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Lenore ~Part 4~

If you want to go back and read Part 1 of Lenore’s story, click here.

If you missed Part 2 of Lenore’s story, click here.

To go back and read Part 3 of Lenore’s story, click here.

Making herself comfortable in the taxi, Lenore rounded on Vaughn. “You are not going to tell my mother about all this crazy nonsense. I am not going to attempt to explain Atlan to her when I don’t even understand it myself.”

“You don’t have to worry about explaining. We will not be explaining Atlan. Or bringing it up at all. I will ask questions without mentioning any secret cities.” 

She shook her head. “No. That’s worse.”

“How so?”

With a groan she let her head crash back into the headrest. “Ugh. Just don’t talk. I need to figure this out.”

Thankfully he listened and remained silent as she kept her eyes closed and thought through what she could possibly say, rejecting it all as they came.

“We’re here.” He said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She sat up straight and peered out the window, shocked at seeing her childhood home looking as normal and familiar as ever. Even more surprising was the sight of her mother, storming down the sidewalk toward the taxi, livid. Quickly, Lenore hopped out of the taxi and ran to embrace her.

In an amazingly fluid move Lenore’s mother hugged her, spun, deposited Lenore behind her, and went back to glaring at Vaughn in a heartbeat.

“Mom?”

She ignored Lenore, all her focus on Vaughn as he slowly slid out of the car with an easy smile. “Mrs. Shaisse. It is a pleasure to meet you.” His smile dropped and his eyes narrowed as he took in her stance. Immediately he bowed, low.

Her mother’s voice was harsh and strained as she asked, “Does she know?”

When he stood up straight, Vaughn gave a sharp nod. “I come as escort to figure out the discrepancy of her accidental arrival in Atlan.” He paused and glanced over at Lenore. “She found an old arch and practically fell through.”

Lenore could only stare in disbelief as her mother relaxed, motioning Vaugn to the house.

“Atlan. Then I suppose now would be the time to talk about a few things.” She put her arm around Lenore and looked back at Vaughn. “Join us inside, warrior.”

Lenore stared at her mother in shock. “Mom?” Turning to Vaughn she glared. “I thought you said we were absolutely not going to be bringing any of that up? Wait, Mom, do I know what? Why did you call him a warrior?”

“Inside, Lenore.” Her mother waved her inside without looking back at Vaughn. Closing the front door she took a deep breath. “Lenore, I need to speak with your guest for a minute.”

“Speak away, mom.” Lenore shrugged. “I’m not going anywhere. I want answers. You know about Atlan, talking about it like its commonplace knowledge and everything.”

Vaughn gave another low bow to her mother. “I did not know. Forgive my intrusion.”

Her mother waved her hand at him. “There was no way for you to know. Call me Zayta. Please sit down and I will explain.”

“Mom.” Lenore crossed her arms. “How do you know who he is?”

Spearing her with an icy don’t-cross-me glare, Zayta motioned once again to the sofa. “Go sit down, Lenore.”

Once all three were seated Zayta sighed. “Lenore, we come from a long line of well respected leaders in the city of Talsin. Similar to Atlan, our gates are closed to outsiders and can only be accessed through the archways. However, we believe that it is important to live among many diverse people to learn and grow from rich cultures such as our own. Your great grandfather was the first of our family to come here to Colorado. He fell in love with the place and its mountains. Eventually he moved here with his wife and children. After that, it became tradition for the women of our family to reconnect with our ancient heritage and live amongst the Talsin people for at least a year. Over the years many chose to remain in Talsin. Today only I remain here, for you.”

“For me?” Lenore jumped out of her seat and began pacing. “Why haven’t you told me any of this? Why the big secret?”

Zayta continued, unruffled by the outburst. “Tradition is special to us. I have been trying to set up the journey home with you for years. While I had hoped to take you as a gift before your wedding so you would at least know, I am sorry I have not pushed the issue harder. I did not want to burden you with so much change after your father died.”

Vaughn leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Your family line is Shaisse? I do not recognize it. And I have studied the lines of most leading families in all four cities.”

“Four?!” Lenore exploded. “There are more cities? Do they all have kings that want to study me?”

Zayta jolted. “King Taran wants to study Lenore?” 

Vaughn inclined his head. “Only because of the mystery surrounding how she saw the archway.”

Lenore watched as her mother visibly relaxed. “Shaisse is not our Talsin family line.  My grandmother married a Shaisse from here. We are of the Reske line.”

Immediately Vaughn was on his feet and moving away.

“What?” Lenore grabbed him.

Glancing between the two of them, Vaughn struggled to speak. Finally Zayta chuckled. “Your friend is merely struggling with shock. He doesn’t know whether to call me a liar or bow again.”

“Why?”

Her mother once again speared her gaze into Lenore. “The Reske line was rumored to have died out years ago when political intrigue led way to the assassination of your grandmother’s brother and his family. Since my mother lived here and had married into a new name, none knew to look for her. Though many tried. Over the years people forgot about us and I have sought to keep it that way.” Turning her full attention on Vaughn once again Zayta smiled. “Now, warrior, I would hear what line you are of. You bow like you aren’t used to it and study noble family lines as if you are one.”

“I am Vaughn Laros.”

Zayta stood and swept a beautifully intricate curtsey that Lenore had never in her life seen her do. “The only son…and heir.”

Vaughn glanced at Lenore. “Yes. Though not the only heir in the room apparently.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lenore shook. 

Her mother touched her arm. “My mother was sister to the king of Talsin. You are the forgotten heir to the city of Talsin.”

“So like a princess?”

Vaughn shook his head. “Not like a princess. You are one.”

She scoffed. “And what? You’re a prince?”

He bowed his head with a nod.

Lenore ~Part 3~

Click here to start Lenore’s story from the beginning.

Click here to read part 2 of Lenore’s story.

Vaughn did not leave her personal space for a moment as he walked her through the most amazing and clean city she had ever seen. Spiraling towers shaped like narwhal horns shot high into the bright water, shimmery bubbles encasing each one. Hundreds of walkways and bridges connected the city buildings. There was so much to see and gawk at and Vaughn would not let her slow down at all.

When she grumbled and tried to pull away, he only laughed. “Ah, Lenore. This is not the time for sight-seeing. We have things to accomplish today.”

“But we are leaving. When will I ever get the chance, if not now?”

“You will be back.” His hand on her back propelled her forward, his eyes scanning for openings in the crowd for them to pass through. They were moving fast.

