me,” she said, excusing herself and heading to the music room, knowing if she went anywhere else, someone would be around, and she would not have the time alone she needed.

Closing the door, Lia played for a few minutes, and then she stopped. She needed to consider what Lord Cressley’s kiss had meant.

And how it had now changed things between them.