Page 75 of Holly & Folly

Archie stared out at the snow-covered expanse of Bellthorne’s land, his eyes stinging.

For years, he had thought Mother and Father had lost the love they had once had—an unavoidable occurrence that had left them both miserable.

But Mother had loved him. She still did. Perhaps he too had loved her, but neither had been willing to speak the truth. And now it was too late.

Archie too had been afraid of the truth. Afraid of the fact that more than anything in his life, he wanted to love and be loved.

But not by just anyone.

By Nell.

Had he gone too far down the path with Miss Orston to take the one with Nell?

If he told her the truth, would she reject him a second time?

Twenty-Three

ARCHIE

Archie spent the afternoon holed up in his study, trying to determine the best course forward.

Unfortunately, the same conclusion at which he arrived again and again forced him to acknowledge his own idiocy—and demand he prepare himself for an uncomfortable conversation with Miss Orston. The outcome of that conversation would determine his future, which was why he was obliged to clasp his hands behind his back to keep them from shaking when he pulled her aside in the drawing room before dinner.

She smiled knowingly at him. “I have been waiting for this conversation.”

Archie’s muscles tightened. “You…have?” Was she expecting an offer of marriage? In the drawing room?

She nodded. “Only earlier today, I decided that, if you had not broached the subject by tomorrow morning, I would do so.”

Archie’s brow rose. This was not particularly encouraging—and he was surprised by her forwardness, truth be told. “I…I am not certain I understand.”

Her smile grew. “Do you not?”

She was right. The problem was that he was afraid he did understand.

“You, Lord Dalmeer,” she said, “are in love with Miss Prescott.”

Archie’s mouth slipped open, but he could not speak. He could only stare and blink.

Miss Orston laughed. “That is quite the same expression she wore when I asked if there was an understanding between the two of you. I hate to admit that I was foolish enough to believe her when she said there was not. Thankfully, I am not blind, and I tend to trust what I see over what people say. And I have seen a great deal.” Her eyes teased him.

“Miss Orston, I…” He pressed his lips together. There was no way to explain things cleanly. The long and short of it was quite simple, though. “I have been quite foolish, I think.”

“Oh, certainly, but that is expected, is it not, when one is in love?”

He grimaced. “I never meant to deceive you.”

“Only yourself, I think. But there is no need to apologize, my lord. I admit, I came here with some curiosity, for my parents—much like your mother, I assume—have harbored hopes regarding you and me. But, much as I admire you, I do not love you. Nor you me. And I am selfish and modern enough to wish for such silly sentiment in my marriage.”

He let out a relieved chuckle. “As, I have discovered, am I.”

“I am confident your wish will soon be granted.”

Archie’s heart thumped. “I wish I shared your confidence. Miss Prescott has been quite clear with me that she has no desire to marry. In fact, she refused when I offered.”

Their eyes both moved to the door as Nell walked in.

Her gaze flitted to Archie, then to Miss Orston, then away.