Chapter 59

Beyond the massive rolling green grassland loomed Lord Waldorf's Elizabethan Palace. Three stories high, the mansion stood gloriously against the background of sheltering trees, faraway mountains and clear blue sky.

"Look, here we are at last! Beautiful, isn't it?"

Lady Byrne opened the window and leaned out to have a better look. A sudden gust of wind blew her untied bonnets out of the window.

"My hat!!! Oh dear!"

The hat flew by several yards away and caught in a branch of willow tree. Fortunately it trapped in the lower branch, the pink silk ribbon hanging down and rippling in the breeze.

"I'll get it."

Ava alighted from the carriage after the lady ordered the coachman to stop. She rushed to the tree by the edge of the road. Ava stood on her tiptoes and stretched out to reach the hanging ribbon, but it was still too far. She tried again, once, twice, suddenly a leather-gloved hand came from behind her and took the hat. She turned around to see the man who helped her.

For an instant, she was struck by a sudden fascination. Standing before her was one of the most impressive creatures she had ever seen. The man was a vision of masculinity and elegance. She couldn't describe his face as handsome, although it wasn't rough or rugged either. His dark hair was rebelliously longer than proper, falling to his collar. His eyes were a brilliant grey like a silver lightning, sharp and piercing set in a refined, aristocratic feature. For a moment, his eyes held her hostage. Those heart-stopping eyes seemed like they could see into the depth of the soul and never missed a thing. Her eyes traveled down and lingered on his mouth. She held her breath almost unconsciously. The mouth looked like it was made for sin. Like it was made for naughty whispers and scorching kisses. He was tall and slender, broad-shouldered with no excessive bulk in his lithesome figure. All about him spoke of vigorous health and virility, and powerful sensuality. The man smiled and passed the bonnet to her.

"Thank you, sir."

She gasped, brought back to the present. The man seemed to drown out everything around him.

"I'm just happy I happened to be here."

His voice was velvety rough, like a man who had just awakened from a deep sleep. His gaze cruised the shape of her and she felt her hair nape rising in alarm. There was only one man could have this effect on her with just one glance. In an instant she recognized the same air of superiority about them. Just as the other man was, this one was a lethal male.

"I truly believe that people cross paths for a reason. May I beg to know your name, Miss?"

"Never mind my name. I'm no miss, Sir. I'm coming to accompany my lady."

From his impeccably tailored clothing, Ava knew instantly that he was a gentleman, and a highborn such as him should not be associating with women of her station.

"Um, my lady is waiting. I have to go, Sir. Again, thank you."

Not waiting for his response, she sidestepped him and rushed to the waiting carriage.

"My God! Dear, you just met Lord Blackthorne!"

Lady Byrne screeched the moment Ava stepped into the carriage.

"Who?"

"The Earl of Blackthorne! Lothario of London! Such a dashing rogue, isn't he? Half of the women in the country are dying to have a minute with him!"

"And what about the other half?"

Ava asked jokingly, thoroughly amused by the lady's excitement.

"They are either children or oldsters like me."

They burst in laughter and turned in their seat to look at him through the back window as he entered his coach behind them. He must knew immediately she was going to the same direction as he was.

Lady Byrne just couldn't stop talking about how incredibly handsome the lord was until the carriage finally rocked to a smooth halt, distracting the lady from the previous subject. They had arrived at the mansion. Soon they were busy proceeding to the mansion with a heap of trunks, receiving a grand welcome from the noble pair who owned the great house.

She escorted Lady Byrne to her room in the second floor. This time they wouldn't share bed because each lady's maid got a separate room at the back of the building. She helped Lady Byrne changed clothes, then the lady yawned and told her to have a tour about the estate while she was taking a nap.

She strolled along the small corridor with large windows on one side that overlooked a large formal garden. Beyond the garden, an enormous forest loomed in the shadow of trees. Only a small stream separated the lawn from the wilderness. She stared at the view in curious wonder, suddenly consumed by a strong desire to wander into the woods.

Just as she reached the staircase, she saw the duke ascending the stairs alone. She grasped the banister unconsciously, feeling her heart beat faster at the sight of him. He looked preoccupied, his expression inscrutable. However, her presence didn't escape his notice, soon his gaze landed on hers.

Uncertain what to say, she managed a short greeting.

"I hope you had a pleasant trip."

"Thanks, I did."

She hesitated, but at last she decided to ask.

"You seem particularly occupied."

"Matthew didn't come. I made up reasons and delayed the departure for two hours more, but he didn't show up."

He looked as if he had just lost a fortune, his eyes lost their brilliant sparks.

"I'm sorry."

She replied quietly.

There was a clear hint of remorse and dismay in his voice as he spoke

"I wish he wouldn't end up dying in the street."

"He wouldn't,"

She approached him in an urgent need to console him. She almost touched him absentmindedly.

"You said he has a stout spirit, and he doesn't easily crack under pressure. I believe he will find ways to look after himself."

When he remained still without a word, she convinced him.

"Don't worry. He is stronger and smarter than you can possibly imagine. He'll be fine."

Behind her some chattering and footsteps echoed in the corridor. She must leave before anyone saw them speaking to each other.

"I'd better be going."

She descended the stairs past him. He caught hold of her arm suddenly, startling her. She looked up at him in surprise.

"Can I talk to you again some other time?"

Like they had so much to talk. Like it were completely normal for them to speak to each other. She should answer no, just like she responded to Lord Blackthorne, but when his rapture blue eyes beheld hers like that, as though she was the only thing that mattered, it was tough to say no. She nodded and turned her blazing face away from him.

She rushed downstairs, on the way to the garden, something distracted her from her initial purpose. In the long corridor leading to the garden, she found a library. The huge door opened wide and she decided to look around. The air was filled with smells of rich mahogany and bound-leather books. Row after row of ceiling height shelves were full of neat stacks of books. Everything in the library was arranged in an orderly, tidy way. She sauntered between the shelves, admiring some very old books. She stopped here and there to have a quick look at some books. She was flipping through the pages of an old periodical when a rich, low-toned voice reached her ear.

"I guess today is my lucky day."

Startled, she turned aside immediately.

Arms crossed over his chest, leaning against a shelf only a few steps away from her, Lord Blackthorne regarded her with a playful smile. He looked ravishing in his devil-may-care look, perfectly comfortable in his own skin. She wondered how a man could look absolutely graceful and disreputable at the same time. She had a feeling that he was a man who had no fear nor doubt of breaking the rules whenever it suited his purpose. Even though she had no desire to have another encounter with him, she had to admit that Lord Blackthorne was irresistibly attractive.

"I know I'll see you again, but I don't expect it to be this instant. I believe it's a signpost to continue where we left off. I am Rhys Barrett Lennard, will be very pleased indeed to make your acquaintance."

"I am most certainly not expected to speak to you, My Lord."

Putting the book back on the shelf, she decided to be brief with her response. She tried to edge past him, but he stepped aside, blocking her way.

"My Lord, would you please excuse me."

She managed to keep her voice steady as she inspected the room furtively. Except for the two of them, the library was empty and the door was far from reach.

"Please allow me me to make a little bargain,"

His eyes roamed lightly over her yet she felt her skin tingled and warmed as though he was touching her with the merest brush of his fingertips.

"A free pass for the pleasure to know your name."