A Rogue to the Rescue (The Rogue Chronicles #4) - Lana Williams Page 0,36

come to know you before—or if—you choose to tell them the events you endured? What harm can temporarily omitting a few days of your life cause? At least until you’re certain what that life will be.”

Beatrice heaved a sigh. “It sounds so simple when you speak of it. But when I’m alone with my thoughts, all that seems impossible and feels deceitful.”

“Then we won’t leave you alone with your thoughts for long.” Caroline smiled and eased back, releasing Beatrice’s hand. “We shall stay busy for the foreseeable future. At least a week or two. Then we shall decide the best path forward. How does that sound?”

“Are you certain I’m not too much of a burden? You should be thinking about the baby rather than me.”

Caroline chuckled as she placed her hand over her still slim middle. “My thoughts are always filled with the baby. It’s rather nice to have a chance to remember that I’m a person too, not just an expectant mother. I thoroughly enjoy your company, and you’ve been a tremendous help in preparing the nursery.”

“Yes, you have,” the earl said as he walked into the room. “You have my deepest thanks for assisting with that project. I don’t think Caroline would’ve found me nearly as effective.” He reached for his wife’s hand as he stood beside her.

Their easy affection and deep regard for one another was beautiful to watch. Beatrice had never witnessed a relationship such as theirs. Her mother and father had rarely shown affection. Watching Lord and Lady Aberland made her realize what she would’ve missed out on if she had married her betrothed. His stilted behavior toward her might have been merely because they didn’t know each other well. But in truth, she couldn’t see him ever looking at her the way the earl looked at his wife.

That was what Beatrice wanted, she realized with a pang of longing. It had been easy to think she could settle for a more practical match and talk of seeking a husband much like she would a position. But now that she’d seen these two, how could she not wish to have a similar relationship in her own life?

She forced a smile as she listened to them speak about their plans for the day. Finding a man who cared for her enough to overlook her ruined reputation already seemed impossible, and love was a rarity. She might not find either, let alone both.

If she were wise, she’d put aside her longing and be practical. She’d look for a man she could respect and admire. That might have to be enough. Friendship would be a lovely bonus. But love was too much to hope for given the circumstances.

“Good afternoon.” Her heart stuttered as Daniel strode into the room with a broad smile on his face.

Oh dear. Perhaps love wasn’t out of the question after all. She swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat. Why did he have to be so thoughtful and handsome? So kind and considerate? Why did he have a charming smile that melted her? And why had his kiss given her heart wings?

“Greetings, brother,” the earl said with an easy smile. “What brings you by today?”

Daniel’s gaze met Beatrice’s and suddenly she couldn’t take a breath. Then his focus returned to his brother, allowing her to draw a quick gasp of air.

She needed to take a firm hold of her emotions. The thought of seeing pity in his eyes if he realized how she felt about him was enough to have her look away. He already felt sorry for her because of what she’d been through. She didn’t want sympathy from him. No. She wanted far more. Something impossible. Something she couldn’t bring herself to name.

“What do you say, Miss Linfield?”

She glanced up, realizing she’d been too deep in her thoughts to follow the conversation and now all of them were staring at her. The tips of her ears grew hot. “My apologies. I was woolgathering.”

“My brother asked if you’d care for a drive in Hyde Park,” the earl supplied, his eyes narrowing with concern as he looked at her.

“Hyde Park?” The idea was startling. That was where people went to see and be seen. How could she be included among them? And to do so with Daniel? “Now?”

“I can return later if you prefer,” Daniel said. “Or we can do it another day if you’d rather.”

“You should go now whilst the weather is fine, don’t you think?” Caroline lifted a brow at Beatrice