Lenore shook her head. “You don’t know that. Your king might decide to have me disappeared instead. Get rid of the pesky annoyance before she can make any real problems. Maybe that’s what we are doing now. Are you going to make me disappear? Send me through a gateway with nothing on the other side? Make your king’s life a little less stressful?”

Vaughn continued walking, half pulling her along. “Such a delightful imagination, Lenore. However, despite your gruesome opinion of me, we are going to visit your mother.”

“My what?!” She shrieked, halting in the middle of the path. “I thought you were joking. You are not going to meet my mother. Are you insane? Why would I take you to visit my mother?”

It was his chuckle that stopped her cold. “You act as though you have a choice.”

Her shoulders slumped just a little. “I’m not going willingly. And you will have a hard time explaining yourself if you drag me everywhere. It’s not socially acceptable where I’m from.”

“Lenore. I will not be dragging you anywhere.” He held out his arm and gave a small bow. “However, I am the one who will be escorting you on the journey.”

“No. What am I supposed to tell her? I just met you and randomly thought the two of you should meet?”

He pulled himself up straight and shot her a charming smirk. “I will pose as your boyfriend.”

“No.” She shook her head so fiercely that her ponytail smacked her in the face. “That won’t work. I have…had a fiance and she’s met him, so you can’t be him either.”

“Do you currently have a fiance, Lenore? Or do you no longer have one?” The poor man looked genuinely confused.

“Had. I had a fiance. Though my mom doesn’t know yet that I don’t.”

“Why not?”

She sighed and pulled herself a little further away. He didn’t stop her. “Because I stupidly went to check out the golden arch that was shimmering on the wall of a cliff and a crazy psycho pulled me through it.”

Vaughn had started walking again and Lenore realized that she had followed without thinking. “I do not see the connection.”

Holding in a growl, she clenched her fists instead. “I broke up with my fiance the same night I was pulled through the arch. Was that last night?” She sighed, remembering how angry and sad she had been, walking down the beach. “I obviously haven’t had a chance to talk to her since then.”

He nodded. “I can see how that would prove to have been difficult. Why did you end the relationship with your fiance?”

There was devastatingly chill silence as Lenore abruptly put significant space between them and walked at a faster clip, her jaw clenched shut. It didn’t take more than a second for him to catch up, however he didn’t speak. They walked side by side for several minutes until his hand caught her elbow. She didn’t have a chance to yell at him because he quickly pointed down a hallway. 

“We turn here.” He didn’t say more, waiting for her to begin her long striding steps. Not wanting to deal with looking at his penitently chagrined face, she complied.  Again they walked until they reached a room that looked very much like the room she had arrived in, however there were several plush couches to the side where people were sitting around amiably chatting.

“Are they waiting for something?” Lenore whispered.

Vaughn motioned her closer to the arch. “This is one of the portals that is in current regular use. And they are probably waiting for people to arrive, not waiting to leave.”

She peered at the twisting archway again. “Regular? Where does this one lead to?” Her analyzing stare turned on Vaughn.

“For the next twenty minutes this one connects to downtown Denver, Colorado. Which reminds me. Where does your mother live? And what is her name? Where is your father?”

A little ‘ha’ burst out of her lips. “Shouldn’t you know all that already?”

“I was attempting politeness, but if you’d rather I not bother…” His face blocked out the rest of the room as his arm snaked around her waist. 

She was stunned to discover herself in his embrace, and not hating him for it. Despite her startling feelings she pushed him away. “How about we not hug it out. And you can let me go through the shiny magical portal alone.”

“What happened to being worried about going through a gateway to nothing. Have you decided to trust my word?”

She laughed sardonically. “No. Though I seriously doubt all these other people have gathered to willingly walk through the portal of doom or wait for people to come back through it.”

He shook his head and extended his arm to her. “Come. It is time for our departure.” Vaughn nodded over at one of the men standing near the arch and then pulled her through. He caught her around the waist once more before she had a chance to stumble when they ended up in a small empty office. Blithely walking into the also empty hallway, Vaughn nodded toward the window. “Now, your mother lives in the small town just to the west of here and we must hurry if we are to avoid traffic.”

“Here?” Lenore tried processing the sights she was taking in. “This is nowhere near the beach. This is Colorado.”

His persistent tug on her waist, had her in a taxi and zipping away towards her mother’s house before she could think to ask any questions. 

Click here to read the next part of Lenore’s story.

Lenore ~Part 2~

If you want to read part 1 first, click here.

Trying to shake the fuzziness in her head, Lenore blinked furiously. Her brain could not make sense of what she was seeing. A giant manta ray was swimming over her, on the ceiling. No, in the ceiling? Yet she was in bed. But not her bed. And she had no idea how she had come to be in that amazing comfy bed. 

Luckily, the more she blinked, the more her memories filled in the blanks. The Adonis guy, no. He said his name was Vince? Van? Maybe Vaughn? He told her where she was. 

But where was she, really? And she didn’t mean the city they were in. She didn’t even want to think about that yet. This was not the room she had been in before. No gateway or guards or views of a crazy awesome underwater city. And Vaughn was gone. He had ditched her in solitary confinement as soon as she had answered his questions and now he had no further interest or use for her. Though she had to admit, it was rather plush for confinement. 

But had she answered him? She couldn’t remember.

If she hadn’t still been laying in bed, she probably would have jumped out of her skin when the door slammed open and in walked a very officious looking woman, not a hair out of place.

“Staisse? Spell it.”

Lenore gaped at her. “Who are you?”

The woman’s eyes speared her. “Spell your name, girl. I can’t believe they sent me in to deal with the outsider. Me. I have far too much to do today to pamper a spoiled little nobody.”

“S-t-a-i-s-s-e.” Lenore gulped. “Am I a prisoner?”

With a groan, the woman finished typing in the translucent tablet she was holding and clasped it behind her back. Suddenly she looked like the stereotype ‘school marm’ ready to chastise her students a.k.a Lenore.

“Don’t be foolish, child. “ She gestured around the room. “Does this look like a cell? You are in a guest holding room until you can be confirmed and vetted.”

“And if I’m not?”

Another spear-tipped gaze was tossed her way. “Then you will forget any of this happened and no longer be my concern.”

Lenore exhaled. “That works for me. I’d rather be back to blissfully unaware.”

“Ms Staisse, you are the first to naturally see our doorway in over 400 years. The likelihood that the king will simply let you leave with no memories of what happened is next to none. Most likely  you will be vetted merely so he can hand you over to the science division to determine what went wrong so that we can prevent any more spill over.”

“I vote no.” Lenore plopped back on her bed.

“You lost your ‘vote’ when you crossed that doorway.” The woman crossed her arms.

