Lord Sheffington had arrived. He joined them, nodding deferentially to her.
“I am happy you are enjoying your son so much,” she told her twin. “I cannot wait for Arthur and Harry to meet their cousin.”
Her brother’s eyes twinkled. “Remember when we discussed the boys coming to visit Torville Manor? Anna and I would still enjoy hosting them for a few weeks this summer during their school holidays.”
Anna added, “Of course, you would be invited to accompany them, Dalinda.”
Before she could reply, Lord Sheffington said, “Her Grace may be occupied with helping me at Sheffield Park.”
She saw Dez and Anna exchange one of those glances only a married couple who knew each other well did and wondered what it was about.
Dez asked, “How so, Rhys?”
“Her Grace graciously offered to help me in hiring a staff and making recommendations regarding the various repairs that need to occur to the house. She also has more experience than you, Dez, as far as running a large estate goes. I appreciate her offer, given in goodwill to a stranger.”
“It’s not as if you are a complete stranger,” Dez chided. “Dalinda knows about you from the many letters I wrote to her over the years—just as you know her from what I shared with you.” He beamed. “I think it a marvelous idea.”
She shook her head, wanting to nip this in the bud. “I am afraid I must withdraw my offer, my lord.” She glanced to Sheffington, whose emerald eyes bored into her. “Without meaning to, I twisted your arm in getting you to agree to my proposal. It is much more appropriate for my brother to help you. You were being a gentleman when I tried to force your hand to accept my help. I am merely a woman and should keep my opinions to myself.”
“Far from it, Your Grace,” he said, his eyes blazing. “You have the experience I need to help set things right at Sheffield Park. Of course, I will continue to consult with Dez on various matters. I value his opinion and intelligence but you are minimizing your own worth.” He paused. “Where is the spirited woman I have heard so much about? It seems out of character for you to back down and pretend you know nothing when you are the most capable one among us to help me.”
How could she tell him that she was afraid to go with him? That she didn’t trust the feelings which he had stirred within her. That if she accompanied him to his country estate she might wind up in his bed.
Her husband had been a gentle lover. He had introduced her to lovemaking slowly and she found the process sweet and satisfying. Lying in Gilford’s arms in the aftermath, she thought of how fortunate she was to have a such a considerate man who took such good care of her.
Instinct told her the Earl of Sheffington would not be gentle. He would be passionate and demanding and his lovemaking would be so intense that it might pierce her soul. Even if he were willing and they did make love once or twice, Dalinda believed it would mark her for life. That nothing would ever be the same again and that she would spend the rest of her life craving his touch.
And that was even before they had shared a single kiss.
Before she could reply, the butler announced dinner was ready to be served. Dez took Anna’s arm and led her from the drawing room. Lord Sheffington turned to her and offered his arm. Reluctantly, she placed her fingers upon his sleeve and, once more, felt the enigmatic pull to him. Their gazes met and in his, she saw heat—and desire. It thrilled her and frightened her at the same time.
“You will come,” he told her, his eyes compelling her. “You have a nurturing soul. You sense how desperate I am and will see for yourself how terrible things really are when you arrive at Sheffield Park. You won’t leave me in distress. You are a good person, Your Grace. Don’t walk away when I need you most.”
Dalinda felt herself weakening. She couldn’t argue with him and said, “I will only come if Dez and Anna accompany me.”
She didn’t know if that would keep her from this man’s bed but any barrier she could throw up between them must be used.
“Very well. I see my mission is to convince the countess to come.” He smiled at her. “I may not be wed but