Page 19 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“It was not my intention to wound you.”
“Yet, you have.” Elizabeth did not mean to sound ungrateful. After all, he had rescued her from the debacle she found herself in. Yet, his slight could not go unremarked. Did he believe himself superior and above making a mistake?
The entire situation was barely tolerable as it was. Strangely enough, it was only this morning that she was thinking that her circumstances could be much worse. She did not feel as miserable as when the viscount walked out of her life at the inn. So here she was, thinking they were getting along.
Elizabeth stopped abruptly. “I suppose you believe me to be careless.”
Alexander turned to face her. He stood there, erect posture, legs spread wide. They stared at each other, each watching the other’s reaction. She had the feeling that she could get lost in the depths of his eyes. She had not noticed before.
Alexander ran his hand through his hair. “Elizabeth you are becoming overwrought. You are overreacting. I merely asked—”
“Overreacting! I do not think so.”
“I can assure you that I did not mean to imply your reputation was impugned.” His voice was conciliatory, but a flicker of irritation and impatience shone in his eyes.
Elizabeth spun around and broke into a run down the path toward the inn. It was fortuitous that she was still wearing breeches so she ran freely. She heard Alexander calling after her but she did not look back. Rather she increased her pace, her heart pounding as her breathing grew shallow. Her legs hurt as she ran, but she did not care. The adrenaline surged through her body, rushed through every vein. She could hear Alexander’s footsteps nearing closer and she glanced over her shoulder at the same time she tripped and sprawled into an unceremonious heap. Her mouth dropped open in a hushed “O” of surprise.
Elizabeth was mortified. She wished that the earth would open up and swallow her. Right here, right now. Her face was heated. The bitter flower of shame bloomed across her cheek. Alexander caught up with her, knelt beside her, and held out his right hand.
“Are you hurt?” Alexander took her firmly by the hand and helped her to her feet. He raked his gaze over her.
Elizabeth could not meet his eyes. Alexander still held onto her hands. Her heart was beating so fast that she was breathless. He was so near. She could feel his warm breath from his quick dash to catch up with her.
“My body is quite fine, Alexander. My pride, on the other hand, is severely bruised.” Was she not the one who only a moment ago said she was not foolish? Yet, she did foolish things.
Elizabeth was busy brushing the dust from her breeches. Her palms slapped them as though it would make her face redden any less. Alexander held on to her hands and turned them over so that he could examine them. She peered at him from beneath her lashes and a look of concern flashed across his face. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and cleaned the dust from her hands and then raised them to his lips. She could feel his hot breath before his lips touched them in a kiss, scorching her skin, her breath quickened.
Alexander’s eyes narrowed as he searched her face. Whatever could he hope to see. He could not see the thudding of her heart.
“Your pride will recover sufficiently. I am pleased you are not hurt.”
She could tell that he meant it. His words were not empty platitudes to comfort her. Elizabeth lifted her eyes and their gaze locked. Her hand. He still held it. She dropped her gaze and in a slow grin quirked her mouth until laughter spilled out. It immediately eased the tension between them.
“Forgive me, Alex …” Elizabeth barely got the word out before she threw her head back and let out another peel of laughter.
Alexander stared at her and then he chuckled. His laughter was low and throaty. Neither of them mentioned the reason she had dashed off in the first place. Elizabeth wanted to forget her impulsiveness. She supposed Alexander did not know her well enough and it would take time for him to. If he did not know her, he could hardly trust her so perhaps that is why he was being cautious.
When she spoke, there was a trace of laughter in her voice. “Shall we return?”
The following day they arrived at Gretna Green and went to the blacksmith’s shop where the ceremony was performed with so much brevity that it surprised Elizabeth. Alexander would obtain a license and they would have a quiet ceremony when they returned to Thornton Manor. For all intents and purposes, she was a married woman. Alexander said they would not delay their return. She was about to start her new life as the countess.
CHAPTER9
Aweek later they were approaching Thornton Manor and Alexander was looking forward to welcoming Elizabeth to his home. It had been ten days since Elizabeth had agreed to wed and she was now the Countess of Thornton. Alexander felt the strain of the past ten days, the ceremony in Gretna Green, and a great deal of travel.
Alexander and Elizabeth had spoken at length during their travel and he managed to coax the entire story of the viscount from her. He had watched her carefully when she spoke of the viscount and he realized she still held affection for him. He would be damned if he understood why. The man was a scoundrel. Little else seemed to interest her, and the only light he detected in her eyes was when she spoke of art and the viscount.
Alexander was not the jealous sort and he wondered if he could be mistaken. How naive and truly innocent she was for even though she knew the truth about that cad, she still pined for him. It irked Alexander. He cautioned himself to be patient, but his patience grew thin the closer they drew to Thornton Manor.
Alexander stopped the carriage.
“We are on the grounds of Thornton Manor. Will you walk with me?”
“Certainly.” Relief crossed Elizabeth’s features and Alexander was sure she welcomed the chance to walk rather than sit in the equipage.
Alexander assisted Elizabeth from the carriage. He helped her down and his grip on her hand lingered for a moment longer than was necessary. The scent of jasmine permeated the air and it intoxicated his senses. They walked along the trail surrounded by lush vegetation.
“Elizabeth, I know we did not have the benefit of a long courtship. Although we have known each other for many years we are only just becoming acquainted as husband and wife. I understand that you wanted to wed a gentleman of your choosing and you wanted to wed for love and you have not achieved what you wanted.” Alexander stopped walking, turned to Elizabeth, and took her hands. He had only just noticed how dainty and soft they were, practically swallowed in his.