“I didn’t cross the doorway.” Lenore tried to not screech hysterically. “The gorgeous, muscly guy pulled me through.”

“What do you mean?”

Before she blurted it all out, her eyes narrowed at the suddenly attentive tone. “You never told me who you are.”

“No. I did not.” The woman’s smile remained fixed. “I do not like to waste my time. Now you will tell me what happened or I will send you down to the interview room for a more thorough discussion.”

“Where’s Vaughn? That’s his name, right?”

Again the woman’s attention slammed into her. “Did Vaughn bring you here?”

Lenore was nodding as the door once again burst open. Vaughn came striding in with an easy smile.

“There you are, Ms Perkins. Are you still harassing the girl? I thought you just needed to confirm her name.”

Ms Perkins turned on him. “I was just about to hear an interesting story from the staisse girl. She claims that you pulled her through.”

Vaughn sighed. “Of course she did. She doesn’t understand how the doorways work. Her hand was already through the doorway. She was coming through whether she wanted to or not. I only finished the process faster so that she wouldn’t be spotted by anyone else as she was slowly disappearing into a cliff.”

“No! You…” 

Vaughn cut her off with a glare before switching back to his utterly charming smile. 

Ms Perkins humphed. “I’ll see that the king receives my report now.”

Lenore watched her leave. She quickly slammed her mouth shut as Vaughn faced her again. The door closed and she jumped just a little.

“Are you trying to get me in trouble?”

“Not knowingly.” With a bright smile she rose up. Standing with her arms crossed she cocked her head to the side. “If you weren’t so abrupt before and took some time to explain things I wouldn’t be talking to anyone who would listen.”

“Do you have a great great grandparent or further back that mysteriously disappeared without a trace and reappeared years later?”

“What?”

He shrugged. “I’m trying to figure out how you saw the doorway.”

“No disappearing relatives. Though every woman in my mother’s line goes on a year long trip with no phone or anything when they reach 20. Does that count as disappearing? That probably doesn’t count. Unless you are looking for women who are adventurous and have wandering spirits. Now I’m rambling.” Lenore clamped her mouth shut.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty one.”

“Did you go on this family trip?

“No.” Her arms crossed tightly across her middle.

“Why did you not go on your trip?”

Lenore shrugged. “I was busy with school. My mom has been trying to convince me to go but by the time I was done with school I had a fiancé. I couldn’t leave.”

“We must meet your mom.”

She laughed. “Your scary guard dog/secretary…”

“Ms Perkins?”

“Yes. She told me that I would either be heading to be experimented on or returning home minus the memories.”

“New development.” Vaughn slipped an arm around her waist and propelled her to the door. “And it looks like we get to spend some quality time together.”

Lenore glared up at him. “No kissing.”

“Let us meet your mother, then we can talk about kissing.”

“No, not kissing. We will talk about not kissing.”

Vaughn continued to escort her out. “We surely will have time to talk of both. Though I agree. No kissing in front of your mother yet.”

Come back next week to read part 3 of Lenore’s story!

Lenore

Lenore walked along the beach near La Jolla Cove, breathing in the crisp salty air. It was the calming breath she needed. After the fight she had just had with Colin, her now ex-fiance, over the fact that texting other girls to set up dates while she was out of town definitely counts as cheating, she needed the space.

She needed to hear the crash of the waves to steady her breaking heart. She needed the soft sand underneath her feet to ground her. And she most definitely needed time away from the restaurant she had just run out of crying, following their far too loud for being in public fight.

Several deep breaths later she stood still, staring at the looming cliff. The tide was rising and she didn’t have much time left before she wouldn’t be able to walk on the beach at all. Daylight was also fading, so there was that.

Just as she was about to turn back to go find her car she spotted an odd intricate arch that looked to be embedded in the cliff. There were beautiful shells and twisting seaweed like vines along the arch.

“What?” She whispered.

As soon as she spoke, the rock face inside the arch shimmered. Almost like when you go snorkeling and look up at the surface from under the water and see the sunlight scattering through the depths.

Without much forethought she moved toward it. The whole thing was stunning. And the closer she got to the arch, the brighter it shone. In the fading light it was calling to her curiosity, tugging her to inspect it closer.

She reached out to touch the water-like cliff face and found that there was no resistance. It was as if the rock she had seen before had liquefied into something else. However, she wasn’t able to pull her finger back. It didn’t hurt per se but she wanted her hand back.

After tugging for a minute she became a little more panicked, yanking hard. Just as she sucked in a deep breath to yell for help, a large bronzed hand and arm reached through the shimmery water and grabbed hold of her upper arm. Shock stole the air from her body when an Adonis-like face appeared attached to the hand currently holding her. With no warning the man smiled and pulled her in. The shock causing her to freeze melted into an oddly relaxed shudder, until he kissed her. Whether it was instinct or habit, Lenore’s eyes closed as she was filled with a rush of heat. She stumbled forward, falling further into the kiss and forgetting about the arch she had been struggling to extricate herself from; the same one he had just emerged from.

 Unable to pull back, now that her shoulder had touched the shimmering cliff face, her attempt to push him away resulted in her stumbling into his lips.

Like a rush of ice in her veins, her eyes popped open and she shoved him away again. Surprisingly it worked the second time and she was able to create some distance between them. She was met with an incredible sight that had nothing to do with the handsome man now standing in front of her.

Gasping, she reached a hand out to touch what looked like a bubble wall. On the other side of it was the ocean… and a city. She could see other large bubbles and connecting hallways of light forming around the vast city.

“Where?” Lenore couldn’t think of words to form her question further.

Apparently her new kissing buddy had questions of his own. “How did you know the archway was there? You shouldn’t have been able to see it.”

Her focus snapped over to him. “Is that why you kissed me? Because I saw an arch in a cliff? Or was it because I touched it without permission?” Even as she could hear the slight tinge of hysteria in her tone she couldn’t stop talking. “Where am I?? How do I get back?”

His arms folded as he gave her what she assumed was supposed to be a soothing smile. It looked a little more like a superior gloat though.

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“You didn’t answer any of mine.” She folded her arms to mimic his.

“Mine are more important ones that require immediate answers.”

Lenore took a deep breath to keep herself from launching at him to smack that pretty boy smile off his face. “That is a matter of perspective.” She looked around again. “How do I get out of here?”

“You don’t, unless I clear you.” He pointed behind him. “Once I do, my friend in the control room will open the door to this hallway and we can see what we can do about finding you a place to stay until we can return you to the surface.”

