“Lady Emberdale, I had hopes of spending more time with your daughter this afternoon. I am afraid that I am quite taken with her.”
He smiled his most charming smile. Lady Seraphina covered her mouth with her hand and diverted her gaze. Was she laughing at him? Little devil, she thought his prostration before her mother was amusing, did she?
Lady Emberdale raised an eyebrow, her expression sceptical. “Is that so? And what are your intentions towards my daughter?”
Tristan took a moment to gather his thoughts. “I cannot deny that when I first arrived in London, I was not looking for anything serious. I had my share of frivolous pursuits and amusements, but everything changed when I met Lady Seraphina. She is intelligent, kind, and passionate about the things she loves. I find myself wanting to be a better man when I am with her.”
He paused for a moment and grinned.
“That, and to ask permission to promenade with her this afternoon.”
Lady Emberdale studied him for a moment, seemingly assessing the sincerity of his words. “You must understand, Lord Ashford, that I want nothing but the best for my daughter. She is precious to me, and I will not allow her to be hurt.”
Tristan nodded earnestly. “I understand completely, and I promise you that I would never do anything to hurt Lady Seraphina. My feelings for her are genuine, and I wish to be with her for who she truly is.”
Lady Emberdale seemed to soften slightly, though her caution remained. “You have a reputation, Lord Ashford, as a bit of a rake. I hope you understand that I have reservations about a man with such a past pursuing my daughter.”
Tristan nodded, acknowledging his past actions. “I shall not deny that I have made mistakes in the past, but I am willing to change to be a better man. Lady Seraphina brings out the best in me, and I want to be worthy of her love and trust.”
Lady Emberdale regarded him carefully, and Tristan could see the wheels turning in her mind. After a moment, she sighed and said, “I can see that you are sincere in your feelings for my daughter, and I cannot deny that she seems to be drawn to you as well. But I will be watching closely, Lord Ashford. I will not tolerate any games or deceit when it comes to my daughter.”
Tristan nodded, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. “I understand, Lady Emberdale, and I promise to always be honest and true with Lady Seraphina.” He shifted his focus to the woman, trying her best not to laugh at his expense sitting beside her mother. “Does that mean you will join me for a walk?”
Seraphina turned to her mother, seeking permission. Lady Emberdale appeared reluctant for only a moment but nodded finally. Seraphina smiled warmly, and happily rose from her seat to take his proffered arm. “I would like that very much.”
With Lady Emberdale’s watchful eyes following them and agreeing to take Seraphina’s maid, Lucy, to chaperone their walk, they set off. Tristan could hardly believe his luck, for he knew he had no intentions of taking her to the park whatsoever. He had never had any skill in concealing his true motives.
Given his reputation, it might be a surprise to her that Tristan was almost terribly inefficient at keeping secrets of any sort. Given that he wanted to surprise her, he could not reveal their true destination until he at least had them in the carriage.
“What is it?” Seraphina asked, eyeing him sceptically as she grabbed her parasol and stepped out into the warm afternoon air.
It would have been perfect park weather if he had not already made other plans for them.
“Can I not simply be excited to spend time with you?” Tristan tried to suppress his grin before it gave him away.
“Certainly, but it almost appears as if you are plotting something.” Seraphina’s gaze narrowed as she stared at him, expecting a spontaneous confession to his motives.
“You have been reading far too many mystery novels, reading into things,” Tristan mused happily.
“I wonder who is to blame for that?” Seraphina countered.
She had him there. “Why, I have no idea what you mean? Certainly, no painfully handsome gentleman would be supplying you with rare but fascinating books.”
“A barely tolerable gentleman, at best.”
Tristan laughed freely; being with her had become such a simple thing. Even the slight contact of her hand on his arm thrilled him. “Is that right? Well, if that is how you truly feel about me, then perhaps I will not give you your surprise.”
“Surprise?” Seraphina’s face lit from within as she turned excitedly towards him.
“Well, yes, but now …” Tristan raised a brow as if he had the power to deny her anything.
“What is the surprise?”
“If I told you, then it would not be much of a surprise.”
“I care not! Tell me!”
“I shall not. You will have to trust me.” Tristan leaned in closer to her, delighting in how her cheeks turned pink with his nearness. “You do trust me, do you not?”
