Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

As the sun climbed higher in the sky and streamed its warm light through the windows, Miles entered the dining room and saw Elodie and Melody sitting at the long, rectangular table.

"Good morning," he greeted with a smile as he pulled out a chair and took a seat across from them.

The sisters murmured their greetings in return, their voices gentle and refined.

At first glance, it was difficult to distinguish between Elodie and Melody, but upon closer inspection, subtle differences could be seen. Elodie's delicate features were adorned with a sprinkling of freckles along the bridge of her nose and cheeks. Meanwhile, Melody had a single dimple that appeared on her right cheek whenever she smiled.

Elodie reached for her teacup, her eyes meeting Miles' as she asked, "How are you enjoying your stay at Brockhall Manor, my lord?"

"I have enjoyed my time immensely," he replied honestly, taking a sip of his own tea.

"That is good to hear," Elodie said. "I understand Bennett and Winston are planning to go angling today. Will you be joining them? "

Miles shook his head. "No, I have agreed to escort Lady Edwina to the village instead."

"For what purpose?" Elodie inquired.

Melody quickly interjected, "That is not our concern, Sister. Remember what our headmistress said."

Elodie blew out a puff of air. "I do try to forget everything that Mrs. Taylor said."

"A genteel lady does not pry into the personal lives of others," Melody shared. "It is uncouth to do so."

"But it is imperative that I know why they are going to the village," Elodie argued.

Melody gave her a disbelieving look. "Why is that, exactly?"

"I need to know if I should accompany them," Elodie replied. "Or I might need to buy some more ribbons."

"You have plenty of ribbons," Melody pointed out.

Elodie grinned. "Can a lady ever have too many ribbons?"

"In your case, perhaps," Melody replied with a smile of her own.

Miles chuckled. "I would invite you along, my lady, but our purpose in going is for Lady Edwina to meet with Mr. Stanley."

The grin disappeared from Elodie's lips. "That does not sound the least bit enjoyable. I would rather stay here."

Lady Dallington glided through the doorway and announced, "Good, because we are meeting with the dressmaker soon. You will require a whole new wardrobe for the Season."

Elodie's shoulders slumped as she groaned in response. "That sounds awful."

Melody perked up. "I disagree. That sounds wonderful."

"I do not wish to be poked and prodded," Elodie complained.

With a slight shrug, Melody replied, "Then don't move when the dressmaker is attempting to measure you. It is a simple process, really."

Elodie sat back in her seat, clearly unhappy with the situation. "What is wrong with the gowns that I have now?"

"They are far too simple for London," Lady Dallington replied matter-of-factly. "All eyes will be on you as you two make your debuts. You both must make quite the impression to set yourselves apart from the other debutantes."

Miles ate his food as he listened intently to the conversation, grateful that he didn't have to worry about such things. He had learned long ago that he cared little about what people thought about him. Except Edwina. Her opinion mattered greatly to him.

"What of Edwina?" Elodie asked. "Won't she need an entire new wardrobe as well?"

Lady Dallington nodded. "She does, indeed. But her appointment is scheduled for next week."

"Why not today, with us?" Elodie prodded.

Sitting down at the head of the table, Lady Dallington replied, "We shall discuss this later, Dear, since we are being terribly rude to our guest." Her voice was gentle but firm.

Miles wiped the corners of his mouth with his napkin. "Not at all. I was just enjoying the conversation around me."

Lady Dallington smiled warmly. "I do appreciate you taking Edwina into the village today."

"It is my pleasure," Miles responded. And it truly was. He found that he was greatly looking forward to spending time with Edwina again. He didn't think he would ever tire of being in her presence.

As if on cue, Edwina entered the dining room and Miles promptly rose to his feet. She looked radiant in a dark blue gown and her hair was pinned up in a loose chignon, with a few tendrils delicately framing her face. The bright smile she wore on her lips made it nearly impossible for him to look away .

