Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss - Bree Wolf Page 0,55
everything Phineas has told me about him, I suppose I misjudged him.” She stopped once more and turned to look at Leonora. “He seems truly concerned for you.”
Leonora sighed, unable to hide a smile as she thought of Lord Pemberton and everything he had done for her. “He is a most honorable man. I…I owe him everything.”
“You do seem much changed,” Louisa observed thoughtfully. “More confident. Is that because of him? Because of what he teaches you?”
Leonora nodded. “He made me realize that I cannot hide from the world forever, that I don’t even want to. Still, I cannot help but be nervous around others, around men.” She remembered daring herself to accept Lord Sedgwick’s invitation to dance the night before. It had been the hardest thing she had ever done. Her nerves had almost overwhelmed her, and more than once, she had felt like bolting from the dance floor. Nevertheless, a calm and quiet voice had continued to whisper in her ear, and that voice had sounded suspiciously like Lord Pemberton’s. It had reassured her, encouraged her and, in the end, she had succeeded.
“I was surprised to see you dance with Lord Sedgwick,” Louisa remarked, her green eyes watchful. “You did not seem to be enjoying yourself.”
Leonora heaved a deep sigh. “I know I cannot hide from the world, yet when I try to mingle, I cannot help but feel ill at ease.” She met her sister’s eyes. “No, I did not enjoy myself. I wish I knew why. He’s a perfectly amiable gentleman.”
“And he seems to truly like you,” Louisa added as she gently squeezed Leonora’s hand. “Do you care for him?”
Leonora shrugged. “I do not know. He’s a kind man, but whenever he approaches, I…I simply wish he wouldn’t.”
“What about Lord Pemberton?” Louisa inquired, her gaze thoughtful. “Does he make you feel ill at ease? After all, you go to visit him at home, all by yourself and without a chaperone.” Leonora opened her mouth to defend her decision, but Louisa lifted a hand to stop her. “I’m not criticizing what you’re doing. I know that society would condemn you, but I’m your sister and I care more about your well-being than about upholding anyone’s reputation. Believe me, if he is truly helping you, I have no objections. All I meant to say was that when you visit him, you are alone with him. Does that not make you ill at ease?”
Leonora frowned, trying her best to recall all the many moments she had shared with Lord Pemberton. “It did in the beginning, but never as much as with other gentlemen. Something was different from the start.”
Louisa nodded knowingly. “I could tell that something was different between the two of you the moment I returned outside at the house party. I was so worried that I left you alone with him when I raced off because of Phineas’ foolish remark. But then when I returned and I saw your face, I knew that he did not frighten you, at least not the way others did. Do you know why?”
Leonora heaved a deep sigh. “I’m not certain. Believe me, I have wracked my mind trying to make sense of everything. Why him? The answer is, I don’t know. I wish I did, but I don’t. I suppose, we never do get all the answers we seek. Some questions we simply have to carry with us and find a way to be content without their answers.”
The sisters continue down the path, enjoying the warm rays of the sun as much as the time they spent with one another. It had become rarer as of late, and both cherished this moment. “I’m relieved you’re telling me all this,” Louisa said, offering her sister a warm smile. “I know this is hard for you, and I’m grateful you’re sharing your thoughts with me. Please know that no matter what you’re going through, I will always be here for you.”
Leonora stopped and turned to her sister, pulling her into a deep hug. “I know, dearest. Thank you so much for everything.” She stood back, relieved to be able to speak to one of her family with utter honesty.
Louisa squeezed her hands affectionately. “If there’s ever anything I can do, all you need to do is ask. I hope you know that. I only want to see you happy again. I want to hear your usual confusing babble about some scientific theory or another.” Louisa laughed. “I want to see you smile and