She stopped as the slipper fell off her foot again. “Everis a very long time. Are you that angry with me, too? I couldn’t bear it if you were. I’ll do everything in my power to make things right. I want to be in your arms again. I shall make it my life’s mission.”
“Why?” he asked with a gentle ache to his voice, bending to secure the slipper on her foot. “You need to find yourself a proper husband. Isn’t that what your theatrical spectacle was all about?”
She blushed. “Well, yes. But what’s wrong with you as a husband? You’re a proper catch.”
“Another mistake on your part, Lettie.” He released her foot and stood up again so that she had to look up to face him. “I have no family connections. I have no prospects.”
“You have intelligence and good character,” she said as they reached the portico and she knew they’d have little more time to talk before her family and possibly some very angry Woodburnes came outside. “And bravery and valor. You served with distinction under Wellington.”
“And now I’m not even a soldier.” He frowned at her to signal his displeasure with their conversation. “Don’t ever consider me as a marriage prospect, Lettie. We’re friends and nothing more. I’m not meant to be anything else to you. I’ll only break your heart.”
Chapter Two
The sun shonebrightly against a cloudless blue sky, but Brynne hardly noticed the beauty of the cold day as he rode Valiant, his sturdy black gelding, to Beresford Hall the following morning. He was in foul temper for so many reason and all of them having to do with Lettie.
He’d come all the way back from the Americas for Suzannah’s wedding and nowhewas not going to be permitted to attend. Suzannah and her father had been too distraught to fight with their worthless relatives who’d demanded his expulsion. Those bounders lived in fear of being disowned and Woodburne Manor left to him since few of Lord Woodburne’s assets were entailed and the old man was free to do with most of them as he pleased.
Of course, Brynne knew that Lord Woodburne would never cut out his family. He loved them even though they were a most unworthy lot, especially his nephew, Mortimer Woodburne, a mean and arrogant horse’s arse who would be the Woodburne heir.
The grand Beresford home came into view as Brynne rode up the long drive. Lettie had been born and raised here by parents and a sister who adored her. He’d always loved coming to Beresford Hall. Neither the occasion nor the season mattered, for the welcome had always been warm and inviting.
He glanced up to view the particular corner of the house where Lettie’s bedchamber was located. Third window from the left, one level above her father’s library. Knowing Lettie, she’d be gazing out her window, probably hanging out of it while awaitinghis approach, her red hair a beacon against the white snow that still covered the ground.
Damn.Why couldn’t he stop thinking of her and how beautiful she looked last night?
She’d grown lovelier than he thought possible, her green eyes soft and sparkling. Her dark red hair vibrant and silky. Her body… exquisite. She had shed her skinny, girlish frame to emerge from her cocoon as a magnificent butterfly, now as beautiful on the outside as she’d always been on the inside.
He slid off his mount and handed the reins to the young groom who’d come running to his side. “I won’t be staying long, Tom.”
The lad’s eyes widened in obvious surprise. “Gor, you remember me, sir? Always nice to see ye, Master Brynne.”
Brynne laughed as he ruffled the boy’s hair. “I’m surprised you remember me. You were hardly old enough to toddle when I last saw you.”
“It’s only been two years since ye left.” The boy grinned back. “I’m almost eleven now. I’ll take good care of Valiant, never ye worry.” Horse and groom trotted off together.
Brynne watched them for a moment before turning to the house and walking in as the butler opened the door. “Good to see you, Master Brynne.”
“Are you still around, you old buzzard?” he teased Jergens, the long-time Beresford head butler. “Well, I’m glad that you are. I hope you’re faring well. I recall you had a lung congestion at the time I left home for far off places.”
“I did, sir. But Lady Beresford and her daughters took excellent care of me. I’m forever in their debt. Thank you for asking, sir.” He led Brynne through the marble-floored entry hall into the earl’s library, a cozy room lined with dark oak shelves that were filled from top to bottom with books. “My lord, Master Brynne has arrived.”
The earl strode from behind his desk to greet him as cordially as a father could, considering the circumstances created by his wayward daughter. “Glad you’re here, Brynne.” He turned to Jergens, asked him to summon Lettie, and then turned back to Brynne with a grimace on his face. “Lord Woodburne sent me a note early this morning.”
“Then you know the situation.”
He sighed and motioned toward a parchment resting atop his stack of ledgers. “I’m sorry for what your family has decided to do to you. I can accompany you back to your home once we’re done with our business here. I’ll insist they reconsider.”
He wanted to tell Lord Beresford that Woodburne Manor wasn’t his home and the Woodburnes weren’t really his family, but that would be disrespectful to Suzannah and her father. “It’s for the best. I’ll drop Lettie in Wrexham and make certain she’s properly settled with your aunt before I travel to Southampton.”
He motioned for Brynne to make himself comfortable in one of the oversized leather chairs beside his desk while they talked. “You’ll take one of my carriages, of course.”
Brynne settled into the one closest to the desk. “Thank you, my lord. I’ll have it sent back to you as soon as Lettie is settled. I’m bringing Valiant with me and can ride him the rest of the way to Southampton.”
“As you please, but you’re welcome to the carriage for the entire length of your journey.” He glanced over Brynne’s head. “Ah, Lettie. Have a seat, child.”
Brynne’s heart skipped a beat as she brushed past him looking unbearably lovely. She wore a dove gray woolen gown and her hair was drawn back in a loose bun that looked about ready to burst from its pins and cascade gloriously down her back.
She sank into the leather chair beside Brynne’s, primly folded her hands on her lap, and blushed lightly in obvious remorse. “So you’ve decided upon my punishment?”
