But Regina couldn’t feel the same way at all.
Dalton stared at the handwritten note from Lady Regina. Only six words were written by her hand, but they struck a fist into his heart.
I am sorry for your loss.
Today marked the anniversary of his brother Brandon’s death. And she had remembered. Out of all his friends and acquaintances, she was the only person who had sent him a note of sympathy. Though it was a simple gesture, it meant a great deal to him. He had been close to his brother, and Brandon’s death had created an emptiness that could never be filled.
A heaviness settled into his throat, for their entire household seemed shrouded in darkness. His father had secluded himself in his study, and Dalton knew he would not see him the rest of the day. It was early afternoon, and he needed a distraction.
His gaze centred upon a stack of invitations, as he turned over the possibilities in his mind. He sorted through the cards, and when he saw the garden party hosted by Lady Anne’s mother, he hesitated. Regina would be there, for she was Anne’s best friend. The thought of seeing Regina was a welcome one, and it would give him the chance to thank her for the note.
He hadn’t written a reply to his own invitation, but he didn’t suppose Lady Anne would mind if he arrived late to the party. He had to escape this prison of melancholy within this household, or he would drown in difficult memories.
Dalton ordered a carriage and made a cursory attempt to seem presentable. He didn’t bother to change his attire, but instead waited impatiently for the vehicle to be brought out.
On the way to Lady Anne’s residence, he thought about the blackmail note Regina had showed him, demanding three thousand pounds from her father. He had no answers yet, but he had paid a Bow Street Runner to learn more. Surely something would turn up within another day or two.
When he arrived at the Blyton residence, the guests were already out of doors. The flowers were blooming cheerfully, and several guests were indulging in a game of croquet. He greeted Lady Blyton and Lady Anne, making casual conversation while he discreetly searched for Regina.
She wasn’t among the others, and it took some time before he eventually discovered her standing near a stone fountain. Her red hair was pulled back from her face, tucked beneath a green bonnet. Her gown was a matching shade of green apple, and the sight of her made him stop to appreciate her beauty. Her maid was nearby, but Regina was otherwise alone. When she saw him approaching, her face appeared troubled.
‘I didn’t expect to see you here today, Lord Camford.’
He drew closer and took her gloved hand, raising it to his lips. ‘It’s been a difficult morning,’ he admitted in all seriousness. ‘I appreciated your note. And then I found it impossible to stay at home. There were too many memories. My father refused to see anyone, and... I needed to get out.’
He knew he ought to let go of her hand, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to do so.
‘I’m glad you did,’ she answered. ‘No one should be alone on such an anniversary.’ There was warmth and sympathy in her voice, but she extricated her hand from his.
‘I wanted to see you,’ he said.
‘Because you learned something about the threat to my father?’ Instantly, she drew closer, bringing her voice to a whisper. ‘Who sent the note?’
He shook his head. ‘I’ve made some enquiries, but I don’t know yet.’ Keeping his voice low, he said, ‘I will find your answers, I promise. But today, I just...wanted to see you.’
He didn’t care that his words were trespassing into forbidden territory. Lachlan had been so withdrawn last night, and it didn’t bode well for the future. Dalton knew he had no right to even be here with Regina, not with the direction his thoughts had wandered. He imagined what it would be like to take Lachlan’s place.
‘Camford, don’t say that,’ she whispered. And yet, though her words were a warning, he was spellbound by her blue eyes and soft skin. He wanted to take her face between his hands and kiss her until she could no longer stand.
You can’t, his conscience reminded him. She doesn’t want you in that way. She never has.
And if he trespassed and claimed what he truly wanted from her, it would end their friendship. She was already hesitant, eyeing him with wariness.
Regina flushed, but she didn’t turn away. The tension stretched between them, and he said nothing more. There was no sense in speaking of feelings when she didn’t feel the same way. Better to bury the thoughts and never say them.
‘Locharr asked me to marry him yesterday,’ she said at last.
Her words stopped him cold, for he’d never imagined that Lachlan would ask so soon. It meant that his friend was resolved to go through with the union, setting aside the governess. He should have expected it, but it seemed far too early.
‘And did you give him an answer?’ The words came out more demanding than he’d intended, but it unnerved him to realise that he was losing her so soon.
Regina dipped her hand into the stone fountain, cupping the cool water. ‘I told him I would think about it.’
He breathed a little easier since she had not said yes. And yet, he recognised that he had no right to court this woman. She belonged to his best friend. What right did he have to interfere? None at all.
Before he could say another word, Lady Anne appeared. ‘There you are. We are playing another game of croquet in teams. Both of you, stop being wallflowers and come join us.’
Though he didn’t truly want to play, the idea of striking a ball with a mallet might relieve some of his tension.
‘Very well,’ Regina answered. ‘If I must.’
‘There are prizes for the winners,’ Anne added.
Dalton
