“Maybe, back then. I had a line of gentlemen callers outside our townhouse on the days we were at home to visitors. Of course, my parents took turns chaperoning me because they could not stand to be in the same room together. They couldnot look at each other without breaking into a fight. But they called a truce and set up an attendance schedule in the hope that prospective suitors would not be scared off by the tavern brawl that was their marriage.”
“I know you had many offers. Was there no one who caught your fancy?”
She shrugged. “Some were decent men, I’m sure. But back then, I did not know whom to trust. So I trusted no one.”
He glanced at her as the rig continued along the familiar path between their homes. “Do you now regret refusing all offers?”
She nodded. “I am twenty-seven years old and my parents are still fighting. Is this how I am to face my old age? Once they are gone, as imperfect as they are, I’ll be all alone and have nothing to show for my time on earth other than chairing a few ladies’ societies and occasionally giving alms to those in need.” She paused and let out a wistful sigh. “I think I may have made a wrong choice in discouraging every suitor.”
Connor tugged on the reins to slow the horse in order to prolong their conversation. “You were young and scared… Not scared exactly, but inexperienced. And you had no one wise to counsel you. In that situation, you might have made the wrong decision in a spouse. That would have been disastrous.”
“Yes, that is true. My husband would have had the power to burn through my funds, and I would have been helpless to stop him. I know you were not content in your marriage, but you did not face this same risk. Men do not give up control of their assets. Mary might not have been the wife you wished for, but you have three beautiful children to show for your union.”
“Three heathens,” he said with a laughing groan. “I do love them. They are my pride and joy, although I dare not let on just how much I love them or they will run roughshod over me.”
“Oh, they already do. You are soft as pudding when it comes to them.” She wished her parents would have shown her someaffection…just once. Even the smallest recognition of pride in her accomplishments. A smile. A pat on the head. A kiss on the cheek. “But Connor, no. You must always tell them how you feel. It is a horrible thing to wonder whether anything you do will ever make a parent love you.”
He reached for her hand. “Eden, I’m so sorry. Here I am spouting off about my children and not thinking at all about how you must be hurting.”
She liked the solid warmth of his hand wrapped around hers. “Don’t ever be sorry about talking about them. In truth, I love how good you are with them. It gives me hope that the world will not fall to pieces because some people are not the vain, indulgent, inconsiderate…” She groaned. “My parents should never have had children. But here I am, unfortunately.”
He gave her hand a light squeeze. “Not unfortunate at all. I could not ask for a nicer neighbor. My children certainly adore you.”
She nodded. “Because I am still much of a child, and they see this in me.”
Connor cast her a wicked grin. “No, Eden. You are very much an attractive woman. But I’m sorry those arses, Sir Nero and Squire Hartley, spoke that way about you. You’ve done nothing to merit such disrespect. They ought to have kept their thoughts to themselves.”
She shrugged. “It is better than not being thought of at all, I suppose. Hartley hides his leering better. Sir Nero is a nuisance, though. He is always trying to pinch my bottom.”
Connor drew up on the reins. “He does what? Are you serious? I’ll lay him low if he tries it again. Eden, just come to me and I’ll—”
“You’ll what? Protect me?” Warmth curled in her belly, for it did feel nice to know someone was looking out for her.
He muttered under his breath and cast her a remarkably determined look. “Yes, I will protect you. Is this not part of my duties as Duke of Lynton? There is a reason the town of Lynton is named after my family. All who live here are under my protection, most of all you.”
“Why most of all me?”
He took her hand again. “Because if I do not look after you, then who will?”
Her expression turned pained. “Well, I have looked after myself for most of my life. I think I can manage.”
“A moment ago, you were expressing your regret about not having married.” He turned in his seat to fully face her. “Eden, why don’t you stay with us for the week? I know my mother has invited you to all the entertainments she has planned.”
“I politely declined.”
“And yet you are now willing to care for my children? You were right to kick the chair out from under me. I had no right to ask such a thing of you. However, if you are serious about finding a husband, why not join us for the entire week? Do not worry about occupying the children. I’ll put a rotation of maids and footmen to guard them, if I must. The little scamps will survive the week, and who cares if they get up to mischief?”
“I couldn’t disappoint them, not now that we have started making plans for each day.”
“They are resilient. Aren’t all children? It is more important that you look out for yourself. I will not be the only eligible gentleman present. Join us, why don’t you? I’ll let you know which ones are bounders and which ones to trust.”
She would have agreed without hesitation if not for the fact he would be searching for a wife as well. She did not think she could endure watching as the fresh young things flocked around him.
Was it wrong of her to be glad he was a Silver Duke and determined never to marry? No wife of his would ever allow their friendship and easy rapport to continue. Then who would she have to confide in? The wife would probably bar her from seeing the children, too.
Eden silently chided herself for being too softhearted. If she were more calculating, she would sabotage Duchess Evelyn’s plans to see Connor married.
But she could never do such a heinous thing. She wanted him to find true love and be happy.
