Page 46 of The Wise Daughter
There was the slightest hesitation as she reached for his hand.
“Not really. Though I did want you to know… I came to your room last night. I heard noises and wanted to see that you were all right.” She added this part quickly, then spun away again a second too early.
He almost missed the deep flush spreading across her face.
“Is that what’s bothering you, Nora? I know you are concerned about propriety, but–”
“Yes, certainly,” she interrupted, looking around, “but I was wondering…” She pressed her lips together. “I was wondering whether you remembered me or anything I might have said.”
Her flush blossomed down her neck, standing out more vividly against the white of her gown, and a new thought occurred to him. His dream of Nora telling him about her wish by the bridge and about how much she needed him and loved him… Was it possible it hadn’t been a dream?
He missed a step.
With a giddy rush of courage, he seized both her hands. “Nora, come with me.”
Her expression was impossible to read, but she needed no coaxing.
With his heartbeat gaining momentum, he led her away from the dancing, through the large double doors, and out onto the terrace where torches softly quivered like the blood in his veins.
The night was cold but after the growing heat of the ballroom, the coolness was a welcome relief, clearing his aching head and heightening his determination.
Nora looked around. “Aaron, why are we out here?”
He met her questioning eyes, and his rush of courage fled as quickly as it had come, replaced by questions that nibbled at him.
His tongue stalled. She now looked so uncertain.
He needed this moment to be perfect, so he altered his intentions.
Declarations of love would be that much sweeter if he first made apologies.
“I brought you here because there is much to say.”
She nodded. “I already know you caught Gaines and Vander and two other men who were with them. I’m so pleased, though I wish it had not come at the cost of your arm. Doesn’t it hurt? We don’t have to dance any more now that the ball has begun.”
“Please don’t worry about my arm. I’m well enough.
” He imagined forgetting the ball and pulling her close.
Her words, and perhaps the lingering effects of the opium, were muddling his thoughts while his tongue rebelled.
Every syllable had to come together like the strokes of a painting.
“Before we say anything else, Nora, I have to say that, yesterday while we were riding, well, I’m sorry for getting angry.
You were only trying to help, and your actions did lead to the capture of four of our thieves, which I cannot argue with. ”
She stood perfectly still, listening. Though his stitched arm alternated between cold and burning, the rest of him swelled with the return of his confidence.
“You are so lovely and good, Nora, so clever and kind. I’m sorry I didn’t say it before, but I need you to know–”
“Derricott!”
Oh, confound it! Not again. Of all the times to be interrupted!
Nora looked beyond him. “Is that Lord Bilford with…” Her brows scrunched together. “My father?”
Aaron turned around. Bilford strutted toward them, his chest puffed out like a cocky woodpecker while Mr. Lacy trailed behind much more subdued.
“Good evening Mr. Lacy,” Aaron said, bowing slightly. “Bilford, you have a most remarkable talent for interruptions. I’m surprised to see you here.”
He chuckled, not a whit sorry. “Thought it best if I’m here tonight since half my staff asked permission to come.”
Aaron unclenched his jaw. He wouldn’t allow Bilford to ruin another perfect moment with Nora. “Of course. I hope you enjoy your evening.”
“Oh, decidedly. I already have.” He laughed again, slapping Mr. Lacy on the back. “And it’s about to get better.”
Nora’s eyes narrowed. “Father, what does he mean?”
But Mr. Lacy wouldn’t meet anyone’s eye.
“He owes me, Ravenglass. I won. There’s no disputing it this time.”
Aaron released a heavy breath. He knew Mr. Lacy might succumb to something like this and that it might come at his expense, but what wretched timing!
“How much does he owe you, Bilford?”
Bilford shook his head. “Not how much, but what.” His grin widened.
Aaron felt Nora wilt beside him as a soft groan escaped her lips. “Oh, Father. What have you done now?”
Mr. Lacy tugged at his sleeves and cravat as Bilford answered for him.
“He owes me Raven Manor. Naturally, I wouldn’t have encouraged him to wager it if you hadn’t been such a mule about your father’s debt.
And it certainly didn’t help your case that you spurned my daughter.
You owe me, Derricott. There’s no denying it this time.
I won’t be leaving this castle until you and I settle this. ”
Curse Bilford! Aaron’s hands clenched, then unclenched. Tonight was meant for Nora. He could not let something so petty put him off course.
“It’s all right, Aaron,” she said gently. “I’m sure Lord Bilford isn’t completely unreasonable. There has to be a way to come to an agreement. Go ahead and talk with him. Then we can resume our conversation.”
Aaron could have been happy staring at her demure smile the rest of the evening, but he appreciated knowing he had her approval.
“Very well, Bilford. Come with me, and we’ll do exactly that so you can be on your way. I’ve already endured enough of your company for one night.”
Bilford patted Aaron’s back just as he had Mr. Lacy’s, striking a bruise Aaron hadn’t known was there. “Glad you’re seeing reason.”
Aaron bit back the pain, refusing to let Bilford see it. “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
Aaron gave Nora one last look. So many words still unspoken between them, another perfect moment passed. He would search for another chance. He would create it if he had to. No more waiting to declare feelings after this. He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss there.
“I won’t let this delay me long.” He leaned very close and whispered, “Meet me in the garden alcove just around the corner in half an hour. Words will not fail me again.” He glanced at her lips, hoping he could warm them soon, and settled with another kiss to her knuckles.
She gave a slight nod. He could see hope returning to her eyes as it soared in his chest.