The Bachelor Earl - Darcy Burke Page 0,30
she’d promised to raise as her son when she’d wed his father.
“Did you…meet someone?” Titus asked, pulling Genie back to the present.
There was no reason not to tell him the truth. “I did. However, we didn’t suit.” She glanced toward the desk again. “Another gentleman from the party has been writing to me. There’s a chance we may suit, however.” Saying the words out loud made her doubt the possibility. Thinking of Peter Sterling didn’t give her the same rush of anticipation that thinking of Edmund did. She realized she missed him dreadfully—his surreptitious heated looks in her direction, his deep laugh, his care and concern for her well-being.
He cocked his head. “Forgive me again, but you don’t sound very enthusiastic.”
“I’m not entirely certain I’m ready to wed again. Now or perhaps ever. I’m not sure I can bring myself to leave Lakemoor. Or you.” She gave him a tremulous smile.
He leaned forward. “You must make decisions that are best for you. I will be fine.” He glanced away, then met her gaze once more. “You haven’t asked for my advice, but I hope you will pursue what makes you happy. If anyone deserves joy, it’s you.”
“Thank you.” She instantly thought of Edmund. The time they’d spent together had been her happiest moments since Jerome had died.
Her butler appeared in the doorway. He looked to Genie. “Your Grace, a gentleman has arrived to see you.”
Her breath snagged and her heart sped. No, it wouldn’t be Edmund. But how she wished it was. She realized in that moment that she’d fallen quite desperately in love with him. Probably. How could she be sure when she’d only ever loved one other person?
Because the sensation was similar. She missed Edmund. She thought of him all the time. She yearned to see him again. And now that a gentleman had arrived, she fervently hoped it was him even as she knew it wouldn’t be.
The butler added, “Mr. Peter Sterling.”
Genie’s belly sank. “Show him in.”
Titus started to rise. “Shall I go?”
“No, stay, if you don’t mind. He will have come a long way. Can he stay at the house tonight?”
“Of course.” He settled back onto the settee.
Mr. Sterling came into the sitting room. His dark blue eyes settled on her, and he smiled warmly. Then his gaze landed on Titus, and he seemed to freeze for a moment.
“Welcome, Mr. Sterling,” Genie said. “Come in and join us. Allow me to present my stepson, the Duke of Kendal.”
Mr. Sterling bowed. “Your Grace, I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“As am I yours,” Titus said. “Please, sit.” He gestured to a vacant chair near Genie.
Mr. Sterling walked to the chair and slowly lowered himself. “I beg your pardon for arriving unannounced.” He looked to Genie. “Perhaps you received my letter?”
“Just today, in fact. I was going to respond that I would be delighted to have you visit.” What could she say now that he was here? She flicked a glance at Titus and saw a slight scowl marring his forehead, reminding her again of Jerome.
Mr. Sterling’s features creased in a brief grimace. “I took that chance. I’m so glad it was the right one.”
“You’ve come an awfully long way. Kendal will arrange for your room at the manor house.”
“That would be most welcome, thank you.” Mr. Sterling inclined his head toward Titus.
“I’ll go and see to that.” Titus stood. “Dinner will be at six.” He sent Genie a questioning look, and she responded with the barest shake of her head. This wasn’t the man she wanted.
And she did want a man.
“See you later,” Titus said before departing.
Genie drew a deep breath. She needed to tell Mr. Sterling that she was not interested in a courtship or marriage.
“Are you certain it’s all right that I’ve come?” Mr. Sterling asked.
“Yes. As you can imagine, I haven’t had many visitors here.” That was certainly true, and while she didn’t want to marry Mr. Sterling, she’d enjoyed his company and conversation at Blickton.
“You can probably guess why I’ve come. It’s an awfully long journey just to pay a visit.”
It was indeed, since he lived a few days’ ride from the Lake District. As to why he’d come…yes, she could guess. But she didn’t want to. “Why have you come?”
He frowned slightly. “I found we suited well at Blickton. I enjoyed our time together very much. I thought you felt the same.”
The fact that he kept talking about what he felt and thought without asking—and instead assuming—how she felt and thought grated