the water slapping against the shore. And the furnace of Rhys’ body singeing her through her clothes.
He broke the kiss and, immediately, she felt bereft. Confused. At sea with no anchor to steady her.
“I promised I would never do that again,” he said, his voice low and husky, causing a tingle to race up her spine.
“Why?” she asked, curious.
His crooked grin melted her heart. “Because we are of two different worlds, Dalinda.”
She started to cut him off but he placed a fingertip against her lips.
“No. Don’t. You know we are. I am rough-mannered though I hold a title. Raised in poverty. All I know is war and destruction and sorrow.” He smiled ruefully. “I am now able to meet my financial obligations but my solicitor says that will end within two years. I must wed a woman who will bring me a fortune and be able to overlook my humble beginnings.”
His hand stroked her hair. “You, on the other hand, are a duchess. At the top echelon of society. You are still young and beautiful and will have any number of men eating from the palm of your hand next Season. You will make a brilliant match. Have more children.”
Rhys kissed her softly, a kiss that Dalinda knew meant goodbye.
“We had our one night, sweetheart. I will never forget it.” He paused. “I will never forget you,” he added softly.
His finger moved from her lips and fell away. A lump grew in her throat, making speech impossible.
“I think it best that you not come to Sheffield Park. I will have Dez accompany me to the estate. He can give me the advice I need.”
She couldn’t walk away from this man. He needed so much help.
“No. I have committed to coming and helping get you situated,” she said. “Please allow me to do so. I promise I will ask nothing of you in return.”
Dalinda wondered if the yearning in his eyes was mirrored in her own. She didn’t understand why he thought her so above him. He was a self-made man and one she would be extremely pleased to wed—but she understood Rhys had his pride. It was most likely the only thing he had that was his alone. He had carried it with him from childhood into the army and now beyond as he attempted to settle into the life of the aristocracy.
She would try to be his friend. His adviser. And if she could break through the thick walls Rhys erected about him, perhaps there was a slim chance of finding happiness.
Together.
He stepped back and motioned for her to move away from the tree. Dalinda did so and they continued walking along the shoreline. She told him a few tales of growing up at Torville Manor and the trouble she had gotten them in.
“I was always too curious by far,” she admitted. “I believe Arthur gets that from me. Unfortunately, he leads Harry along with him in his mischief. Harry is guileless and always eager to please his older brother.”
“You said they are attending a new school?” Rhys asked.
“Yes, one very close to Gillingham, run by a dowager countess. She is formidable and nurturing at the same time. I think my boys will find themselves—who they truly are—at Dunwood Academy.”
They spoke of her bringing Arthur and Harry to visit Dez and Anna at Torville Manor this summer and how both boys had experienced an instant rapport with their uncle when they met him for the first time.
“It will be good for them to be around Dez,” he agreed.
“I think so, as well. They will also fall in love with Anna. Everyone does. Getting to know Charlie will also be good for them.”
“Especially if you do have another baby. It will give them practice.”
Dalinda wondered what their child would look like. If it would have Rhys’ emerald eyes and height. She shook her head, knowing the thought foolish and yet it wouldn’t seem to go away. Becoming a mother again appealed to her a great deal. If a future with this stubborn man proved to be impossible, she would definitely seek a husband in the future. She had a good three decades or more to live and she had no intention of wasting them by being alone.
They returned to the cottage, finding Anna had awakened from her nap and was feeling refreshed. Dalinda tried to ignore the burst of butterflies in her belly when Rhys’ hands took her waist, lifting her into the saddle. She kept a firm hand on