“I remember perfectly, but Bennett was hoping we could speak to his father soon about the important matter we discussed earlier,” Miles replied.
Edwina tensed. “Already?”
“Yes, Bennett is rather eager to get the issue resolved,” Miles explained. “May I escort you back to the manor?”
With a wave of her hand, Edwina said, “That is not necessary. I can find my way back on my own.”
“It would be no bother, my lady, seeing as I am already here,” Miles pressed.
Edwina had been raised to be a lady, but she didn’t feel like it. Not here. Not now. Her emotions were too discombobulatedfor her to even attempt to make sense of them. All she was certain of was that she cared too much for Miles to marry him and pine after him for the rest of her days.
Miles took a step closer to her and lowered his voice. “Nothing has changed between us, my lady. We are still friends.”
Her eyes widened. “How can you say that?” she asked. “You want me to marry you.”
“Yes, and I hope to convince you of that. But first, we have more important issues to discuss with Lord Dallington,” Miles insisted.
Edwina knew that Miles was right and it irked her. She needed to be rational about all of this. One thing at a time.
“Very well,” she conceded. “You may walk me back to the manor.”
“Thank you,” Miles said, offering his arm.
She glanced down at his arm, desperately wanting to refuse his assistance, but propriety won out. She placed her hand on his arm and forced a smile to her lips. “Thank you, my lord.”
Mrs. Warren walked with them to the door. “It was a pleasure to see both of you today,” she said as she opened the door. “You are always welcome in our home.”
As they walked out onto the path that led back to the manor, Edwina asked, “Did you truly have to offer for me?”
“Are we doing this now?” he asked with a smirk.
“Yes!” she exclaimed. “What were you thinking?”
He stopped and turned to face her. “We were caught in a compromising situation. It was the only thing I could think of to save your reputation.”
“That is ridiculous,” she said. “I could have threatened Bennett to not say anything.”
“You, threaten someone?” Miles asked, amused.
Edwina nodded. “I can be quite scary when I want to be.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t seen it,” Miles responded. “Regardless,do you truly think that Bennett won’t tell your aunt, or your uncle?”
“So what if my family knows?” she asked.
“It has been my experience that servants love nothing more than to gossip and word will eventually get out.” Miles reached out and placed a hand on her sleeve. “Bennett was right that we should marry, and quickly.”
“Why?” she asked.
With a devilish grin, Miles said, “Because I want to kiss you and it is only a matter of time before I do so.”
Edwina felt a blush forming on her cheeks, knowing she felt the same, but she didn’t dare admit that. Not to him. “But that doesn’t mean we should have to get married.”
“Does this mean you wish to kiss me, too?” Miles asked, his grin widening.
“No, you flatter yourself, my lord,” she said as she worked to keep her voice steady.
Miles winked at her. “I understand.”