Page 16 of A Lady Never Tells
She was quiet, still contemplative. He didn’t think she was going to answer him, and he wasn’t certain how he felt about that. Maxwell wanted to understand her, but she seemed more inclined to keep distance between them. Of course, it was far more likely he was letting his own uncertainties rule his thoughts. She stopped and ran her fingertips over one of the roses, then began to speak. “My husband didn’t allow me to make many changes on the estate. He believed things like gardens should be left to those that understood them far more than a woman with little education.”
Maxwell frowned. “I didn’t realize that much went into gardening.”
She smiled. “Understanding plants and how they grow does help them bloom properly.” She sighed. “I’m no expert, but I have read a few books about it. I had hoped to convince my husband to let me try.” Eden nibbled on her lip. “But then, as he was want to do, he acted recklessly, and that led to his death and in turn my freedom.”
He didn’t know what to say to that. The former Earl of Moreland was an idiot. He’d had a treasure and treated her as if she were nothing. Max would never have done that. “And what are you doing with your freedom?”
It hurt to ask her that. What if it meant he had no chance at winning her heart? Her marriage hadn’t been a good one. Why would a widow, one that wanted for nothing, risk marriage again? What did he have to offer her that she would want to take a chance on him? His title? There were some women that would readily agree to be his duchess. Eden didn’t seem like she cared to rise in ranks.
She shrugged. “Nothing extraordinary,” she told him. “It’s enough that the choices are my own, and I don’t have to answer to anyone.”
He nodded. “Something most men take for granted.”
Eden stared up at him, the surprise in her eyes evident. “Most men wouldn’t admit they have more say in their lives than women.”
Maxwell wasn’t a stupid man. He had understood what she hadn’t been saying in their conversation. She’d felt suffocated in her marriage. Her opinions were swept aside as nothing, and her true desires were even less than that. Her husband hadn’t respected her. “I’d like to think I’m more progressive than those men you are throwing me in with.”
Her lips twitched. “Admittedly,” she began. “You do appear to be more agreeable to converse with.” They turned onto another path. This one led them back toward the manor. “But I also am not that acquainted with you. I’m certain there is much I do know about you.”
“True,” he agreed. “But we can rectify that.” Maxwell smiled down at her. “If you’re willing.” Please let her be willing…
She was quiet again. It always made him anxious when she didn’t reply straightaway. Eden drew in a breath. Almost as if she was taking a fortifying burst of air into her. “I’d like that.” Her tone was so soft, so quiet, he almost didn’t hear her words.
“You would?” He replied before he had time to consider the words leaving his mouth.
“You sound surprised.” She tilted her head to the side and studied him. “Why?”
“You seem….” He struggled for the right words. “Private.”
“I am,” she agreed. “But sometimes I have to take a chance. If I don’t, I won’t truly be free.” Eden smiled. “And we have more than a fortnight here in the country. Why not use that time to our advantage?”
“I couldn’t agree more,” he told her. First task completed. He had a whole list of items he needed to check off, and so far, everything was working out in his favor. They reached the house, and he opened the door for her. Time to break their fast, but later he would find her again. The more time he spent in her company, the bigger the chance he’d convince her to be his duchess.
Eight
Eden kept replaying her conversation with the Duke of Carrington earlier that morning. He’d almost seemed…different. Normally there was an arrogance that drifted off of him waves. She hadn’t seen that in the garden. What could have changed in him? Perhaps she’d read him wrong in their previous encounters. No. His arrogance was still a part of him. He had just held it in check for some reason.
She had regretted nothing that had happened between them. That didn’t mean she was ready to tell remind him they were already intimately aware of each other. Besides, she did want to become more acquainted with him. It would help her to make a decision about him. If she thought they might have more between them, then she’d tell him the truth. Otherwise, there was no reason to admit they’d had a night of passion. A night so erotic she hadn’t been able to forget about it. Perhaps that was why he was drawn to her now. Did he know who she was? No. She didn’t think he did. He’d have said something if he had recognized her.
“I am considering wearing my green gown to dinner tonight,” Roslyn said. She stared at the gowns that had been prepared for her by her lady’s maid, Alice. She nibbled on her bottom lip. “What do you think?”
“The green is lovely,” Eden told her. “But more importantly, you’ll look lovely in any of your gowns. Wear what will make you happy.” Eden certainly intended to do that herself.
Roslyn nodded. “I’ll definitely wear the green one.” She walked over to and rang for the maid. They were sharing a dressing room that joined their bedchambers together. There were several guests, and most had to share rooms. Since Roslyn and Eden were close friends of Claudine’s they were in the family quarters. It was far more peaceful, and they didn’t have to suffer any unwanted attention.
“What is bothering you?” Eden asked her. She’d been in a downhearted mood since she’d joined her to dress for dinner. Roslyn was her main priority and if something was bothering her, she needed to know what it was.
Roslyn blew out a breath. “Some of the ladies…” She glanced away from Eden. “Haven’t been the most pleasant.”
They hadn’t been at Wyndam Castle for very long. They were already gossiping? Who was she kidding? Of course they were. That was what some of the more devious members of the ton did. They lived for gossip and the more salacious the better. “Are they being rude to you?”
“Not directly,” she admitted. “I’ve overheard some unpleasantness.” She still hadn’t met Eden’s gaze.
“What are they saying?” Eden needed to know it all. “Is it about me?”
Roslyn glanced toward the door as if she were willing Alice to come through it and stop their conversation. It didn’t matter if the maid did come in, Eden wasn’t letting the topic drop. “Tell me,” she ordered.
“All right,” Roslyn said in a resigned tone. “But you’re not going to like it.”
