by Laura Landon
Lord Renfrew—or rather, Thomas—escorted her from the house. They took three steps then he slowed.
“We’re coming up on three steps before we reach the gravel drive.”
“Thank you.”
Cleo resettled her hand through Thomas’s elbow and together they made their way to the carriage. When he’d helped her inside, she took a seat. Polly had already bounded in, full of chatter. The carriage shifted under his weight when Thomas joined them and the open carriage lurched forward.
Cleo felt as though she’d sprouted wings and had flown free. Walking at Thomas’s side made her feel safe. For the first time since she’d lost her sight, she didn’t feel lost. And she had Thomas to thank for that.
She leaned back in her seat and listened as Thomas and Polly continued their banter. Today was turning out to be perfect.
. . .
Thomas studied Cleo as they made their way to Cliffside and turned inland toward the manor house. Her excited expression couldn’t have been more filled with awe if she’d have walked into a candy store and been told she could have as many of the sweets as she wanted. But it wasn’t only Lady Cleora that he focused on. He also noticed that the closer they came to Renfrew Manor, the more Polly’s demeanor changed.
“Was the house badly damaged?” Polly asked when they neared Renfrew Manor.
“It was, Polly,” he answered, “but the workmen have made considerable progress. I believe your bedroom is finished. Perhaps you can decide what color you’d like to have in your room. I’m sure Millie will help you.” He nudged Polly with his elbow. “That’s what sisters are for, isn’t it?”
“Oh,” Polly said with a happy expression on her face. “I already know what color I want. Yellow. I want my room to be as bright as the sun.”
“I think that sounds wonderful,” Thomas answered. “Don’t you, Cleo?”
“Oh, yes. Yellow seems perfect for you, Polly. It will allow you to wake each day in a happy mood.”
Polly was quiet for several moments. Finally, Thomas knew he had to ask what was bothering her. “What is it, Polly? What’s troubling you?”
“Are Mama and Papa’s rooms still all burned?”
Tears glistened in his sister’s eyes and he reached for her and brought her over to sit beside him. “No, Polly. Their rooms have been restored. Millie chose a lavender silk for the walls that she thought Mama would like. It has lovely lilac flowers.”
“Those were Mama’s favorite.”
Thomas wrapped his arm around Polly’s shoulders. She suddenly seemed very small and fragile.
Before there was time to say more, they turned down the lane that would take them to Renfrew Manor, and stopped in front of the door. Thankfully, Millie and Barnaby were waiting for them.
“There’s Millie,” Polly exclaimed.
Thomas barely had time to help her to the ground before she ran to Millie. Millie gathered Polly in her arms and held her close. Thomas watched the two sisters comfort each other, then turned to assist Lady Cleora from the carriage.
“I know this is difficult for your family,” she said as he waited for her to accustom herself to the strange footing of the gravel beneath her slippers.
“Yes, but Millie is here for Polly. Seeing the rooms as they are now, compared to how they were before the fire won’t be easy. But the sooner Polly and Millie take this step, the sooner they can put what happened behind them.”
“What about you?”
Thomas lowered his gaze. He knew she couldn’t see that he was watching her, but she kept her sightless gaze focused on him as if waiting for him to speak. “I have had opportunities to watch the progress as the workmen made the changes. The most difficult day was when I entered the house for the first time after the fire.”
Thomas looped her arm through his. “Are you aware of the reason behind the fire?” he asked as they walked to the house.
“Yes. Major Bennett informed his wife and me as we traveled to the wedding. He thought it would be best if we knew the details so if the topic came up we would know what had happened.”
“I’m glad,” Thomas said. “That prevents me from having to relive that night.”
“The major said the Earl of Radburn saved you and Polly from the fire.”
“Yes. Without his bravery, neither Polly nor I would be alive today.”
Thomas assisted Cleo up the three steps. He paused when she stopped.
“Were you injured in the fire?”
