Page 8

And he did want to ask… Perhaps not about her skills with riding horses, but he wanted to have a conversation with her.

While he would never have wished her to be injured in any way, he could not help being grateful for this opportunity to be alone with her.

He fully realized that they had just met, but in that brief amount of time he had become drawn to her.

There was something about Miss Georgina Williams that spoke to his soul.

He had to know more about her. The problem of course was what to talk to her about.

The weather seemed far too mundane for the depth of his innermost desires.

Those violet eyes of hers were mesmerizing.

He wanted to become lost within them. Hell, Adrian wanted to become lost in her.

He wasn’t usually so prophetic, but she brought that side out of him.

Without even trying… If she ever did attempt to lure him in any fashion, he’d be lost. Though it may be far too late to save him from such a fate.

“How are you faring?” he asked her. He did wish to know if she was all right, but he also had nothing else to start a conversation with. He knew little about her and he had to start somewhere.

“I’m all right,” she said in a soft tone. Miss Georgina glanced at him beneath her lashes, not quite meeting his gaze. “I suspect when I attempt to walk that may not be the case.”

He tilted his lips upward into his most charming smile. “No need to concern yourself with that. I’ll gladly carry you inside.” The idea of holding her in his arms filled him with a need so profound he nearly shuddered with it. “I wouldn’t wish for you to injure yourself further.”

“I thank you for your kindness,” she replied. Her voice was so low and light, it was barely audible. He had to strain to hear her. “I fear I would not have been able to make it back to Havenwood without your assistance.”

“Think nothing of it,” he said in a flippant tone. He did not wish her to feel beholden to him. He’d appreciate it much more if she wanted to spend time with him. Not out of some sort of obligation, but because she had the same need he did to be close. “It was my honor to assist you.”

“Still,” she told him. “I am glad for it.”

Now that they had exhausted this line of conversation what else should he ask her?

What topic was safe? She seemed so shy, and he didn’t wish to frighten her in any way.

Adrian wanted them to be comfortable with each other.

That was his main goal and something of that nature took time.

Patience was not one of his strong suits.

He was far too impulsive for such an action.

“How long have you attended Havenwood?” He didn’t know any of the girls they had crossed paths with.

Though clearly Easton and Amberwood had more knowledge than they had informed him about.

He’d have questions for them later. Did they know Miss Georgina as well?

What was their connection to the other two ladies?

“Not long at all,” she said. “I’m their newest student.”

She did not elaborate but that made him even more curious. “Are you implying you only recently arrived?” That couldn’t be correct. There were terms in place at schools and this was definitely not the start of one.

“I did,” she confirmed. “The term has ended, but I am here for the break between and will start the next full term.”

“Why would you come now then?” This was more confusing than he liked. “Why not wait until the next term?”

A blush stained her cheeks as she glanced away.

What was it Easton had said about the Havenwood Academy?

It was deemed the school for unmarriageable young ladies.

He didn’t know what made them not desired in the bonds of matrimony, but now that his curiosity was stoked, he’d have answers as soon as he could find the right person to ask his questions.

“My father thought I’d benefit from coming sooner. ”

That was not much to go on. “In what way?” Adrian probably should not push her for more, but he could not help himself from asking the question.

She sighed, frustration evident in that release of her breath. “My season did not go well.”

“Many ladies have disastrous seasons. Their families do not usually send them away to school in the hopes of making a better one the following season.” Adrian frowned. “That cannot be his only reason.”

“Not exactly,” she said, but didn’t expound upon those other reasons. Was it that terrible? He stared at her and considered his next words. What would coax her into spilling her secrets?

“Did you cause a scandal?” he asked. He barely held back the wickedness from his tone. Was this little sprite of a woman a hellion in disguise? If so, he was far more intrigued than before. Somehow, he doubted that though. She didn’t seem like the sort to become embroiled in a scandal.

“Of course not,” she scoffed. “I’d never…” Miss Georgina shook her head and frowned. “I wouldn’t know a scandal if I tripped over it and fell face first into the middle of it.” She blew out a breath. “I’m the least scandalous person you will ever meet.”

“Then it couldn’t be as terrible as you suggested.

” He didn’t like that her father had sent her away at all.

But at the same time, it was to his benefit.

This gorgeous woman was here, close by, where he could lure her into the very sort of scandal she didn’t know anything about.

He’d gladly lead her astray and into his arms for the most decadent of kisses.

Later though. When she wasn’t injured and completely at his mercy.

“You would not understand,” she told him.

Miss Georgina lifted her gaze to meet his.

There was misery in those violet eyes that he wished to erase and replace with only happiness.

In time he would do just that. He would hold her and kiss away all her sad thoughts and make her sigh with joy.

It was a promise he intended to keep. If he did nothing else, he’d ensure her life was filled with bliss.

“Then explain it to me. I want to understand.” He knew he didn’t deserve her. He was a devil in a gentleman’s clothing. The worst sort of rogue. But he wanted her. Maybe even needed her. Like the very air that filled his lungs with each breath…

“I’m a wallflower,” she told him. “Perhaps worse than that. Some wallflowers do occasionally get noticed.” She glanced down at the reins in her hands. “No one saw me.”

Were they all blind? Adrian did not attend any balls.

The young ladies looking for a husband would not appreciate a scoundrel like him in their midst. He would have noticed her though.

He’d always see her. Those violet eyes drew him in like the proverbial moth to a flame.

Her light filled his darkness in ways he desperately needed.

“They’re all fools,” he muttered. The loneliness in her voice haunted him.

She had felt invisible all her life, never once seen for who she truly was.

And he knew that, despite her beauty—her striking violet eyes and soft, gentle features—she saw herself as nothing more than a wallflower.

He had never heard anyone speak so painfully about their own worth before, and it tore at him, deep within his soul.

“What was that?” she asked. She narrowed her gaze. “I didn’t hear what you said.”

He met her gaze and held it. “They’re all fools,” he repeated for her benefit. “And it is their loss.”

“It’s kind of you to say that.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I know I’m no great beauty, and my shy nature doesn’t help either.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “My father was right. This school…”

“What about this school?” he asked.

“It has helped me already.” She smiled. “I think after a year here I can attempt society again and perhaps I will be fortunate enough to find a husband. Either way, I’ve made friends here. I never had friends before.”

His heart broke at her words. She sounded so lonely.

He ached for her, and he made another promise then.

She would never know that kind of pain again.

Adrian would protect her from it with his own life if he had to.

“It looks like we have made it back to the school.” He gestured toward Havenwood Academy. “I’ll help you inside.”

Once they reached the school he dismounted from his horse and tied the reins to a post and did the same with hers.

After that was done, he went to assist her down from her horse.

He carried her into the school and called for someone to help.

After she was settled into her bedchamber, he left her to the care of the staff.

He wanted to stay, but knew it was inappropriate.

There would be other times they could be together.

He’d ensure it. Reluctantly he left and went to find his friends.

As luck would have it, they had made it back to Havenwood with the other two ladies and they could ride back to Easton Abbey together.

Though neither one of them looked any happier than Adrian felt…