Page 79 of A Baron's Disguised Lady
“And I loved her. She taught me what it meant to love, though I still question her taste in men,” he said, and Lavinia laughed.
“Well… Lord Bath obviously has his charms,” she replied.
“He spread some terrible rumors about you, Lavinia,” Archie said, but Lavinia only shrugged.
“Well… they were no different to what others thought anyway. And I’m sure they’ll go on thinking them, whatever happens. I’ll always be the maid with a questionable past. I just hope I don’t turn into anoldmaid,” she said, laughing as Archie smiled at her.
“There’s no danger of that, Lavinia. I… Lavinia, I meant what I said… by the water’s edge. I know it wasn’t the most romantic of settings. But I meant it, and not just in the drama of the moment. I meant it truly, I did. I’ve fallen in love with you, Lavinia. And I can’t hold back from telling you so. I’m sorry if it makes you feel awkward, and I know now isn’t the best of times, but…” he began, even as Lavinia interrupted him.
“You don’t have to hold back. It’s what we both feel…” Lavinia said, and Archie closed his eyes, a look of the utmost relief coming over his face.
“You mean… you truly do feel the same?” he said, opening his eyes as she smiled at him.
“I do, yes. But I hadn’t known if you felt the same. I, too, meant what I said. I love you, Archie. I know we’re so very different, but…” she began, but Archie interrupted her.
“But we’re not different… not really. There is so much we share… so much we’ve shared. I don’t care if you used to be a maid. What difference does it make? Except in the opinions of the likes of Wilhelmina Tipping. Well, we know just what she’s like. And why hold back on those feelings, Lavinia? There’s no reason to. Difference doesn’t have to mean opposition. If two people fall in love…” he said, then leaned forward and kissed her.
Lavinia closed her eyes, caught up in the sensation of his lips pressed against hers. There was no doubt in her mind as to her feelings for him, and no doubt as to his feelings for her, either. She loved him, and she could think of nothing but the moment they now shared. As their lips parted, Archie smiled at her, resting his forehead against hers.
“And what now? You won’t leave, will you? I couldn’t bear it if you did,” he said.
“Then ask me to stay,” she whispered.
But at that moment, the door of her bedroom opened, and her mother and Horatia entered the room.
“Lavinia? How are you feeling?” her mother asked, as Archie drew back.
“Oh… just a little cold, mother. But I’m all right. I just need to rest,” she said, and her mother nodded.
“Yes, that’s right. You need to rest. What a trauma you’ve endured, and now Lord Bath’s here. He wants to see you,” she said, and Lavinia looked at her mother in surprise.
“Oh, but… I don’t want to see him,” she exclaimed, but to her great surprise Lord Bath entered the room unannounced.
Archie rose to his feet, but Lavinia caught hold of his hand, worried the two men would fight.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Archie demanded, but to Lavinia’s surprise, Lord Bath held out a box to her, hurrying to her bedside with an anxious look on his face.
“I heard from the magistrate what happened by the river, with you and Wilhelmina Tipping. Is it true?” he asked, setting the box—a box of marzipan—down on the bedside table.
Lavinia nodded.
“It’s all true, yes. Wilhelmina murdered Gwendolene,” Lavinia replied, glancing at Archie, who was glaring at Lord Bath, even as the earl now drew a sharp intake of breath.
“Poor Gwendolene. I knew something wasn’t right. When she first told me she was feeling unwell I begged her to seek a second opinion. I offered to pay for a physician to come from London. What secret was she hiding?” he asked, turning to Archie, who shook his head.
“She was protecting me from the obsessions of Wilhelmina,” he replied, and Lord Bath cursed under his breath.
“She always placed others before herself, dearest Gwendolene,” he said, shaking his head sadly.
Lavinia felt almost sorry for him. He had wanted to marry Gwendolene, and his behavior toward Lavinia, and other women, too, was perhaps understandable, given the loss he had suffered.
“You loved her, didn’t you?” Lavinia said, and Lord Bath nodded.
“With all my heart. And I realize now… I’m sorry, Lavinia. For things I’ve done. I can only hope, well, I won’t ask for your forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. And a few pieces of marzipan can hardly make up for the hurt I’ve caused. I never wanted to marry you,” he said, turning to Lavinia’s mother, who stared at him in astonishment.
“But I thought that’s why you came,” she said, but Lord Bath shook his head.
“No, I came to ascertain the truth over Gwendolene. And to tell Lavinia I was sorry,” he said.