She clamped her jaw shut and shook her head. “I need to know what is going on before I talk to you about anything.”

He took a step forward. “Or maybe I should just kiss you until you tell me everything I want to know.”

“Is that supposed to be a threat or my reward?” She taunted, unwilling to admit that she really had enjoyed kissing him.

His smirk broadened. “My name is Vaughn.” He stuck his hand out. “Maybe I should start there. You touched one of the few portals still accessible to Atlan. Since you were an unknown, I was sent to assess the situation.”

“Does typical protocol include the kissing or am I special?”

“I’d say you are very special because kissing is against protocol on first contact and I am already very much tempted to do it again. However, I should probably at least know your name first?”

“Wait. Did you say Atlantis?”

“No. Atlantis is several miles north of here.”

“Oh.” She turned to stare out at the city. Almost as if she wasn’t aware that she was talking she whispered. “I’m Lenore. North?”

“Ms. North. We need to know how you broached security.”

Lenore shook her head. “My name is Lenore Shaisse. Not North.”

“Lenore?”

Hearing her name caused her to jump. “Yes?”

“How did you see the archway? Were you looking for it?”

She shook her head. “No. I was just walking on the beach and I saw it, then something started shimmering on the cliff face and I felt a strong desire to touch it, and then my finger was stuck. Then you showed up. You want to kiss me again?” Feeling unsteady she wavered, reaching her hand out to find some support and found his arm around her instead.

He smiled down at her. “Very much so, my lady.”

“Oh. Good.” Her world went black.

Click here for Part 2 of Lenore’s story!

Darra

Already 5 minutes late and nothing to show for it. If anything else happened to slow her down, she was going to miss her bus. Then, the only options would be running to catch the bus at its next stop, which would be impossible in her suit, or wait 20 minutes for the next bus that would make her even more late for work.

If she could run in her sensible one inch heels she would, even if she would look like an absolute nutter. 

“Get moving, Darra. You can’t be late.” She muttered under her breath.

Somehow she made it to the bus before it left. Winded from how fast she had been walking she hurried up the steps of the bus. Making her way back to her usual seat, she tried to slow down her breathing. 

Plopping into her seat the bus surged forward, the gentle jostling a familiar friend.

“You almost didn’t make it.” The woman across the aisle leaned forward. “You’ll have to thank that sweet man up there for stalling the driver long enough for you to get on.”

“What?” 

The woman nodded up at a man who looked as out of place as she did in his nice black suit. It was so black it almost seemed to repel any of the bus’s dirt away from him.

“He’s new.” Darra noted.

The woman nodded with a coy smile as she leaned back into her seat. “It’s nice to have a change of scenery every once in a while on my way to work.”

Darra chuckled, winking at her chatty neighbor. “Hopefully it’s not just a one time thing.” She continued to glance up at her rescuer, wishing she had known that sitting up at the front of the bus today would have been in her best interest. 

Sitting all the way back where she was, there was no way for her to make it up to where he was sitting without being obvious. As she was sternly resigning herself to never meeting the man, he glanced back her way.

When his gaze landed on her, he smiled softly and gave a small nod. Darra nodded back while simultaneously trying to keep her returning grin from bursting into a full-on maniacal smile. Her thrilled surprise quickly turned to shock when he stood and made his way to the seat right next to her.

He stuck out his hand. “I’m Keith.”

“Darra.”

“I’m glad you were able to make it in time. You headed to work?”

Darra nodded. “I am. Though I hear I also have you to thank for being able to make it. If you hadn’t stalled him I would have been so late. How did you manage? Phil is usually completely non-responsive when I try to get him to talk.”

Keith leaned closer. “I didn’t give him a choice. I’ve learned that when I talk as though I assume that people will do what I am saying, they will.”

“So what, you told him that he was going to hold the bus until I could make it on?”

“No. I expected him to show me his credentials and license to ensure that I wanted to get on the bus at all.” He shrugged.

“He showed you?”

“He did. And every time he moved to start the bus I would ask him a question about what I was reading. It wasn’t hard to come up with plenty of questions since I don’t know a thing about bus credentials. He was definitely interested in making sure I wasn’t upset.”

I laughed softly.

“And don’t worry. From what I could tell, he is a great bus driver.”

“I know.” Darra laughed again. “I’ve been taking this bus to work for 3 years now and have never had a problem with Phil’s driving, my only problem with the bus is my own lack of punctuality.”

“3 years, that is a long time to have the same bus driver. Don’t they ever switch routes? I’d get bored of it.”

“Why? Do you take different buses to get to work because you are bored?” Darra smiled to take a tiny bit of the sting out of her words.

He took it graciously. “Point taken. Especially since this is my first time on this bus.”

“New job or new place?”

Darra could see the woman across the aisle lean closer to hear his answer.

“Both.” Keith smiled. “I moved from California and start my job today.”

“Where at?” The woman across the aisle asked.

Keith looked startled as he looked over his shoulder at the woman. “Oh hello.”

Had he forgotten that there were other people on the bus?

“I’m Keith.” He held out his hand to her.

“Margaret.”

“I start work at Dynamic Enterprises.”

“Oh wonderful!.” Margaret cooed. “I work there too.”

“Really. It’s great to already know a coworker. I look forward to working with you.” Keith’s attention returned to Darra. “And where do you work?”

“A few blocks over. It’s a small accounting firm, NCPA.”

“Would you mind if I walk with you?

Darra sat up straighter. “I wouldn’t mind at all.”

Margaret interjected. “She gets off one stop before ours. You might be late if you get off too soon.”

“Thank you, Margaret. It is so kind of you to let me know. If that is the case,” He faced Darra again with a smile and a wink. “Then I will need to walk a little faster after I see Miss Darra to her place of work.”

“I don’t want to make you late, especially on your first day.” Darra hedged. “We can always talk more on the bus tomorrow.”

She could see him hesitating and she realized that she was holding her breath.

“I’ll concede today because I don’t know how long it will take me to get to work from my stop. Tomorrow though, I plan to walk with you.” After a moment’s pause he added, “If that is alright with you.”

At Darra’s nod, he leaned back into his seat a little more. “It’s a date.” He declared.

And Darra was happy to realize that she wasn’t inclined to tell him that it wasn’t.

Rowena ~Part 3~

To read Part 1, click here.

To read Part 2, click here.

Sitting there, still too close to the fire, Rowena struggled to keep from glaring at the provoking man before her. Several moments of infuriating silence passed before she calmly stood. 

At least, she hoped that she looked calm because her insides were roiling with fury.

“Lord Wallis,” She began.

