With a polite nod, Mrs. Farnsworth returned to her tasks, leaving Leonard to ponder the situation. Gripped by curiosity, he crossed the front hall and stepped out onto the gravel driveway, the soft rumble of the carriage wheels filled the air as it came to a halt. The horses, two lovely chestnut mares, neighed as they stopped, awaiting the arrival of Sally.
Behind him, the door opened again and Sally stepped out. The moment Leonard’s gaze fell upon Sally, his heart skipped a beat. She stood there, resplendent in a pale-mauve gown that draped elegantly over her figure, her hair aglow in the sunshine. For a fleeting moment, he found himself captivated by her beauty, a pang of regret tugging at his conscience.
Of course, he wasn’t the only one who’d kept away. She had too. Whereas before, she’d tried to invite him to eat with her, or offered her help when it came to the business, she now was the opposite. Ever since that fateful day in the forest, when Sally had asserted her independence with such determination, she had maintained a dignified distance from him. Though she remained polite in public and during their obligatory appearances at social functions, she made it clear that their interactions would be limited to those necessary occasions alone.
In the privacy of their home, Sally kept her distance, excusing herself from encounters in the music room or the library, avoiding his attempts at conversation with practiced finesse. This was, of course, precisely what he had wanted. Yet, despite his initial intentions, the reality of Sally’s withdrawal left Leonard feeling hollow and disconcerted.
“Leonard,” she said and stopped in her tracks.
“Good morning, Sally,” he said with genuine warmth.
Her response was polite but distant, her eyes veiling whatever emotions lay beneath the surface. “Good morning,” she replied, her tone neutral.
“I saw the carriage arrive and wondered who was going to use it, since I am not going anywhere today. Mrs. Farnsworth informed me you are going out. May I ask where you are off to?” he inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Sally’s reply was curt but tinged with a hint of defensiveness. “Into town,” she stated simply. She set into motion again then, her sweet perfume wafting into his nose as she passed him.
Eager to prolong their interaction, Leonard pressed further. “Into town? And what might you be doing there?” he asked, displeased with the eagerness he detected in his voice.
Sally’s response was terse, her demeanor unyielding. “It doesn’t concern you, but if you must know, I’m meeting Rosy for a promenade,” she replied, her words coming out clipped.
Undeterred, Leonard suggested joining her, his desire for companionship outweighing his usual reserve. “That sounds lovely. Perhaps I could join you. I could do with a walk,” he suggested.
Why am I offering this? I sound like a lovesick boy. What is wrong with me?
“This is time for my sister and me. If you wish to go to town, there are four other carriages at your disposal,” she retorted.
Leonard swallowed hard, a pang of disappointment washing over him at her rejection. “Of course, I understand,” he said. As Sally reached the bottom of the stairs, Leonard’s stepped back not wanting to get in her way.
She made her way to the carriage with her head held high and Leonard was about to turn to walk back into the house when he saw her pause.
“Leonard?”
“Yes?” He turned, waiting for her to speak again.
She paused, her hand resting lightly on the doorknob, and turned back to him. “Leonard, would you mind if I hosted a ball at the house soon? I wish to involve myself in charitable work and I think hosting a ball with all the finest members of the ton and influential peers will help me be respected in that arena.” She inquired, her tone soft but resolute. “I would like to collect donations for Joanna and Kenneth’s orphanage.”
A mixture of surprise and relief washed over Leonard’s features as he nodded eagerly. “Of course, Sally. You’ll be wonderful at it,” he assured her, a genuine smile gracing his lips.
A flash of gratitude flickered in Sally’s eyes, accompanied by the briefest hint of a smile. “Thank you, Leonard,” she replied.
As she turned to leave, Leonard’s heart sank slightly, the weight of their unspoken tension lingering in the air between them. “Sally,” he called out softly, a note of longing in his voice.
She paused, her gaze meeting his for a fleeting moment before she averted her eyes. “Yes?” she responded.
“Take care,” Leonard said quietly, his words carrying a depth of emotion he dared not express aloud.
Sally’s lips curved into a small, wistful smile before she turned away, her departure leaving Leonard standing alone in the foyer, his heart heavy with longing and regret.
* * *
The chirp of a bird on the windowsill, pecking away at the seeds tinged the air while seated behind his desk, Leonard sat in silence, his brow furrowed. It was peaceful, this early morning quiet which was interrupted only by the rustling of Aaron’s papers as he went through the latest reports from their vineyards.
A low groan came from his companion now and he looked up at Aaron.
“What is the matter?” Leonard asked.
“The matter? Did not you hear me calling your name twice?” Aaron puckered his lips, irritation evident.
