This was the closest he’d ever been to her, and it was without a doubt the most rousing experience of his life. For so long, he’d kept his distance. First on account of his foolish ingrained sense of duty denying him the ability to marry down. Christ, he hated how that sounded to his own ears. If he were to attach himself to Miss Rivers, his life would be enriched in the best way possible with the companionship and, perhaps in time, the love of a wonderful woman.
Michael had struggled with his desire to further his acquaintance with her until he’d had a startling revelation: he was the earl, there was no relation for him to disappoint in his choice of bride, there was only his own happiness to consider. Provided he didn’t care what other members of Society might think of him wedding his steward’s daughter.
But then there had been George. His debonair brother had swooped in with his ready smiles and ever–present charm. He’d kissed her, promised her the world, claimed her complete and utter devotion, turned Michael invisible. And wishing his brother the best, Michael had stepped aside. He would not compete with George over a woman, no matter how much he wanted her for himself.
The question now of course was whether or not she’d consider the proposition he wanted to make and if there was any chance of its leading to happiness for them both.
“There’s something I must tell you,” he said as they strolled, the snow dusting his boots and the hem of her gown. He loved the scenery, the skeleton branches of trees dressed in white, flecks of ice sparkling upon the landscape, the invigorating bite of frosty air heightening his awareness of the warmth Miss Rivers emitted. Bracing himself for the disappointment and possible anger she would convey, he told her, “George is gone. I’ve no idea when he’ll be back.”
“But…” They walked a few more paces before she said, “I don’t understand. When last we spoke, he told me he wished to discuss our future today. He gave me every assurance he didn’t care what others might think of us forming a permanent attachment. All he needed was a chance to broach the subject with you first.” She yanked her arm away from his so swiftly it felt like a jarring slap. Accusation burned in her eyes. “You denied him. Didn’t you? George left because you sent him away.”
That she viewed him thus, as a callous villain, pained Michael to no end. It would make his own attempt to court her so much harder than he wanted. He drew a shuddering breath, released it in a foggy exhalation. “I would never do that. Despite what you may think of me, Miss Rivers, I wished George happy. You too. But as his older brother, I do have a duty toward him. As such, I felt it important for him to realize how different his life would be if he chose you to be his wife.”
“You had no right.” Eyes, blazing with indignation, stared him down.
“Miss Rivers.” Unable to resist, he placed the palm of his hand against her cheek in an effort to convey both sympathy and some sort of comfort. “If he’d truly loved you, nothing I could have said would have swayed him in his decision. And just so you know, I did assure him that in the event you should marry, you’d always be welcome here. I offered my full support.”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe you. Clearly you scared him off.”
Michael let his hand fall. She wasn’t entirely wrong, though his conversation with George last night was likely entirely different from what she imagined. Without fully thinking things through, George had informed Michael of his intention to marry Miss Rivers. That part had been fine, though every cell in Michael’s body revolted against the prospect of losing his chance with her for good.
Nevertheless, he’d managed to keep a cool head. But when he’d told George he might be required to give up some of his friends and all those Society events he enjoyed attending, his brother’s doubt had been clear. And then the devil–may–care cretin had suddenly smiled with abandon before announcing a change of plan: he’d marry for convenience and make Miss Rivers his mistress instead.
That had been the final straw. Michael couldn’t even recall what he’d said, he’d been so damn furious. What he did remember was that he’d told George he’d never forgive him if he went that route, that the only way for him to have Miss Rivers and remain welcome at Ravencroft Manor was to marry her. Otherwise, he’d best add as much distance to her as possible.
When Michael woke that morning, George was gone.
“I assure you, Miss Rivers. I have my brother’s best interests at heart. Yours too, however much this may surprise you.” Judging from her expression, it surprised her so much he doubted she believed him. Clearly, wooing her would be harder than he’d anticipated, but he had to try. With this in mind, he decided to go ahead with his proposition. “I realize I’m a poor substitute for George, but I’d like to help you through this difficult situation by offering friendship and support.”
She stared at him as if he were mad. “You’re an earl, my lord, and I am but your steward’s daughter.”
“Right you are.” An unexpected smile caught his lips. She looked so confounded it was impossible for him to maintain a serious expression. Which only made her gawk at him more, which in turn caused the smile to turn into a grin. He offered his arm once again. “Our difference in station should not prevent us from keeping company with each other.”
“But it does,” she insisted.
“Only if we allow it to.” He kept his arm out, hoping she would take it so he could bring her closer.
She shook her head and finally tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow. Utter perfection. “I do not comprehend you, my lord.”
A low chuckle vibrated within his chest, prompting another frowny look of confusion from his delightful companion. “I’m not a complicated man. Truth is I’ve always liked you.”
“How can you say that when you hardly know me?”
“I know enough. More than you realize, perhaps. And just because you never noticed me does not mean I failed to notice you. Your kindness can be found in your willingness to help not only your father but all of my other employees too. It’s in the care you gave Cook when she sprained her ankle. You stepped in without second thought and did her work with her guidance for a whole week.”
“You knew about that?”
“Of course I did. Cobbs tells me everything.” The butler’s own admiration of Miss Rivers had been evident when he’d made his report. Apparently, Cook had been terrified she’d be replaced, so Miss Rivers had done what she could to prevent such an outcome. “And let’s not forget about Jimmy, the twelve–year–old boy you decided to champion.”
“He was a homeless orphan. What else was I to do?”
Michael’s heart swelled with fondness. “Many would have chased him away or at the very least dropped him off at a foundling home.”
“I could never do that.”
“I know. It’s one of the things I love about you.” Her chin jerked up in response to that word. He’d not intended to use it yet, but how could he not when she’d faced him like a Valkyrie in his study, demanding he give the boy a roof over his head and food in his belly.
Unable to resist her – unwilling to try – he’d hired Jimmy on the spot. The boy had worked as his errand boy ever since.