Page 8 of The Earl and Miss Muffet
“They are lovely.” Her voice emerged soft and reverent. “But I must admit, I like the orchard and the open space even more.”
“I am the same way. I like to wander out here and clear my head.” He tossed her an easy smile, and she couldn’t look away.
“You are truly fortunate to have such privacy.” The desire for another conversation with this man overwhelmed her. How wonderful it was to be able to speak to someone without measuring each word and phrase.
“What is your estate like?” Lord Crawford asked.
She glanced around her. “It’s a fine piece of land, not as large as this, nor as beautiful.”
“I hope you take advantage of the yard while you are here. I know I am partial, but I haven’t found a prettier spot in all of England.”
“I thank you.”
Lord Crawford stood and brushed off his breeches. “Care to walk with me?”
Elena hesitated, so Lord Crawford stuck out his arm, urging her to accept. With a burst of courage, Elena rested her hand on his arm. For a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming. It felt like a game of pretend—walking arm-in-arm through a green orchard with a handsome earl. He discussed literature with her and took the time to actually listen. He shared about his childhood, and didn’t press when she did not share many details about hers. He was exactly who she needed him to be.
This moment was worth a hundred punishments.
After they returned to the spot at the edge of the orchard where they had met not a half hour before, she was ready to inquire about a topic burning in her mind. “Might I ask a question of you, Lord Crawford?”
“Didn’t I give you permission to ask me questions while we played chess?”
She smiled. “Indeed, you did. Have you ever fought with your siblings?”
“Doesn’t everyone?”
“I am sure you are right. It is only that I imagined you would resent your brother for his engagement to Miss Bliss, and yet, you seem so close.”
“It was not an easy thing to get over, but Terrance is my brother. I cannot separate him from his heart. They are one and the same.”
“Do you feel a family should always be united?”
Lord Crawford’s silence lasted only a few steps. “None of us are identical spirits, but our goal can be the same. Don’t you agree?”
“I don’t know. I think sometimes they can be too different, thus preventing any opportunity for a common goal.”
Lord Crawford shrugged. “I see such situations in society, but surely family is the one exception. A few sacrifices and compromises can go a long way.”
Sacrifices. She knew much of that word.
Patches approached her, and she took the opportunity to change the subject. “Look how your dog comes to me as if he has known me all his life.” Elena opened her free hand for the dog to lick. “If only everyone was as amiable as he is.”
He stared at his animal for a moment. “Yes, I’ve never seen him take to a stranger so quickly.”
Elena could almost say as much for herself. She had never taken to a stranger so quickly, but Lord Crawford might be the one exception. But how many days could she keep pretending that Bianca would not learn of their every interaction?
Chapter 5
Antontriednottolook Miss Muffet’s way at dinner. Had she changed her hair, or was it just him? His self-control broke, and he stole a glance. Yes, there was considerably less of a frizzy mop around her face. The curls were tame and orderly, and the spectacles were missing again. She was far lovelier than before. In fact, he wondered why he had ever thought her common.
He took a bite of pheasant and a swig of his drink to wash it down. Mary and Gunther were arguing about who knew Terrance better and, instead of joining in, Anton was still reeling over thoughts of Miss Muffet.
She was supposed to be shy, but their conversation was progressively easier each time they spoke. And now she had changed her appearance? Something odd was going on. He felt duped for some reason. He wasn’t supposed to enjoy getting to know her. He loved stimulating conversation, and Miss Muffet got his mind turning. She had asked him earlier what steps the House of Lords would take with the recent declaration of war against France and the Irish Rebellion. Women in their stationloathed political conversation, but he had been thinking of the very topic all morning. She couldn’t have known. He’d told no one. Still, it seemed too strange.
“Hurry with the port so we might play charades.” Mary dropped her napkin on the table and stuck her arm out for Miss Muffet. She accepted, and the two of them walked out together. Another oddity. He’d not expected to see them leave the dining room, like real friends. When had that happened?
When the women were gone, Terrance nudged him. “Where have you been all evening?”
