Stolen Kisses from the Viscount by Alanna Lucas

Author:Alanna Lucas
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2019-05-11T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 4

A VELINE WALKED INTO her uncle’s study with dread and anticipation. She did not want him to die. He had been like a father to her and she did not know what she would do without him. He was her voice of reason, the only person she ever turned to for advice.

“I was wondering when you would visit me,” Uncle Arnulf said with a half-smile. “You needn’t be afraid, Aveline.”

She approached him with caution. Aveline noticed the lines on his face appeared deeper, the circles under his eyes darker. He looked so tired and frail.

“I don’t want to lose you.”

“Aveline, come and sit.” He waved her to the seat beside him. “This is something that is out of our control and instead of dwelling on what we cannot change, why don’t we enjoy the time we have left together?”

Uncle Arnulf was right. She tried to hold back her emotions, but those pesky tears were threatening to destroy her resolve once again. He handed her a crisp white handkerchief. “No more tears.”

Aveline knew she would never be able to keep that promise. “Thank you.”

“Now, tell me what’s troubling you.”

“Why do you suspect something is troubling me?”

Uncle Arnulf narrowed his eyes and raised a questioning brow. “Might it have something to do with Lord Redgrave’s ultimatum?”

Aveline nodded her head. “I don’t know what to do. I seem to be the center of attention at every event, but how do I know if…” She stopped herself from saying Lord Leybourne’s name. A couple of kisses were hardly an indication that he was interested in Aveline for more than just flirtation. It was better to simplify her problem. “You’re a man. How—.”

Her comment earned her a robust laugh. It was good to hear him laugh in such a way. “I’m glad you noticed.”

“Uncle,” Aveline giggled. “I am trying to ask for advice.” Although Aveline adored her aunt, it was her uncle who she always went to when she had a problem. “How do I know if a gentleman is sincere in his advances?”

Uncle Arnulf leaned back and took in a long deep breath, his forehead crinkled in concentration. “Well,” he exhaled, “when I was courting your aunt, I found ways to have moments alone with her, gave her her favorite flowers, and even wrote her poems.”

“You write poetry?” Aveline could not contain the giggle bubbling up from within.

“I should’ve said that I attempted to write poetry. Thankfully, Winifred’s decision to marry me was not influenced by my inability to write poems.” He took Aveline’s hand within his own. “My point is, I discovered what she enjoyed.”

She inclined her head and offered a smile in thanks. She’d begun to edge off the sofa when her uncle stopped her.

“Aveline, there is something I would like to discuss with you.”

She swiveled her body to face him. Anxiety knotted and twisted within her stomach.

“Although your aunt is quite enamored with Lord Elsworth, I will not force a union between the two of you.”

Some of the weight that had been bearing down on her eased and the world seemed a little brighter with those words.

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