Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Turning in the moonlight, Miriam smiled at me. “Mr. Compton, I would say this is a surprise, but I am sure it is a well-planned meeting, is it not?” There was no accusation in her tone. There was more of a jovial lilt to her words. As if she found my game childish and predictable. I needed to rectify that immediately. It was my fault, of course.
“I assure it is not. This is pure luck, at least for me,” I replied. Then thought perhaps if I started telling the truth, it might help things. I had lied for so long it seemed that the lies came so easily to my tongue. It took very little thought.
“Very well,” Miriam said with a smile that said she did not, in fact, believe me. She was too smart to fall for the smooth words of a man such as myself. It wasn’t an easy thing to accept. I didn’t want to be that man. For the first time in my life, I wanted to be seen as something worthy. A man that she could respect.
“Did you enjoy your time at Chatwick Hall?” I asked her then, unable to wait a moment longer for a response to this. Had Hugh let his guard down?
Even under the light of the moon, the pink blush on her cheeks was apparent. Miriam lowered her head as if to hide her response and I knew then it may be too late. My stomach clenched and I felt a tightness in my chest that I could only categorize as panic. Had I ever felt that before?
“Chatwick Hall is the most lovely place in all of England, I am sure,” she replied then. When she offered no more information, I could feel the wall there between us. It was clear that if there had been anything before, any connection she had felt with me, that it was no longer acknowledged. Miriam Bathurst was set on becoming the next countess.
It would be easy to believe she was like all the others and out for the title and power. After visiting Chatwick Hall and seeing all that Ashington had to offer her, why wouldn’t she set her sights on being his wife? However, I knew Miss Bathurst and no amount of material wealth would draw her in. There had to be something more that happened.
“Am I to believe a wedding is to be announced soon then?” I asked, trying not to sound as bitter and jealous as I felt. There was time to turn this around, but at the expense of her happiness would be difficult for me. When had I become a man who cared for others feelings? Why now?
“Oh, no, I do not believe so. I haven’t seen Lord Ashington since our return. I am sure he has been busy.” She stopped then and I could see the flicker of pain in her eyes before she turned her face to gaze off down the garden path and away from me.
This scenario was one I could work with more easily.
“The Earl of Ashington does have much weighing on him. I wouldn’t give it too much thought. He will come around once his load lightens,” I assured her then motioned a hand toward the ballroom. “For now, would you return with me to the ballroom? I believe I am next on your dance card.”
That brought a smile to her face and I felt like a hero of sorts. Hugh might find he needed time to think over his decision and while he did that, I would move forward with my own. Miriam Bathurst was unique and I found getting her out of my thoughts was impossible. Her beauty alone was a fierce weapon, but yet one she did not wield. Her choice not to use such a power only made her more desirable. I was willing to admit that she had changed my plans.
“I thought perhaps he may attend tonight,” Miriam said as we walked back to the ballroom.
“Ashington is often late. He may perhaps be there when we arrive,” I replied. Another lie so easily spoken. Guilt gnawed at my gut. Ashington was, in fact, inside the ballroom. I did not know whom he would be speaking to or if he would be dancing, but he hadn’t gone looking for Miriam. Someone else was occupying his time.
“Perhaps,” she agreed as we stepped onto the veranda and back into the warmth of the crowed room.
“Do you require a refreshment before we dance?” I asked her, not allowing myself to search for Hugh.
Miriam, however, was already doing so and I watched as she scanned the room. She glanced up at me and shook her head. “No, I am fine,” she replied.
Taking her hand and placing it on my arm, I led her toward the floor just as my eyes found Hugh. He was speaking to none other than Lydia Ramsbury and her mother. They were both openly delighted with the attention. All of London knew of his trip to the country with Miriam and her family. His speaking with Lydia made it appear as if that hadn’t been quite as important as the gossip papers thought it was.