The aforementioned man interrupted. “You don’t believe me? Why?”

Rowena took a breath. “It has been years since you have even acknowledged my existence, and never in public. So now, you have summarily decided to enter my life and impose your friendship upon me?”

“Friendship is not what I was speaking to your father about.”

Moving to sit further away, Rowena almost batted at him when he rose and followed her over to the chaise. Luckily, Lord Wallis was still standing when Lady Dalton entered the room in a flurry of apologies.

“Oh Lord Wallis. Do forgive me for being out when you arrived. I hope you do not hold it against me, for I was not told you were coming, else I would have stayed home and been here to greet you personally. I do hope my daughter has been sufficient company to fill your time.”

Lord Wallis quickly bowed. “Lady Dalton. How pleasant it is to be able to spend some time with your family. I was just about to remark to Miss Rowena how it has been far too long since our families caught up.”

“I heard about your father passing, dear. That must have been so trying for your poor family.” Lady Dalton moved to join them, snagging the only nearby chair, thus forcing Lord Wallis to sit on the chaise next to Rowena. She shot him a glance when his leg brushed hers.

Lord Wallis sighed, all of his attention on her mother. “I must confess that my father had been ill for well over a year. We all knew he would be passing soon.”

Lady Dalton nodded amiably. “Then perhaps you have taken this chance to renew your acquaintance with my husband to amend the broken friendship between our two families? Your father was so insistent that I no longer visit with your dear mother, though we were the closest of friends.”

“Indeed. I come to heal the rift and even to offer a dinner invitation to your family so that you may have the chance to become reacquainted with my mother.” 

Rowena shivered under the brief but profound scrutiny Lord Wallis’ next glance shot through her. 

Another glance seared her core. As she shifted, he took the opportunity to suddenly face her and grasp both her hands in his. She gasped and tried to pull away, looking over at her mother in shock. However her mother had a broad smile on her face and quickly took up a focused scrutiny of her gloves.

“Miss Rowena. I come to you to beseech you to entertain the notion of our being the closest of friends once more.”

Try as she might, she could not extricate her hands from his firm grip without making it obvious that she was trying to escape. She could see the amusement shimmering in his gaze as he continued to look beseechingly into her eyes. “And what would that friendship entail, Lord Wallis? For I would not want to subject you to any gossip upon suddenly appearing in society as my dearest friend. Scandal could ensue. Surely there is a girl upon whom you have set your sights who would not appreciate the talk.”

He nodded. “Your forethought is most commendable.”

She fought the urge to step on his foot at his ingratiating tone. Instead she dug into his hand with one of her nails until he winced.

“However, Miss Rowena, the woman upon whom I intend to shower with my attention will come to no ill will from any friendship I have for you.”

Rowena could only stare. When she finally opened her mouth to speak, her mother cut her off before she managed a sound. Lord Wallis was forced to turn to look at Lady Dalton as she spoke most ardently.

“You know, as a close friend of your family I feel I am able to confess to you that at one time both your mother and I had harbored a hope that the two of you would marry.”

“Mother!” Rowena jumped to her feet, effectively severing any contact with the man who had ignored her for far too long to make this easy of a return into her good graces, though her mother seemed to have already forgotten it. “That is a rather personal thing to say to one whom we have not seen for so many years.”

Lady Dalton waved her daughter off. “Oh pish. You are so young, darling. It has hardly been any time at all. A few scant years, at most.”

Lord Wallis gave a half nod from where he still sat. “You are too kind, Lady Dalton. And I must confess that I have missed our families getting together.”

“We shall have to remedy that.” Lady Dalton rose to her feet, her whole face beaming with pleasure. “In fact, with Hettie in the room I don’t feel that there should be any problem with my leaving the room for a moment to talk to Lord Dalton about renewing our friendships further. I will only be a moment.” 

Her mother winked at Rowena on her way out.

As soon as Lady Dalton was out of the room Lord Wallis rose. He easily stepped over to where Rowena stood stiff with stunned shock. In a low voice, so as not to be overheard, Lord Wallis tilted his head toward her. His hand drifted out toward her as if he didn’t realize it was moving. “Rowena. I am in earnest. I want us to be friends. Please believe me.”

Glancing down at where he was now purposefully holding out both of his hands for her to take, Rowena looked up into his face, a slash of confusion slicing at her firm resolve to stay clear of him. “Why?”

A smile hinted at the corner of his mouth as he softly took her hands in his. “Because, Rowena, I am going to marry you. And I want us to be friends when I do; the very best of friends. I’ve been such a fool.”

Rowena ~Part 2~

If you missed Part 1 of Rowena’s story, click here.

The fire was beginning to feel overly warm as Rowena forced herself to listen graciously to her twittering visitor, Miss Carolina Windshaw. Her current topic was the ornate gold lined wallpaper her mother had ordered for their sitting room. In fact, she was going into great detail to ensure that Rowena could picture it.

Thus, when Rowena heard the front door open she had been praying for a new addition to the room to divert the girl from her topic. However, Hersh’s crisp footsteps clicked right past the sitting room. She almost missed Miss Carolina’s question because of how closely she was listening to see if she could hear Hersh announce her father’s guest. Father so rarely had anyone come to their home for business that anyone arriving to see him was intriguing. Yet today was even more so as she waited for Lord Wallis to appear, as promised.

“Miss Rowena.” Miss Carolina exclaimed, clapping her hands to her bosom. “The shade of blue of the flowers is exquisite to the extreme, a perfect complement to the gold. Do say you will come see it once it is installed.”

Dividing her attention, she nodded. “Of course I will. After your description, how could I not?”

As Miss Carolina was nodding, Rowena nearly fell out of her chair when she heard Hersh’s voice. 

“Lord Wallis to see you, my lord.” Hersh had announced their guest much louder than normal.

Apparently Hersh had guessed at her eavesdropping and knew she would want to hear that Lord Wallis was the one to call. 

Thankfully, Miss Windshaw was more overcome by the suddenness of Rowena’s fall than any noise out in the hallway.

“Miss Rowena!” The girl gasped in startled dismay. “Are you alright? You look extremely peaked. Oh dear, I must have stayed overlong and exhausted your delicate sensibilities. Forgive me. My mama is always going on about how I chatter too much. I shall call on you again soon to check on you. Please, do go lay down and rest yourself.”

Rowena was indeed surprised. Miss Carolina never left before Rowena practically shoved her out the door. Yet, one slip off her chair and the girl was gone. 

She resettled back in her chair, listening to any noise coming from the direction of the study. Her tortured wait was not long in the making. She heard the study door open only a few minutes later. 