Thomas hesitated just inside the foyer. How could he answer her? How could he tell her that he was now a freak? A frightening man who people would turn away from rather than look at?
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I shouldn’t have asked. There is no reason for me to know.”
Her cheeks darkened and Thomas knew she regretted her question. He couldn’t tell her the full truth for then she would know about his disfigurement and he wasn’t prepared for her to avoid his company. Yet he couldn’t ignore her question either. That would only pique her curiosity.
“Yes, I was injured in the fire. But I am mostly healed now.”
She offered a slight squeeze to his arm. “I’m glad.”
Thomas continued as if their movement could change the subject. “Let me take you to the only room that’s completed on the ground floor—the formal receiving room.”
Thomas escorted her to the receiving room.
“What colors have you chosen for the room?” she asked.
“The walls are warm shades of burgundies and creams and grays.”
“Oh, it sounds lovely.”
“I find it so,” he answered. He secured her arm in his. “Allow me to show you the room.”
“That’s not… necessary,” she stammered.
“Please, allow me to be your eyes. My description won’t be perfect, but it will allow you to get a general idea of the massiveness of the room.”
“Very well,” she answered, then moved with him as they stepped into a carpeted hall.
“We’re in the west wing of the house, and as you can tell, this is a rather long hallway.” When they reached the door he was pleased to feel her make a smooth turn just by responding to his physical cues. “This double door takes us right into the receiving room.”
“It’s quite large,” he told her, “and runs nearly the entire length of the west wing. Close to the door we entered, there is a painting on the wall. The painting depicts a terrace overlooking a parterre with beautiful flowers in full bloom. Next to the painting is one of three fireplaces in the room.”
“Oh, my. It must indeed be a large room.”
“Yes, it is.” He walked near the fireplace and lifted her hand to the mantel to give her an idea of the massive size of the polished marble structure. “Next to the fireplace is a painting of another terrace and garden,” he said as he urged her onward. “Then there is a cluster of seats: a sofa and four chairs. They form a circle and are in front of a bookcase that reaches from ceiling to floor. Which is a fifteen-foot ceiling, as it happens.”
“Oh my,” she said when he ran her gloved fingers over the spines of a row of books.
They continued to walk the length of the room until she abruptly stopped and turned to him. “Thomas, are you a trickster?”
He was taken aback by her comment. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve counted my steps, Thomas. You’ve either cleverly led me in a circle or we’ve walked into another room.”
“My lady, you cut me to the quick. With God as my witness, I swear we are walking the perimeter of one room and one room only. Could you but see my face you would realize how bitterly you have wounded me with your doubt.”
His voice carried all the sarcasm he could muster and she laughed, a long, joyous peal of laughter that seemed to warm the large room with just the sound of it.
“You’re a scoundrel, my lord,” she chuckled. “Now I shall have to be the judge of whether or not you are telling the truth.” As she spoke, she lifted her chin and rais
ed her hand up to touch his face.
He was captivated by her eyes, her voice, by her very nearness, and it was only as her gloved fingers touched the ragged scarring of his cheek that he managed to shake off the spell she’d woven. In the same instant he caught her wrist in his hand.
“Ah, ah, ah. You need never question me, my lady. I shall be fair and square in every way.”
In a smooth gesture he loosened his grip and turned her hand until he held only the tips of her fingers. To seal his promise, he kissed the back of her hand.
Her small gasp pleasured him no end, but it was the look of delight on her face that was his reprimand. He’d flirted with her to move her swiftly away from the idea of touching his face.
And she’d liked it.
He cleared his throat and placed his hand at her back to lead her around a grouping of chairs, moving rather more quickly than he ought. “And here we have two double sets of French doors. They lead to the terrace on the back side of Renfrew Manor, and to the formal gardens with several winding paths leading to a small pond with a fountain.”
“Oh, it sounds lovely,” she whispered.
