Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“That was the most generous description I’ve ever heard, especially related to me. Thank you, Lord Ashington.”
He studied me for a moment as our dance ended. “If no man has ever noted any of those things to you then he isn’t a man worth your time. Those are just the finest of your qualities, but they aren’t the only ones.”
Again, I had no words. What other qualities did he think I had? I was afraid if he truly knew me, he would be sorely disappointed. The ones he had stated were nothing more than any other female would have. They weren’t something that took much effort.
He held out his arm to me and we retreated in the direction of my aunt. I felt as if I should be saying more but I wasn’t sure what the right thing to say would be at this moment. Should I praise his attributes?
“Would you mind greatly if Miss Bathurst and I stepped out onto the veranda for some fresh air for a moment? There are others out there so we won’t be alone, I assure you.” Lord Ashington’s request to my aunt startled me since I had been inside my thoughts, wondering what I would say to him next. Now, he was excusing us to be outside. Did I want to be outside with Lord Ashington?
“Of course,” Aunt Harriet gushed happily. “Please, go get fresh air. It is rather stifling in here. I am sure Miriam needs it.”
She wasn’t going to wait on me to give her a nod that it was okay. It was clear she wanted me outside with the earl. Tsk Tsk Aunt Harriet, you are becoming as bad as the other mothers here tonight. I couldn’t be mad at her, however, because more time with Lord Ashington was something I wanted.
Lord Ashington led me to the large open archway where the breeze and cool evening air greeted us. I sighed in relief as we moved out toward the far left of the veranda near the different shades of pink roses covering the wall. They smelled as lovely as they looked.
“It’s better out here, is it not?” he asked.
“Oh yes,” I replied. “The fresh air is nice after so long inside.”
“Do you spend much time outside when you are in the country?” he asked.
“If the weather permits. I enjoy the sunshine and warmth, but on cold dreary days, I prefer a spot near the fireplace and a book.”
He smiled. “You enjoy reading very much.” He wasn’t asking. It was a statement. “I do as well. My library at Chatwick Hall is extensive. Perhaps you and your aunt and uncle could come for a visit.”
“To Chatwick Hall?” I asked, not sure I was understanding him correctly. I wasn’t sure where the Earl of Ashington’s country estate was located exactly, but I did know it was Chatwick Hall. That was all I could remember.
He nodded. “Yes, that is if you would be interested in a short break from the London season. Perhaps for a few days.”
He was inviting me to his estate. His home. What did this mean? Was this something he did often with ladies? “My sister is coming for a visit. I don’t know how long she will be staying with us,” I said.
“Excellent. I know you’ve missed her. She would come too, of course. I look forward to meeting this sister you care for so dearly. She must be very special.”
Whitney would be beyond the moon at the chance to visit a home such as Chatwick Hall. It would be even more exciting for her than the limited bit of London she was going to see while at Uncle Alfred’s. Lord Ashington was offering her a chance to experience a life she may never see otherwise. And if I was truly honest with myself, I wanted to see his home. I wanted to spend more time with him.
I fancied Lord Ashington. Admitting it to myself was slightly freeing.
“That’s very generous of you,” I replied.
He placed a finger under my chin and lifted my face up so that my gaze met his. The sincerity on his face made my heart pick up its pace. “Make no mistake, Miriam. I’m not being generous. I am being selfish. For I want more time with you away from this,” he glanced around then back to me, “circus. I want time for us to get to know one another and enjoy some fresh air. As for your family, that is a bonus because you care for them and I want to know the people you love.”
He wanted to get to know me.
He wanted to get to know my family.
He had called me… Miriam.
“We would love to.” My voice was but a whisper as I said the words.
He smiled then and it was the genuine sort of smile that made a girl feel it throughout her body when directed at her. There was a power he wielded with that smile and I wondered if he realized it.