"Good morning, my lord," Edwina greeted as she came to sit next to him.

Miles returned to his seat and said, "Good morning. I trust that you slept well."

"I did," Edwina replied. "And did you sleep well?"

He grinned. "I do not have any complaints."

Their eyes met for a brief moment and Miles had to forcefully turn his attention elsewhere to avoid being caught staring.

"I am pleased that you are out of mourning," Elodie said, addressing Edwina with curiosity in her voice.

Edwina placed her napkin on her lap. "I thought it was best, considering the Season is coming up shortly."

"And you intend to make your debut?" Elodie prodded.

"I do," Edwina replied. "Lord Hilgrove has graciously offered to help me."

Elodie exchanged a look with Melody before speaking again. "How kind of him."

"Indeed," Edwina agreed.

Lady Dallington spoke up. "I think that is enough talk about the Season. We should discuss the particulars of the soiree this evening."

"Why did you truly have to plan a soiree?" Elodie asked.

"To honor our esteemed guest, of course," Lady Dallington replied.

Elodie lifted her brow. "And who is our esteemed guest, again?" she inquired with a teasing lilt to her voice.

Miles chuckled. "I must agree with Lady Elodie. I do not feel very esteemed."

"You are a war hero, and the gentry will be eager to speak to you," Lady Dallington pointed out.

He sobered. "No, I simply fought in the war. I am no hero, nor would I pretend to be such," he argued, his voice much harsher than he had intended .

Edwina's smile was weak, but genuine. "Regardless, it is not every day that our village is honored to meet someone who fought valiantly in the war."

"I do not wish to give the illusion that I am something that I am not," Miles said.

"Nor should you. But I do not believe you are giving yourself enough credit, my lord," Edwina remarked as she held his gaze.

Miles let out a resigned sigh. "Very well. Then I will not turn away anyone who wishes to discuss the war with me."

"Wonderful," Lady Dallington said, clasping her hands together. "Lionel and I will be starting the dancing and Miles and Edwina will join in shortly thereafter."

At that moment, Bennett stepped into the dining room. "Thank heavens, I lost the bet. That sounds truly dreadful."

Edwina playfully narrowed her eyes at her cousin. "Are you in some way implying that dancing with me is dreadful?"

"Heavens, no, but dancing the first set when all eyes are upon you? It does sound quite terrible," Bennett replied.

Elodie chimed in, "What bet did you lose?"

Taking a seat next to his sisters, Bennett explained with a smirk, "The winner of our pall-mall game had the honor of dancing with Edwina for the first set."

"I consider it a privilege to dance with Lady Edwina," Miles said.

Bennett's smirk only grew wider as he replied, "Of course you do."

With a glance at Edwina's plate, Miles noticed that she had finished her breakfast. He stood and offered his hand to assist her in rising. "Shall we depart for the village?"

"Yes, please," Edwina replied.

As he moved Edwina's hand into the crook of his arm, Winston walked into the dining room and asked, "Where, pray tell, are you two going? "

"To the village," Edwina informed him.

A skeptical expression came to Winston's face as he asked, "Without a chaperone?"

"We shall be taking the open drawn carriage," Edwina said. "It is perfectly acceptable for us to venture to the village alone."

Winston turned to his mother for confirmation. "Are you allowing this?"

"I am," Lady Dallington confirmed. "The rules of polite Society are more relaxed in the countryside."

Winston didn't look convinced. "Perhaps I should accompany them."

"Or I could always go with them," Elodie suggested in a far too eager voice.

Lady Dallington gave her daughter a pointed look that left no room for argument. "Do I need to remind you that you are meeting with the dressmaker?"

"Drats," Elodie muttered under her breath.

"Language, Dear," Lady Dallington chided lightly.

Melody giggled. "You should have heard Elodie at the boarding school," she said, her words laced with amusement. "At times, she sounded like a drunken sailor."

Elodie's mouth dropped. "That is not the least bit true."

