Bennett grew pensive. “It is ironic, though. I brought you here so I could help you, and yet it seems that you ended up helping me in return.”
Attempting to lighten the mood that had fallen over the group, Miles said, “I am a man of many talents, after all.”
“No, that is most assuredly not true,” Bennett respondedin a serious tone. “But you are returning to the man that you once were.”
Miles furrowed his brow. “Meaning?”
Bennett gave him a knowing look. “You are smiling again, Miles.”
Miles glanced at Edwina, knowing she was the true reason that his smile had returned. But he didn’t dare admit that. Not to her. Not to anybody. If he did, then they would see through him and know that he held deep affection for Edwina.
Edwina led her horse over to a fallen log and, in a swift motion, mounted her horse with expert precision.
“Bennett or I could have assisted you,” Miles pointed out.
“I know, but I prefer to do it on my own,” Edwina responded.
Miles approached her horse and placed a hand on its neck. “You don’t have to do everything on your own. Not anymore. I am here.”
“But you will be going away, my lord,” she said. A flicker of sadness crossed Edwina’s green eyes before she blinked it away. Or did he just imagine that?
His lips twitched into a small smile. “Not for a while, my lady. There is something I must do first.”
“Which is?”
Miles held her gaze firmly as he replied, “Convince a very stubborn young woman to marry me.”
Her expression remained inscrutable, giving nothing away. “I wish you luck with that.”
Taking a step back, Miles responded confidently, “I just have to show you that you cannot live without me.”
“And, pray tell, how do you intend to do that?” Edwina asked.
Miles decided to do the last thing that she would expect him to do. He puckered his lips and let out a soft whistle.
With a line between her brow, Edwina asked, “Did you just attempt to whistle?”
“I did, albeit weakly,” he admitted proudly. “I have been practicing in my bedchamber with my valet.”
Edwina’s eyes lit up. “Did you do that just for me?”
“Perhaps. Did it impress you?”
“Yes, very much so,” Edwina replied.
Miles puffed out his chest. “Then I did it for you.”
Edwina laughed, and the noise seemed to dance through the woodlands. “I may have underestimated you.”
Bennett’s voice came from behind them. “That was not a whistle. He just blew air through his lips.”
“I heard a faint whistle,” Edwina argued.
“I daresay you were hearing things,” Bennett remarked as he mounted his horse. “Come along. We can race home.”
A smug smile came to Edwina’s face. “It is hardly fair. You always lose.”
After Miles sat atop his horse, they exited the woodlands and headed down the path towards the manor.