Quickly she busied herself with her embroidery, positioning herself to face slightly away from the door.

Hersh cleared his throat. “Miss Dalton. Lord Wallis to see you. Shall I fetch your maid?”

“Yes, thank you Hersh.” Rowena focused on her family’s butler and smiled. 

Lord Wallis entered the room as a general would enter the command tent on the battlefield, full of importance. 

As he strode confidently toward her Rowena gave her attention back to her embroidery, affecting a shy demure blush as she did. “Forgive me, my Lord, I was not expecting the need of a maid this afternoon.”

He stopped a few steps from her, well within the bounds of propriety should anyone glance into the room. There he stayed, his hands clasped behind him as if he were a father waiting for his child to notice how stern he was being. Rowena refused to play and stayed silent with all her attention fixed upon her tiny stitches.

Lord Wallis was left to break the silence himself. “Indeed? Even though I stated I would be coming?”

Rowena spotted her maid enter and take a seat on a small chair by the door. Only then did she look up at her guest. “Lord Wallis. You merely stated you would be coming to speak with my father. And he has many business interests. How could I suppose that to mean you were also intending to grace me with your powerful presence?”

“Don’t.” His voice, though even, was low and purposeful.

Rowena smiled. She could not keep the bitterness from it. “Don’t what? Pretend I know you? Act as though I don’t? Flatter you as I have been taught; which is vital and necessary whenever I am addressed by a Peer? Or perhaps it is my embroidery that offends you so?”

His slow deep breath pulled at her senses. “I came to apologize, Miss Dalton.”

“You said as much last night though I could not state or recall any wrong visited upon me from you.”

“You are being difficult, Miss Dalton.”

Rowena stood, fisted hands hidden by her skirts. “And you are being obtuse. I will not forgive you without knowing what it is you feel the need to apologize for. And before you spout some bland nonsense, I should point out that any lack of acquaintance between us since my coming out has been laid solely at my feet from the start.”

He stepped back as if stunned. “Your fault? How?”

Rowena recalled herself enough to primly sit back down in her seat, slowly laying her hands in her lap. “My father was quick to list off many events, instances, and character flaws of mine that would cause such a callous brush off from a titled childhood friend.”

“Rowena. Please allow me to apologize.” He sat on the couch opposite her. “Hear what I have to say.”

“To what end?” Rowena angled away, looking out toward the window. “I was mortified when I approached you that first time and was met with a blank stare and a cold brush off as if I were a street urchin who had the audacity of coming too close. Your friends laughed at me as I left. I do not know if I want to hear what you have to say.”

When he did not say more, Rowena found herself holding her breath. Minutes passed and Rowena refused to fidget or look at him. Instead her gaze settled on the opposite wall.

“Rowena. I have nothing I could say that would amend or heal the pain I caused. I was a selfish, entitled, ignorant youth trying to impress his friends.”

“Was?”

He chuckled. “I am trying to change. And so if you cannot accept my apology, I hope you can bear to give mercy as I attempt to show you that I can be the friend you had hoped.”

“Friend?” Rowena pinned him with a piercing stare. “You want to be my friend? Why?”

“Must there be a motive?” His head cocked slightly to the side.

“Yes.” She smiled but the warmth of it did not reach her eyes. “Which of my friends are you attempting to woo that you would need my help?”

“None.”

Rowena gazed harder at his face as if she could pry the truth from the expressions there. “I don’t believe you.”

Read Part 3 of Rowena’s story by clicking here.

Rowena

Stepping out her front door in her elegant mint green coat Rowena gave a delicate shiver. She hurried to the waiting carriage, nodding and smiling to Robert who stood solemnly holding the door open.

As she sat on the plush padded seat she situated her lavender gown so that when they arrived there wouldn’t be any unsightly creases in the silky fabric. Once settled she looked up and over to the beautiful woman sitting across from her in a deep blue satin confection of a dress.

“Good evening Aunt Marilyn.” Rowena knew her father was seated next to her aunt, watching. Lord Dalton, Earl of Kensbridge, was insistent on good steady manners with no unseemly displays of frivolity or excitability. Yet she couldn’t hide the sparkle of unrestrainable joy in her eyes upon seeing her dear aunt.

“Are you ready, Rowena?” Marilyn leaned forward. With only a dozen years separating Rowena and Marilyn, she had fast become Rowena’s favorite relation. And since her father despised being the object of gossip, both Rowena and Marilyn had determined that at the Vauxhall Christmas Party Rowena would instead cause everyone to stop talking; in awe of her, of course.

They had taken great care in planning out what she would wear that would draw everyone’s attention without subjecting herself or her family to ridicule or rebuke. Color, cut, neckline, jewelry, shoes, hair; if it pertained to the party they had discussed it. Everything went under scrutiny.

Everything but Lord Theodore Wallis, Earl of Auldemoore.

Marilyn had been careful to avoid the subject and Rowena had been immensely relieved to not have to broach that topic.

Lord Wallis had been her best friend every summer when they were younger and not merely country neighbors. They had been close friends until two summers ago when he had not come back home, no explanation. The one or two times they had been at the same event since her coming out last season he had acted as if he didn’t know her at all. It was clear that he did not want to know her any longer and it caused her heart to ache most cruelly.

When he pretended she didn’t exist was the first time in her life she had felt a deep shame for being raised in the country and she didn’t even know the cause of the rift.

Her father had been quick to point out and blame any and all moments when her manners had faltered in Lord Wallis’ presence during her formative years as cause for his sudden distance. To father, her lack of propriety had earned her understandable scorn from the most influential member of their acquaintance. 

The news that Lord Wallis was going to be at the same event once again had almost frozen her to her seat. However, she had managed to hide her dismay from her father so far. He would be appalled if he knew. Hopefully Lord Wallis’ indifference would not mar her evening.

The ride to Vauxhall was quiet as Rowena lost herself in her anxiety to not appear anything but poised. While her father didn’t notice a thing, Marilyn gave her a soft pat on her knee. When Rowena looked up at her, Marilyn sat up straight, pulled her shoulders back and gave her a short assuring nod. Rowena followed suit, forcefully pulling herself out of her own worry.

Only a few short minutes later the carriage stopped. Rowena disembarked last, again nodding her thanks. Her father had not waited for her and was already halfway up the stairs. Instead, she made her entrance with Marilyn at her side.

On the inside Rowena was jumping and squealing with barely restrainable joy as the room quieted. On the outside she remained the epitome of the graceful lady of high society her father had trained her to be.