Lady Dallington gave Elodie a disapproving look. "I do hope that isn't true, young lady."

"Young lady?" Bennett repeated with a playful grin as he turned towards Elodie. "You are in trouble now."

Miles couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as he listened to the siblings banter back and forth. It reminded him of his own brother, who was always quick with a joke or a witty remark.

Edwina must have sensed his thoughts because she leaned closer and whispered, "This may seem amusing, but it gets old rather quickly. "

"Not to me," Miles admitted. "It feels a little bit like home."

Winston stepped closer to them and spoke sternly, "Go to the village and come back straightaway. No dilly-dallying."

"Yes, sir," Edwina replied with a mock salute.

With a shake of his head, Winston responded, "I wish you would take this seriously."

"Why, Cousin?" Edwina asked. "Lord Hilgrove and I are just friends."

Friends.

There was that word again. It echoed in Miles' mind and for some reason, it left an unsettling feeling in his chest. He couldn't quite say why it bothered him so much. It was the truth. They were friends- good friends even- but he cared for her far more than any friend should.

Botheration.

What happened to staying away from Edwina?

Winston crossed his arms over his chest and there was a warning glint in his eyes. "I expect you to behave yourself," he said pointedly.

Miles nodded in agreement. "You need not worry," he assured him. "I shall treat Lady Edwina with the utmost respect that she deserves."

They stared at one another for a tense moment before Winston finally relented with a step to the side. "Very well," he said. "Enjoy your carriage ride."

As they made their way towards the entry hall, Miles didn't quite know what to do. He knew he should keep his distance from Edwina, but at the same time, he wanted nothing more than to be near her. What kind of torture was this?

Edwina sat in the carriage as it traveled towards the village. She used to love this journey, but now her heart was heavy with worry and uncertainty. She wasn't quite sure what reception they would receive. She hoped, and not for the first time, that Mr. Stanley would help her persuade her uncle to return the funding needed to sustain the upkeep of the village.

Miles eyed her with concern. "You have been rather quiet," he remarked.

"I have been," she admitted. "My father would have been so disappointed in my uncle. He loved the villagers."

"Perhaps this is just a big misunderstanding," Miles said.

Edwina frowned. "Do you honestly believe that?"

He shook his head. "No, I don't."

"My uncle has a duty to this village and he has destroyed their trust," she sighed.

Leaning forward in his seat, Miles proposed in a gentle voice, "I could take you far away from here, far away from all your troubles and worries. All you have to do is agree to marry me."

"What would that solve?" she asked. "I would think of these villagers often and worry about their plight."

"If you marry me, I am rich. I can provide some aid."

She smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. "It is not your responsibility to care for this village. You have your own troubles to worry about."

"I do not like seeing you so upset."

"You are kind, but I have to try to make a difference," Edwina insisted. "With any luck, we can convince Mr. Stanley to encourage my uncle to do the right thing."

Miles settled back into his seat. "You, my dear, have far too much faith in other people."

"You don't know Mr. Stanley like I do," Edwina said. "He always offered me a kind smile and a thoughtful word. I do not think I ever heard him say one cross thing. He isn't that type of man. "

"But he is your uncle's man of business now. His loyalty belongs to your uncle, not your father," Miles pointed out.

"True, but he couldn't have changed that much," Edwina asserted. "He will want to do the right thing. I am sure of that."

Miles put his hand up in surrender. "Very well. I believe you."

"Thank you."

"Regardless, I can help you secure a barrister to ensure your uncle is held accountable for your inheritance," Miles said.

"I do hope it won't come to that," she admitted.

Miles grew silent before asking, "Did you know that my library at my country estate is larger than your uncle's?"

"I did not."

"And there are far more paths in the woodlands for someone to explore," Miles continued.

Edwina eyed him curiously. "Your point being?"

"Marry me and it will be yours. The library. The woodlands. I will even throw in some diamonds. Loads of them," Miles said, his eyes full of mirth.

