His lordship was confused and more than a little chagrined that while he was lamenting the world was not truly the glorious place he’d believed, Serena had set about trying to make it more so.
Riding slowly back to the Landing, he had plenty of time to consider the changes she’d wrought. The realization that Serena was not a fragile ideal to be cherished and protected, but a woman, and even more than he’d ever dreamed, a woman to share and grow with, stirred new feelings which gave him even more to think about.
When they finally met at supper, he could only stare with curiosity at the woman he’d wed, but surely never really known.
“Looked for you to go riding, Matt. Then found you’d gone off without me,” Kendall scolded, although his eyes were as merry as ever. “Your sister consented to entertaining me with a hand of whist, so you’re excused for your desertion.”
Cecily sent Kendall a dimpled smile of such sweetness, Matt was thunderstruck. His sister had without a doubt set her sights on Kendall. The infatuation wasn’t new to Matt, but her obvious intent was staggering. Was his friend aware? Before he could gauge Kendall’s reaction, Cecily turned her dark eyes upon him.
“Matt, what do you think of the wondrous changes Serena has made? Is she not truly amazing?” Cecily gushed, much to Serena’s obvious embarrassment.
Serena shot his sister a look he couldn’t decipher, but which caused Cecily to toy nervously with her lamb stew.
“I’m sure your brother will have his own opinions of the changes I’ve made at the Landing,” she said quietly, lifting her chin to send him a smile that was strained.
“Yes, I have my own opinion.” Leaning back, he twirled his wineglass between his fingers. “I’m in complete agreement with Cecily.”
“You are!” Cecily gasped in surprise, but quickly recovered to flash Serena a triumphant look.
Serena sat silently staring at him in bewilderment.
“In that case, perhaps you’ll be favorable to a few of my ideas, brother dear.”
Kendall gazed at her indulgently. Matt was startled. Had his own infatuation been so blatant? Did all men make fools of themselves thus?
“Lord Kendall says he’s never had the pleasure of viewing a Roman ruin. While the fair weather lasts, I thought we could ride out, stopping at the White Feathers for lunch.”
Shrugging, Matt nodded his agreement, taking a quick peek at Serena, who stared back at him agog. He had been more obvious than he’d thought in his first uneasiness about all the changes here. His change of heart seemed to stun her.
“It sounds a pleasant diversion. Perhaps we should also plan a country ball. It’s been years since I’ve seen some of our neighbors. Would that be too much trouble, Serena?”
Her cornflower blue eyes widened in surprise, but her cherry lips curled in a tentative smile. “Of course not, my lord. Cecily and I shall plan it immediately.”
Their eyes locked and for just an instant something stirred low in his gut. Not the odd twist the sight of Serena and Long dancing had caused, but something different and stronger. Perhaps there was hope for them yet.
Round and round his mind whirled in debate. It was actually a relief to escape to his room at last, although usually he didn’t look forward to the night and the dreams that continued to haunt him. As he undressed he remembered the package he’d been given that afternoon and the promise he’d made to deliver it quickly.
He pulled on a dressing gown, but stopped at the door between their rooms. It had remained firmly closed since that one night he’d rejected her help. What would she think if he knocked?
It was only the promise that urged him on. Besides, he reasoned, her maid would answer. Coward, he chided himself, and knocked.
The door swung open. Serena, her ebony curls cascading over her shoulders, stood before him clad only in a long-sleeved nightshift of finely tucked lawn.
“Blackwood, are you all right?” she asked hoarsely, her gaze scanning him carefully.
“Yes.” Raising his eyebrows in surprise at her anxious tone, he shrugged uneasily. “I merely forgot to give you a gift Mrs. Watley entrusted me to present.”
Scarlet flooded her pale cheeks. “I was concerned because you’ve never before … Never mind!” Shaking her head, she put her hand out for the package, revealing how transparent the gown actually was. “Thank you for bringing me the gift. How is Mrs. Watley?” she asked as she carefully unwrapped the package.
“Content. Thanks to your kindness.” Propped against the doorframe, he watched curiously. “What is it?”
She lifted a tiny garment from the cocoon of tissue. They both realized what it was at the same instant—an infant gown with beautiful embroidery at the hem and along the tiny ruffled neckline.