Susan Krinard - Fane - 1 by The Forest Lord

Author:The Forest Lord [Lord, The Forest]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-01-16T23:23:19.849000+00:00

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"Am I?"Eden murmured. "Where is Donal?"

Her aunt hesitated. "I could not find him. But I have asked Mrs. Byrne to send servants to search for him."

"It is my fault. I have neglected him too often these past few days."

Claudia patted her arm. "Set such worries aside, Niece, and compose yourself. The marquess is come."

Claudia took her seat and her needlework.Eden did the same, though she dropped the pretense of pleased surprise when the marquess entered the drawing room. Had this not been planned days in advance? Did they both not know why he was here?

She rose and curtsied. Francis bowed over her hand. The three of them engaged in idle, meaningless conversation for the appropriate amount of time, and all the whileEden listened for Donal's return. He would hardly make a good impression if he appeared the untutored farmer's son, but there was no helping that.Eden had made her decision.

After an interminable period, Claudia made some excuse to leave the room.Eden scarcely heard what she said. The marquess had been staring at her for an hour, and she probed and probed at her feelings as if they were a sore tooth.

Yes, she was flattered. Yes, she still found him charming and handsome. But beyond that…

"I have awaited this day,Eden ," Francis said, moving to a chair much closer to her. "I had not realized how much I missed your company all these months—not until this last parting."

"I am surprised that you wish for my company, considering my odious behavior toward you during the tenants' feast," she said gravely. "I must apologize—"

"No. It is I who owe you an apology for my boorish-ness."

Eden lowered her gaze. "We were both… a little distracted, perhaps." She looked up with a smile.

"How have you been, truly? With the lack of diversions here in the country, you must be dying of boredom."

"Boredom is a small price to pay for seeing you again." He reached across the space between them and took her hand. "Ah,Eden . You know why I have come to the Lakes. It is not for the scenery, I assure you."

"I know."Eden made no attempt to embellish her speech with the usual wit and flattery. She hadn't the heart for it. "I wish our reunion could have been under more fortuitous circumstances."

He shook his head. "That does not matter.Eden , when you left me—"

"My husband was ill. He needed my care."

"Of course."He kissed her fingers. "You have such a generous heart."

How little you know me,Eden thought. She gently withdrew her hand from his. "Would you care for some tea?" She moved to serve from the tray, leaning away from him.

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