She laughed. "I have my mother's diamonds. That is all I need."

Miles waggled his eyebrows. "What about the library? There are so many books that you haven't read yet. Just waiting to be explored by you."

Her face softened. "I know you could give me everything I ever wanted, but it is not what I need," she said. "I need to be loved, and love in return."

"I am trying, Edwina," Miles responded, his voice pained.

She leaned forward and reached for his hand. "I know, and I am appreciative of it. But I will always wonder if you are thinking of Arabella when I'm with you."

Miles' eyes held a rawness that made her heart ache, a vulnerability she hadn't seen from him before. "I can't forget about Arabella."

She squeezed his fingers gently, trying to convey her understanding. "I wouldn't expect you to. She was a part of your life and helped shape who you are today."

His voice was thick with emotion as he whispered, "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't. I promise," Edwina reassured him. "I will always be here for you, just as I know you will be there for me."

Miles winced. "I do not think I can stand by and watch you marry another."

"Who says I will be getting married anytime soon?"

He gave her an incredulous look. "Once the ton sees you for who you truly are, the suitors will line up to vie for your attention."

"I am nothing special."

Miles lifted her gloved hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "If I had to go through all of this, everything, just to meet you, I can most assuredly say that I would do it all over again."

Edwina felt the tears prick at the back of her eyes and she wondered if she could marry Miles, knowing he was quickly becoming her everything. But he didn't feel the same. She would always have to compete against the memory of Arabella.

The carriage rolled into the village and Edwina slipped her hand out of Miles'. Her resolve was weakening with each passing moment she spent with him.

Once the carriage came to a stop in front of a brick building where Mr. Stanley had an office, Miles stepped out and assisted her down. She promptly removed her hand from his and clasped her hands in front of her.

They started walking towards the door when she saw Miss Price pass by her .

"Miss Price," Edwina said, calling after her.

With a hesitant look, Miss Price turned around and said, "Hello, Lady Edwina." Her voice was timid and awkward.

Edwina offered her a warm smile. "How is your baby?"

That brought a smile, albeit small, to her face. "She is not quite so young anymore," Miss Price said. "Can you believe that she is almost six months old?"

"Time does certainly fly by when it is not your own child," Edwina remarked.

Miss Price's eyes darted around the pavement. "I should be going," she said. "But it was nice talking to you, my lady."

Without saying another word, Miss Price put her head down and walked swiftly down the pavement.

Edwina stared after Miss Price and she felt a weight on her shoulders. If her interaction with Miss Price was any indication, then the villagers had turned against her, as well. What was she going to do?

Miles placed a hand on her sleeve and encouraged, "Let us go speak to Mr. Stanley."

She let him lead her into the building until they arrived at Mr. Stanley's office. Miles removed his hand and rapped on the door.

"Enter," came a voice from within.

Miles opened the door and stood to the side to let her enter.

As she entered the room, Mr. Stanley stood and said, "Lady Edwina. Lord Hilgrove. What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Edwina waited for Miles to close the door, ensuring their conversation remained private, before saying, "I was hoping you could help."

"Oh, I would be happy to," Mr. Stanley said, gesturing towards a chair. "Please have a seat and tell me what troubles you. "

After she was situated, she pressed her lips together as she tried to gather her courage to say what needed to be said.

Taking a deep breath, Edwina said, "I am concerned about my uncle's ill-treatment of the villagers."

Mr. Stanley's brow shot up. "Pardon?"

"My uncle informed me that he reduced the funding he gave the village and I understand that is causing some discontent here," Edwina replied.

With a heavy sigh, Mr. Stanley said, "I'm afraid not much can be done. It is up to Lord Dallington's discretion on how much he gives to the village and what those funds are allocated for."

"Perhaps you could speak to him and suggest he provide more aid…" Edwina attempted.

Mr. Stanley put his hand up, stilling her words. "I do understand your concern, but your uncle does things differently than your father. You must give him time to execute his vision."