“I have to admit it is quite beautiful when the flowers are in bloom.”
“Are they now?”
“Yes, they are.”
She didn’t reply to his answer, but Thomas noticed a hint of wetness that filled her eyes.
“If you’re ready, we’ll take a seat and wait for Barnaby to bring Millie and Polly down. I’ve called for tea and it should be here shortly.”
Thomas led Cleo to a pair of chairs next to the tea table and they sat. He knew to place her at the left of the table so she might use it if she wished. No one would look askance at her need of it. Yet she rarely took tea. He longed to see that most natural act, her slim fingers daintily curved around a porcelain tea cup. But it was not to be. Not yet, at any rate.
“Are all the rooms at Renfrew Manor this large?”
Thomas smiled. “No, this is the only one, other than the ballroom. Mother wanted a room large enough that when they entertained, the guests could mingle in one room and the men didn’t need to seek out a separate room because they were feeling crowded.”
“What a novel idea. I always regret it when the men adjourn to another room. I love hearing what they discuss.”
“You have an interest in the happenings of the day?”
“I suppose I must,” she said after some thought. “Or perhaps it’s simply that I tire of listening to Society gossip and talk of the latest fashions.”
“Be sure you don’t express that in too many drawing rooms. You’ll get the reputation of being somewhat of a bluestocking.”
“I’m not worried. Without my sight, I can’t imagine being invited to too many drawing rooms. I envision I’ll spend most of the time in the country.”
Thomas studied the expression on Lady Cleora’s face. She was the happiest sprite he knew, and yet twice this morning he’d seen her on the edge of tears. “Are the doctors encouraging as to when your sight may return?” He felt wicked even bringing up the matter, but he was compelled to know.
“None of them have ventured an opinion as to when my sight may be restored. Some are even doubtful that it ever will, although I have to believe that in time I will be able to see again.”
“I’m certain you will,” he said. Every instinct was pushing him to take her hand, to hold it so she could know his nearness, not merely sense it. But he’d done enough damage already today.
Chapter Three
Cleo ran her thumb across the back of her gloved hand where it lay in her lap. Her flesh tingled where he’d kissed her. The warmth of his fingers heated her own fingertips even through her glove. She wasn’t sure how he could have such an effect on her, but it had surely happened. The refusal of her lungs to draw a decent breath were proof of it.
Except she couldn’t allow it. She had to remember that he couldn’t have an interest in her. She was blind. He was simply being polite. She was his guest, and he was honor bound to give her his attention. Allowing herself to pretend there was anything more to his actions would only cause her pain.
Cleo took a deep breath, then scolded herself for entertaining such foolish thoughts. She was in control of herself when Lady Millicent and Barnaby and Thomas’s sister, Polly, entered the room.
“Oh, Thomas,” Polly exclaimed. “This is perfect! Mama would love how you’ve fixed her grand receiving room.”
“Yes, she would, Thomas,” Millicent said, her eyes moist with emotion. “I’m glad you replaced the greens and gold colors that were here. This burgundy and cream is much warmer.”
Polly rushed to Cleo’s side and took her hand. “Did Thomas take you on a tour of the room?” she asked.
“Yes, he did, Polly,” Cleo answered. “I was truly impressed. Through his description I have a picture of it in my mind and this room is truly remarkable.”
“Did you like the sculpture gallery?”
“The what?”
Thomas cleared his throat. “Actually, Polly, I only managed to show her half the room.”
“Half!” Cleo’s astonishment showed clearly in her voice and features. “Oh. Oh my.”
Just then, the door opened and footsteps approached. When the person or persons approaching set something heavy on a table to her right, Cleo realized tea had arrived.
The discussion that ensued was rather raucous for tea, but in the end she learned a great deal about a loving family and the mischievous gambits of Millicent and Thomas’s youth. And every cautionary note was made to Polly lest she even think of trying some of the shenanigans they’d just related.
