The Gift of Love (The Book of Love #8) - Meara Platt Page 0,22

good sense of humor. You are gentle. You are creative. You are talented.”

“Two more to go.”

“Easy. You are tenderhearted. You are an independent thinker. I’m not nearly done, but I’ve reached my twelve. Shall we move on to the next chapter?”

She nodded. “Thank you, Ronan. I appreciate what you said about my qualities.”

He placed his hand over hers. “It’s all true, Dahlia.”

She said nothing for a long moment, then her eyes began to tear up.

Bollocks. “Why are you crying?”

She emitted a ragged breath. “I don’t know...well...yes, I do. Gerald made me feel like rubbish beneath his boots. But you make me feel quite wonderful and special.”

“Because you are, Dahlia.” His hand was still on hers, so he gave it a little squeeze. “You are going to accomplish great things, I can see it in you. That rat-bastard, on the other hand, is going to live a miserable, unworthy life, detested by all, and he’ll probably die of the pox. Which will still be too gentle a punishment for him.”

Despite her tears, she laughed. “So, you still like him then?”

He chuckled. “As much as I ever did.”

CHAPTER SIX

Ronan returned home in the afternoon, curious whether his mother had spoken to her friend. He was satisfied with his progress on reading the book with Dahlia and was more certain than ever that he’d made the right decision by insisting they read it together. She was like a little bird, still learning how to fly and needing his help to soar. All she lacked was confidence in herself. For this reason, she dared not fly on her own for fear of suddenly plummeting.

They had arranged to meet tomorrow at Violet’s. He was to stop by there after work. Even though he’d just left Dahlia, he was already impatient to see her again.

“Ronan, I’m glad you are home early. Do you have a moment to ride over to Lady Wellbrook’s? She is quite excited about the prospect of your purchasing her house and most eager to see you. She has invited us to call on her at three o’clock today.”

He smiled. “Perfect. But I cannot stay long. I’m required to attend Lord Liverpool’s banquet this evening. I dare not arrive late.”

“Of course. It’s almost three now. I’ll have my carriage brought around immediately.”

Lady Wellbrook lived close by. Were it not for the snow on the ground, he would have suggested they walk. But he could not ask his mother to do so, especially not when she had dressed elegantly for the occasion. Her shoes were utterly impractical for walking in snow. He climbed in her carriage and settled across from her to make the trip that would take them less than five minutes, even if the roads were jammed with carts and carriages.

When they arrived, they were shown in by Lady Wellbrook’s butler, a doddering and slightly deaf, old fellow who would likely be pensioned off by her as soon as she sold her home.

After the required greetings, they attended to the matter of touring the house. “I know how impatient young men are, so I thought I’d show you about first, and then we can sit down to tea. You may ask me any questions after the tour. How does that sound to you, Captain Brayden?”

“A very good plan, Lady Wellbrook.”

As they walked through the rooms, Ronan took note of their size. He counted the number of bedchambers, considered the size of the garden, the condition of roof, and construction of the house. He did not know what else he ought to be looking for.

To him, the house appeared to be exactly what he needed.

In truth, he’d known this was the house for him before he’d ever stepped foot in it. The location was prime, on one of the loveliest squares in London. The other homes were well maintained, the street itself was quiet and yet convenient to everything.

Upon completion of the tour, he sat down to tea with Lady Wellbrook and his mother. He asked general questions about her memories and enjoyed learning of her time spent living here. He did not ask about roofs or foundations or load-bearing crossbeams, for he doubted the kindly dowager would know anything about those items.

He would engage an architect for that purpose and intended to ask Finn to help him out on the purchase. He and Lady Wellbrook’s man of affairs would handle matters to see the sale accomplished.

Pleased with the results, he left the two ladies soon afterward and walked home to wash and