The Lady's Second-Chance Suitor by Scott, Regina (christmas read aloud txt) 📗

him a moment, and he held his breath.

“I fear I’ve eaten too much of the earl’s fine ham,” shesaid, and he sagged with disappointment.

“But I’m certain you’re not too full for a promenade, dear,”her mother put in.

Bless the woman.

Hester pasted on a smile. “Indeed. I would enjoy apromenade, if you’d care to join me, my lord.”

“To the ends of the earth and beyond,” he vowed, offering herhis arm.

Her brow went up as she rose, but she lay her hand on his,and they set off. He rather thought he was strutting. Howlittle encouragement it took from her to change his whole outlook.

“What have you done to my daughter?” she asked as theystrolled along the edge of the dancefloor, where other couples were beginningto gather. “I don’t recall her ever sitting so quietly through a service.”

At least Mrs. Greer, who was now seated farther down thetables, hadn’t told tales as yet. “Rebecca is a delight and a credit to you.”

She regarded him. “That still doesn’t explain her affinityfor you.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? Women find me attractive.”

She choked. “Girls may find you attractive, my lord. Ladiesare something else entirely.”

“I will not quibble,” he said as they circled the bottom ofthe room. It simply felt too good to have her on his arm, as if she were meantto be there. “Weddings, apparently, put one in a good mood.”

“They do.” She glanced to where the earl and her sister werenow stepping out to lead the first set.

“I don’t suppose you know anyone else who’s marrying soon?”he ventured.

Mouth hinting of a smile, she shook her head. “Alas, no.”

He heaved a sigh. “A shame. I thought that might be one wayyou’d consent to dance with your old friend again.”

The smile won. “Yes, and you are such an old friend.”

Rob grimaced. “I’ll have you know I am not in my dotage,madam.”

“Noted,” she said. “Though I begin to wonder whether you areset in your ways, above such things as romance and adventure now.”

He leaned closer, until he could inhale the apple spice ofher fragrance. “I could prove you wrong with one kiss.”

Color flamed in her cheeks. Oh, to reach out his hand, touchthe soft warmth. Instead, he made himself look away, keeping his steps steadyand composed.

“Really, sir,” she said. “Perhaps you are still too boldafter all.”

Rob inclined his head. “Then I must beg your pardon and sayno more on the matter.”

“Promise?”

He glanced at her to find a twinkle in her blue-green eyes.He drew himself up in mock offense. “Do you imply that I speak too much?”

“On occasion?” she suggested.

“Well, then, I will close my mouth and not speak anotherword in your presence.”

She eyed him.

“I mean it. Not another word. Ever.”

She waited.

“Test me. Try me. I will prevail.”

She cocked her head.

“Do you doubt me, madam? Name your second.”

She gave it up and laughed. Oh, for a taste of that joy. Hewanted to roll it around inside him, enjoying every moment.

“What am I to do with you?” she asked.

Several suggestions sprang to mind, all no doubt stemmingfrom his previous life, for none were particularly appropriate for her sister’swedding.

“I am a sad trial,” he acknowledged.

She sighed. “I suspect you are right.”

Rob gave her a contrite smile. “But I’m trying so hard toimprove. Can you not grant me the least concession?”

She was quiet a moment, and he thought he might have pushedher too hard. Then she nodded. “I can do nothing today, sir, but if you were toride out the coast path on Saturday around half past eleven, you might findcompany waiting.”

She was offering him an assignation?His pulse quickened. “I’ll be there. I promise.”

Chapter Eleven

The wedding breakfast didn’t end until thesun was setting. Hester couldn’t help noticing that Rob and his sister had beenamong the last to leave. He’d finished thepromenade with her and bowed himself off, grinning so broadly it was a wonderher mother hadn’t commented on the matter.

Hester shook her head as she led Rebecca for the coach. Whathad she been thinking to invite him to ride? She’d have to make an excuse toher mother and Rebecca, borrow a horse from the livery stable. What if herriding habit no longer fit?

What if a moment alone in Rob’s company made her reckless?

No, no. She was stronger now, even if spending time in hiscompany made her feel alive, appreciated, and admired again.

Still, she hadn’t been able to convince herself to dancewith him at the wedding breakfast.

In truth, she had been afraid what her face might reveal. Itwas all too easy to think of romance when all around her couples were billingand cooing. She couldn’t remember acting so besotted with Jasper at their smallwedding at St. Mary’s in Upper Grace, but then, she hadn’t been besotted. Just happy to have someone care about her most of all.

Was Rob capable of putting anyone before himself? He’dagreed to her suggestion of a promenade rather than a dance and they called themselvesfriends. He had been very good to sit with Rebeccaduring the wedding. But he could be spending time with her and her familybecause he found them companionable. Unlike Mrs. Greer and some of the othersin Grace-by-the-Sea, they asked nothing of him.

“What a lovely day,” her mother said with a sigh as theysettled into the carriage for the return to Upper Grace. The earl and Rosemarywere on their way to Lyme Regis for a short honeymoon, and Mr. and Mrs. Inchleyand their family were already setting the assembly rooms to rights.

“It was,” Hester agreed. Beside her, Rebecca yawned, thenlay her head in Hester’s lap. Hester pulled the ribbon free and stroked the softblond curls.

“Everyone was so kind,” her mother continued. “The countess,the earl, the magistrate and his wife. Lord Peverell.”

Hester glanced down at her daughter. Rebecca’s eyes had driftedshut and her breath came softly. “Yes,” Hester acknowledged. “Everyone was verykind.”

“I was glad to see you encourage him,” her mother said. “Hownice if you should have a home of your own.”

She’d thought she had a home of her own, but of course, thehouse she and Rebecca lived in now belonged to her mother.