The afternoon was waning by the time they left Renfrew Manor, which Cleo discovered the family all referred to as Cliffside, and returned to Radburn Estate. Polly rode with Millie and Barnaby instead of, as she put it, ‘having to tolerate her brother’s teasing’. Everyone laughed, of course, but eventually Cleo sat opposite Thomas in the carriage and they followed Barnaby’s carriage back to Radburn Manor.
“Did you find it terribly boring listening to us talk about our childhoods at Cliffside?”
“Not at all,” Cleo answered honestly. “I was thoroughly entertained. It reminded me of escapades with my siblings.”
“Tell me about your family,” Thomas said.
“Well, I have four brothers. All older. Unfortunately no sisters, which enabled my brothers to alternate between being unrelenting teases, and overprotective ogres.”
Thomas laughed. It was one of the few laughs she’d heard from him, and she couldn’t help but comment on it.
“Polly tells me you used to laugh all the time before you were injured,” she ventured, “yet that was one of the first times I’ve heard you laugh. Is it because of your injuries? Are you still in a great deal of pain?”
Cleo noticed the change. She heard an intake of his breath, and felt a chill settle between them. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
Thomas was silent for several moments. Finally he spoke, but his voice sounded strained and his words came out short and clipped. “I was severely burned in the fire. Lord Radburn rescued Polly, then me, but I foolishly thought I could make it to my parents’ room and get them out. I re-entered Cliffside and made it part way up the staircase before it collapsed.”
Cleo couldn’t stop a small gasp. “Oh, how awful.”
“I pulled myself out from beneath several boards that had fallen on my back and legs, then crawled to the door. Lord Radburn pulled me out and several workers threw buckets of water on me, but not before I suffered severe burns.”
Cleo couldn’t stop the tears. She couldn’t imagine the pain he’d suffered.
“I should have died. But somehow I didn’t. I believe my determination to discover who had started the fire was what kept me alive. That, and I feared what would happen to Polly, and to Millie.”
“Oh, Thomas.” Cleo held out her hand for Thomas to take. She wanted to touch him. She wanted him to know how
deeply she regretted the pain he’d endured.
At first she didn’t think he would take her hand. For several long moments she didn’t feel his touch. Then, he took her hand in his and held it.
A river of tears streamed from her eyes and without her bidding, he moved across the carriage to sit beside her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, then wiped the tears from her cheeks.
“I do not want your pity,” he said gruffly. “I don’t need it.”
“I don’t pity you, Thomas,” Cleo said, then she tucked her head beneath his chin. “I admire you for the courage demanded of you to survive. I respect you for your effort to save your mother and father. But I don’t pity you. How could I when you showed such bravery?”
Cleo enjoyed being in his arms more than she should. She listened to his heart beat a steady, rapid thundering, and realized he was as affected by her as she was by him.
She lifted her hand to press her palm to his cheek, but again he stopped her. He wouldn’t allow her to touch him. Instead, he held her hand as he pressed his finger beneath her chin and lifted her face upward. Then, his mouth covered hers.
Their kiss was warm and tender. He made no demands of her, nothing she wasn’t willing to give. She made a second attempt to press her palm to his cheek, but he lowered her hand until their twined fingers rested in her lap.
She wanted to touch him. She needed to let her fingers trace his features. She couldn’t see him, but she wanted to picture what he looked like by touching him.
Instead, he kept her hand locked in his and deepened his kiss.
Their breathing came as one, then an unexpected moan echoed in the carriage. He kissed her again, then lifted his head from hers when the carriage made a slow turn into the lane that led to Radburn Estate.
He didn’t lift his arms from around her, but held her close to him.
“I need to apologize,” he said when their breathing returned to normal. “I overstepped my bounds.”
“I could have stopped you,” Cleo answered. “You would have stopped had I indicated your attentions were unwanted.”
“Yes, I would have,” he answered.
“But I didn’t want you to stop.”