After that, it only took a mere few seconds to locate Lord Wallis across the huge hall, conspicuously not looking in her direction, even though everyone around him was. A few minutes later Rowena glanced from her admiring circle of friends to discover that Lord Wallis was no longer safely in sight and far away from her. As inconspicuous as she could manage she surveyed what she could see of the room. He was nowhere to be seen.

Turning her full attention back to those around her Rowena mentally chastised herself. Now was not the time to be distracted by the man. Tonight was her night of triumph.

The music and dancing started and Rowena was quickly asked out onto the dance floor. It wasn’t until Lord Geoffney was leading her back to where she had previously been standing when she almost stumbled, faced as she was by Lord Wallis glaring at her.

“Lord Wallis.” She acknowledged with a curtsey after Lord Geoffney bowed and stepped away. 

The harsh glare did not diminish as Lord Wallis moved forward and extended his hand, bowing over it. Once she curtseyed in return she reluctantly took the hand he continued to silently hold out. Immediately he clasped hers, tucking it securely into the crook of his arm as he escorted her out onto the floor. He had never so publicly acknowledged that he knew her. Rowena was in shock.

Drawing her in, he looked down at her as Rowena was transported into the many memories she had of them gleefully practicing their dancing lessons out in the meadow behind his manor.

His voice was low, barely audible, when he finally spoke. “Rowena.”

She drew her gaze from the audience surrounding them and focused on his face. “Lord Wallis.”

She was proud of how indifferent she sounded.

“Forgive me.”

Rowena nearly stumbled. “Whatever for, my Lord.”

The scowl he directed her way stabbed through her. It was how he used to look at her when they had been friends and she was mercilessly teasing him and he knew it.

She forced herself to not feel that painful ache that had haunted her those first few times he had ignored her so thoroughly. She took a deep breath. “I am in earnest, my Lord. I do not know what you are asking forgiveness for. After all, you have made it quite apparent that we are not to know or even acknowledge that we once knew each other at all.”

“Rowena.” His hand that was holding hers tightened, unseen by any but felt by her.

“Lord Wallis. You say my name as if I should glean information from it.” She looked over his shoulder instead of his face. “Someone might hear you.”

The dance ended and Rowena fought the urge to give him a scowl of her own.

His voice was still low as he returned her to her aunt. “We are not done with this discussion. I will inform your father to expect me tomorrow.”

Aunt Marilyn ushered her away to where she could pummel her with questions, only to discover that Rowena had no answers. She could only wait and hope to discover tomorrow what it was that had brought on this change in him.

Click to read Part 2 of Rowena’s Story!

Becca

“Becca.” Emmy’s voice echoed through their small apartment and into the room where Becca was attempting to get homework done. “Door.”

Groaning, Becca slammed down her pencil.

When Emmy appeared in her doorway with a pleased grin Becca groaned again. “Em, I told you that I wasn’t going to do any more of your blind date set ups. It’s too embarrassing. Go tell whoever it is you convinced to meet your deadbeat roommate and tell them I am a lost cause.”

Emmy only laughed and disappeared out in the living room. Becca vaguely heard her say, “She’s in her cave.”

Seconds later Chad’s broad frame entered her tiny room. “Trying to imitate a swamp monster is not a good look on you, BeccaBee.”

“Ugh, it’s you. Go away. I have homework.” Becca turned away.

“You would spurn your bestest of best friend of 9 years for homework?!” He growled.

She only had a brief moment to turn toward him before he scooped her out of her chair and slammed down on her thick purple comforter. Her bed bounced under their sudden weight.

“Chad! Get off!” She tried to worm her way out from under her hulking best friend. She managed to get one of her arms free and walloped him as hard as she could. “I am not one of your football buddies. You can’t just come into my room and tackle me.”

“Aww, don’t worry BeccaBee. I didn’t suddenly go insane and mistake you for a big muscly guy. Besides, you are way too light to be taken seriously as a hulking footballer.”

“Hey! I may not be as big as you but I am just as tough as you.” And slugged him in the same arm she’d already hit in order to prove it, hard.

Instead of getting off and moving away, he began to tickle her instead. She screamed.

“Oh, definitely just as tough.” He laughed and kept on tickling, barely giving her a chance to breathe. “I only said you were lighter, not that you weren’t tough.”

“S..s…st…stop!” Becca finally managed. She gasped as she couldn’t stop laughing.

With one final tickle, Chad withdrew and flopped into her chair.

“Why are you even here?” She asked when she could finally breathe, still sounding winded. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a date or something? It’s night time and you are not dead.”

Chad shrugged and looked away. Immediately Becca sat up and moved to sit closer to him. “What’s wrong?”

When he looked back her way his grin was back full force. “I came to rescue you from yourself. I knew you’d be studying, so I am being the friend you don’t know you need right now and dragging you out of the house.”

Becca peered at him with narrowed eyes for several seconds before she groaned and flopped back on her bed, pulling her comforter over her head. She felt rather than saw him collapse onto her small bed next to her.

“You gonna change?” He whispered next to her covered head.

“No!”

The bed shifted and she didn’t think much of it until she felt arms underneath her, then she was airborne.

Trying to get the comforter off her head, she squirmed. “Put me down.”

He matched her tone perfectly as he shot back, “No.”

“Chad!”

“You gonna change?” He sang out while laughing and spinning her around.

“Fine. Just put me down.”

After extricating herself from the purple fabric twisted around her she glared at her smiling friend. “Get out.”

“What? No!” He moved to grab her and she jumped up onto her bed and out of his reach.

“Yes. I’m not going to change with you in my room.” She shot back.

Instantly he moved to the door. “Two minutes.” He shook his finger at her as he closed the door. “Then I’m coming in. And fix your hair. You really shouldn’t stick a big old blanket on your head when you are planning to go out and have fun. It’s a mess.” He waved his hands above his head as if he could show her how crazy it looked. She laughed and pointed him out the door.

Quickly throwing on some skinny jeans and a shirt that wasn’t a mess but not too fancy, Becca was out in the living room with time to spare.

Chad opened his arms with a laugh. “There’s my BeccaBee. Let’s go have some fun.”

Becca joined in laughing with him as she ran into his arms, half heartedly trying to knock him back onto the couch. He didn’t budge an inch and easily caught her in a hug.

As they moved to leave, Emmy called out from the other couch. “Why don’t you two just date already? Your coupley cuteness sickens me, it’s so sweet!”

Chad stopped and looked back at Emmy with a stunned, almost shocked look on his face before turning to Becca. He bowed low. “Ahh, if only BeccaBee would agree.”

