Chapter Seven

Carrington hated how bloody polite they were being with each other.

The Baron of Valford was hosting a night of supper and cards, a quiet affair for the assembled group, and Carrington was pleased to see both Stafford and Madeline in attendance when he’d stepped through the door. He and Madeline had even decided to sit down to a game of whist together, but the tone between them had somehow changed since their walk that morning.

Instead of easy banter, wide smiles and pleasant conversation, it was all stilted words and awkward glances.
It was all very proper.

He couldn’t risk looking at her, for fear that she would know his thoughts, which were decidedly not for mixed company.

She was his bloody fantasy, but she could never know that.

He’d decided that last night.

His only choice was to distance himself from her.

Why, he chastised himself for the hundredth time, did Madeline Winchester have to come back into his life now?

Bloody fool.

###

Madeline bit her lip, even as she watched Lord Carrington’s furrowed brow as he examined his hand of cards. She had been so looking forward to the evening – a quiet evening without a speck of dancing – and to seeing Lord Carrington again, but things between them were suddenly so odd.

And that was her own doing, she supposed.

She should never have mentioned Henry. Should never have brought up her self-perception as damaged goods. Should not have asked about the war. Should certainly not have teased Lord Carrington.

Lord Carrington was a prize catch of the Season – everyone knew that. He had stature, a sizeable income, a beautiful estate, and frankly, was the most attractive man in the room. Every woman’s eyes watched his every move, whether he knew it or not.

The only real conversation that had had all night was with Fitz, when the three of them had arranged to go on a carriage ride around Bath the next morning, assuming the weather cooperated.

Even that felt stilted, though she thrilled at the thought of sitting beside him, even with Fitz along for the ride.
The next hand was interrupted by a butler, who hurried into the room and handed Lord Carrington a sealed note. “This arrived from your household just now, my lord,” the man said, backing away discreetly.

Carrington tore into the note, and then pushed back from the table. “I apologize, Lady Valford, but I must return home.”

“There’s nothing wrong, I hope,” the baroness said, extending her hand for Lord Carrington to kiss.

“No, just a matter of business I must deal with first thing in the morning. But I thank you for a lovely evening,” he said, turning to retrieve his coat and walk swiftly to the door.

“Please excuse me for a moment,” Madeline murmured to the table, standing up and following Lord Carrington to the front door. “Lord Carrington?” she called, following him onto the front stoop. “Might I have a quick word with you?”

Carrington whirled around, his eyes locked on hers, his expression unreadable. “Of course, my lady.”

“I just… I wanted to apologize again, for what I said today. For teasing you. It was… inappropriate.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Carrington said easily, tugging his hat down onto his head. “Don’t distress yourself.”

“My lord…” Madeline said, taking a step closer to him. “If I offended you in some way, I truly didn’t mean to.”

“Don’t apologize for anything you said, my lady. It is I who should apologize.”

 “Whatever for?”

Carrington watched her for a long moment, his smoldering gaze piercing her heart, then quick as a flash, it was gone and he was back to being polite and proper.

“For rushing off when we were having such a pleasant evening. Good night, Lady Winchester.” He said, turning to walk down the steps again.

“But…”

He spun back around, and for a moment, his gaze looked almost hopeful.

“What of our carriage ride tomorrow?” She asked lamely, hoping to forestall him just a moment longer.

“I’m afraid we may have to postpone. I shall let you know in the morning.” He said swiftly, his eyes still on hers.

Thinking of nothing else with which to keep him, she bobbed a curtsy then fled into the house on shaking knees, leaving Carrington on the steps for a long moment, wishing he could have tugged her into the darkness with him, rather than making for home.

Alone.

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