Page 171 of Rogue of My Heart

Yes, he was.

With a small smile playing about her lips, she intended to start by making the most of this beautiful, new day.

The dark blue day dress that donned accented the red in her hair, and she smiled in anticipation as she went downstairs in search of Michael.

She found him in his study with his spectacles on, hunched over an estate ledger. He glanced up when she walked in, his gaze lingering on her before he frowned and returned to his work. “Good morning, Albina.”

“It is a lovely one, is it not?” she returned, sashaying over to the window. “I thought about taking a walk while the dew is still fresh on the grass.” She looked over her shoulder at him. As she’d suspected, he was watching her intently. “I don’t suppose you’d care to accompany me?”

He removed his glasses and sat back in his chair. “Are you sure that’s a good idea after you’ve been sick? You might contract another chill.”

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Really, Michael. I’m younger than you. I have survived far worse ailments, I assure you, including birthing three children.”

She couldn’t be sure, but it almost seemed as though a light touch of color appeared on his cheeks. Surely he wasn’t actually… blushing?

He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, you make a valid point.” He rose to his feet. “In that case, I’ll be glad to join you.”

Albina grinned, and after they collected their outerwear, along with his cane and her bonnet, he offered her his arm as they walked outside.

* * *

They stood on the front step, and she breathed deeply of the fresh, summer air, still cool at this time of the morning, although the promise of warmth was there. “I forgot how… clean everything smells here. London is so polluted and covered with soot and smoke that even should I wish to take a walk in the park, it is crowded and carries a continuous, gloomy fog.”

“Indeed,” Michael said as they began a trek down the drive. “I find that my lungs aren’t as congested as they were.”

She glanced at him curiously. “I never knew that you suffered from such an affliction.”

He swung his cane at a tall tuft of grass. “I didn’t wish to bother you with unnecessary matters.”

She frowned then. “Your health is not inconsequential to me.”

“I didn’t mean to imply that it was, only that I didn’t want to burden you with my problems when you were dealing with your own.” He paused. “If you will recall, it was a rather difficult time after your parents died and the children left home.”

She digested his words, knowing that they were true. “Yes, I agree I didn’t feel like myself for some time.” She glanced down at the path at her feet. “Some days I still don’t.”

They were silent for a moment before he asked, “How has your writing been going?”

She grimaced. “Not at all, I’m afraid.” She sighed heavily. “I just don’t have any more advice to give.”

“I doubt that’s true,” he countered softly. “You’ve always been intelligent. I’m sure the words will come to you eventually.”

Albina’s lips twitched. “My mother would be horrified to hear you speak in such a manner. She always said that no man ever wished to marry a smart woman.”

“Then I would have to tell her that she is mistaken, for that is one of the things that made me fall in love with you.”

She looked sharply at Michael, although he stared straight ahead, his face wiped clear of any expression. “Was it?” she dared to ask.

This time, she saw the slight movement of his lips. “Among other things.”

“Like what?” she prodded. Now her curiosity had been flamed.

He pondered her question for a moment and then said, “You were beautiful, of course. And kind and good natured.” He shifted a sideways glance at her. “And you made me laugh. Not many women could do that.”

* * *

Albina’s mouth fell open. “That’s what I loved about you, your ability to make me smile!”

Suddenly, his brows came down in a frown. “I fear I’ve lost that particular talent over the years.”