At that, Becca tripped and ended a graceless mess on the hallway floor.

She was too dumbfounded to laugh at her klutziness but Chad had no such inhibition as he nearly bent over in half with laughter. He hauled her up and held her close as she stared up at him.

“You’d want to date me?” She couldn’t tell if she was angry at him for making a joke about her lack of a dating life or if she was hopeful that he actually meant what he’d said.

The door to her apartment had slipped close in the commotion and they were alone in the hallway. He stopped laughing and gave her a soft smile.

“BeccaBee, you are my best friend and always will be. You’re smart and amazing and beautiful. Why wouldn’t I want to date you?”

“You’ve never asked.” Becca shook her head but didn’t step away. Chad had always made her feel safe, now was no different.

“I didn’t want to ask until I knew for sure that I wouldn’t lose you even if your answer was no.”

“And are you sure?” Her head tilted to the side.

“No.” He whispered. “It just came out. But I’m not going to lie and say I don’t want to.”

Leyla ~Part 4~

If you missed Part 1 of Leyla’s Story CLICK HERE TO READ

If you missed Part 2 of Leyla’s Story CLICK HERE TO READ

If you missed Part 3 of Leyla’s Story CLICK HERE TO READ

Leyla’s mind wandered back again to the almost kiss in the garden the night before as her mother introduced her to yet another smarmy gentleman eagerly bowing over her hand.

The man responsible for her utter distraction had yet to make an appearance. Several of the other young ladies in the stifling drawing room were eyeing the door in anticipation of his arrival. Leyla had reached the point several minutes ago when she had decided to avoid looking at the very door that everyone else was paying far too much attention. As a matter of principle. 

She was not going to be caught waiting for him.

“Miss Ristone, would you care for a breath of fresh air on the veranda?”

Leyla couldn’t quite remember the poor man’s name but she smiled at the man nonetheless. She did not have a chance to respond as her mother clamped onto her arm, flashing a smile of her own at the titled man in front of them. “She would love to, Lord Sleton.”

Within moments Leyla found herself at the veranda doors, mentally cursing Lord Cavendish for not appearing in time to whisk her away for this soon-to-be-very-tiresome walk with her new acquaintance. Not that he would.

Lord Sleton chuckled. “It appears I snared my choice of companion for a walk just in time.”

Unthinking, Leyla glanced back at the floor only to be ensnared by Lord Cavendish’s gaze.

“How fortuitous for us both.” She managed a light laugh. “Shall we?” Somehow she broke away from Lord Cavendish’s riveting stare to turn to the veranda. It was unfair how easily Dylan Cavendish had caught her attention. Even more surprising was that, despite the special regards he was garnering upon his entrance, he was still managing to draw closer to her.

Lord Sleton eyed her gleefully. “You did not wish to go try your hand at snaring the most eligible lordling?”

“I promised you a turn about the veranda.” Leyla couldn’t manage to force herself to not keep track of Lord Cavendish.

However, he was getting close enough to affect her steady breathing. Unfortunately, Lord Sleton did not seem in a hurry to go out as he lingered near the door. Instead he turned back to address the one man she was trying to escape, though she wasn’t entirely sure why she felt the need.

“A little late to the party, eh Cavendish? You eying the lovely on my arm? You’ll have to wait for a turn with her. We are about to head out on the veranda.”

Dylan’s jaw clenched. She could see it from where she stood.

“These things can get rather stuffy, can’t they?” Leyla’s voice was soft, almost docile. She squelched her inner cringe and continued to smile politely. 

“Don’t keep Miss Ristone out for too long, Sleton.” Dylan almost sounded irritated. 

Leyla glanced over at him in surprise at his tone only to discover he wasn’t even looking at her any longer. It seemed he was too busy glaring at Lord Sleton. Why would he invite someone he couldn’t stand to his own house party?

“I wouldn’t dream of keeping her away from you, Cavendish. I find I am merely pleased to be keeping this one out of your reach when you have made it so clear that you favor her.”

“He has not.” Leyla interceded. She refused to be talked about as if she weren’t there.

Lord Sleton shot her a patronizing nod and patted her hand. He proceeded to lead her out onto the veranda. Lord Cavendish was left to turn back to greet the rest of his guests, though he looked ready to follow after them.

“So, Miss Ristone, how have you managed to catch Lord Cavendish’s attention so thoroughly? I have never seen him make such a display.”

Leyla slowed. “How well do you know Lord Cavendish?”

“Well enough to know that his behavior is far from his usual indifference.”

Nodding as she walked about, she did not object when he came to a stop near the railing overlooking the gardens. “Perhaps he was intending to escape onto the veranda and it was you who waylaid him into conversation. He could have merely been looking for something to say.”

His gaze on her face sharpened. “How well do you know him?”

“I confess, I only met him yesterday though he and my father do business together often.” Leyla let her blush glow, aware of how it may look to the man before her. She didn’t mind the assumption he would make.

Immediately the sharpness disappeared from his eyes and softened into that of the suitor he had been playing in front of her mother. She found herself wondering what he was truly like when he wasn’t busy playing one part or another for whatever company he was keeping.” And how are you enjoying this grand estate?”

She gazed out at the gardens. “I haven’t seen much of it yet.”

“Shall I give you a tour of the grounds?” His hand moved to the small of her back to lightly guide her toward the garden steps.

She shook her head with a light laugh. “I have already been promised a tour by the owner. I would hate to disappoint him.”

“And yourself.” Lord Sleton chuckled. “I see that Lord Cavendish is not the only one enamored. Though I expect no less of you. Shall I escort you back?”

Leyla pulled back from the door just enough to stop him. “I do not want to cut our walk short because you believe I am after Lord Cavendish’s money. I promised you a walk.”

“Indeed?” He bowed as he laughed. “You are a marvel, Miss Ristone. I will be the gentleman and end this now. Your mother was quick to accept my offer for you. I did not miss that. You never promised me anything, though I appreciate your efforts to follow through. Now, allow me to show you inside before Cavendish decides I have taken too long in returning you to his side. Though I may have to remind him that it is his own fault since he took so long to show up.”

“Please do.” Leyla laughed. “Remind him.”

As soon as they returned indoors, Leyla found herself wishing for the cool air of the veranda. Perhaps it did not help that Dylan was standing amongst a bevy of heart struck admirers.

“There doesn’t appear to be any room. You may take me to my mother instead.”

“You shy away?” Lord Sleton peered over at her. “You surprise me once again.”

Leyla inclined her head and smiled. “Lord Sleton, I will not fight for his attention. He must fight for mine.”