"Does he even have one?" Edwina asked.

With a look that could only be construed as pity, Mr. Stanley inquired, "Have you spoken to your uncle about this?"

"In a way. He wasn't entirely forthcoming," Edwina shared.

Rising, Mr. Stanley said, "I'm afraid I can't be much help. I work for your uncle and I rather like being employed."

"Thank you, Mr. Stanley," Edwina responded as she rose. "I do apologize if I put you in an uncomfortable position."

"You did no such thing, and your father would be proud of you for attempting to help the villagers," Mr. Stanley remarked.

Edwina walked over to the door but stopped. "Would you know why my uncle would keep my inheritance from me?"

Mr. Stanley's face went slack. "Whatever do you mean?"

"My father left me ten thousand pounds but my uncle has failed to mention that," Edwina replied .

"How did you learn of your inheritance then?" Mr. Stanley questioned.

Edwina gave him a sheepish smile. "I may have gone looking through my uncle's desk."

Mr. Stanley pursed his lips, disapproval etched in his features. "What if your uncle would have caught you?"

"It wouldn't matter because Bennett is now involved," Edwina replied. "Together, we will convince my uncle to provide more aid."

"You told Lord Dunsby of this?" Mr. Stanley asked, his voice growing terse.

"I did," Edwina confirmed. "Bennett insists that he will start taking a more active role in running the estate."

Mr. Stanley brought his hand up and rubbed his jaw. "I think that is a fine idea. He is the heir, after all."

"Precisely, and he is proficient at balancing the ledger. With any luck, he will be able to come up with a way to acquire additional funds," Edwina said.

"Yes, well, if he needs any help understanding the books, please inform him that I would be happy to help," Mr. Stanley responded, coming around his desk.

Miles opened the door and offered his arm to Edwina. "Shall we, my lady?"

As they walked out of the building, Edwina leaned into Miles and said, "Thank you for coming with me."

"I didn't do much."

"Just you being there was enough for me," Edwina assured him. Which was the truth. His strong, steady presence gave her a sense of strength that she desperately needed at this time.

Miles smirked. "You are rather easy to please."

Edwina glanced over at him. "Do you think Bennett will be able to convince my uncle to allow him to review the books? "

"I sure hope so since you told Mr. Stanley as much," Miles replied as he assisted her into the carriage.

After she was situated on the bench, she said, "I think I have a plan."

"For what?"

In a hesitant voice, she asked, "What if I gave my inheritance to the village? It could help fund a girls' school, amongst other things."

Miles' brow shot up. "That is madness. That is your money to secure your future."

"I know, but…" Her voice trailed off. "I just want to help them."

The carriage jerked forward and Miles' eyes held sympathy. "I understand your concern, but ten thousand pounds is a fortune."

Edwina lowered her gaze. "It is," she said.

Miles moved to sit next to her on the bench, and his nearness provided her with immense comfort. "Before you make any rash decisions, let Bennett try to sort this out with Lord Dallington."

"And if he can't?" Edwina asked, bringing her gaze back up.

"Then I will give the village ten thousand pounds and you can decide how it is spent," Miles replied, his tone resolute.

Edwina's mouth dropped. "You cannot be in earnest!"

"I am," Miles replied, leaning in closer. "As I said before, your happiness is of great importance to me, Edwina. I will do anything to win your favor."

Overwhelmed by his kindness, Edwina's heart swelled with emotion. "I couldn't possibly ask you to do such a thing."

Miles reached out and gently took her hand in his own. "You didn't ask. I offered," he said. "And I would do it again, just to see you smile."

Edwina stared at Miles in astonishment. How could she not love this man? He was the man of her dreams, the one she never thought she would have. But he wasn't hers.

However, that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy this moment. The way he was looking at her made her feel beautiful. Giving her hope that perhaps he might one day love her as much as she loved him.

It was sheer foolishness on her part, but why couldn't she pretend? Just for now.