Page 77 of Why Do Rogues Fall in Love?

“I am certain we shall,” Katherine replied, a rare, relaxed smile upon her face.

Cordelia was so glad she had asked Katherine to accompany her. Her sister also loved animals, but her husband permitted none in their household, claiming that he suffered from allergies.

“Mrs. Whitcombe will see that you are made comfortable,” George said. “Refreshments may be brought to your rooms, or you are welcome to join me downstairs whenever you please.”

Cordelia glanced at him. “And where will you be?”

“About the estate, most likely. There are a few matters requiring my attention.”

He inclined his head to Katherine, then gave Cordelia a smile that made her heart flutter before turning toward a room beyond the entrance hall. Through the partially open door, she glimpsed towering bookshelves, a large mahogany desk, and what appeared to be another enormous dog sleeping before the hearth.

A library, she surmised. Naturally, even his library possessed a canine occupant. She followed Mrs. Whitcombe and Katherine up the broad staircase, though she could not resist glancing back once more. For some inexplicable reason, she found herself smiling.

Their rooms were situated upon the third floor, in a spacious suite overlooking the rear gardens and the lake. Cordelia’s bedchamber was beautifully appointed, with pale blue walls, elegant furnishings, and a large four-poster bed draped in ivory silk. French windows opened onto a narrow balcony, and beyond them lay a view so magnificent that she immediately crossed the room to admire it. Footmen arrived with their valises, and Mrs. Whitcombe assured them that hot water would be brought should they wish to wash before dinner.

Katherine sank into a comfortable chair with a sigh. “I believe I shall rest for a little while,” she announced. “The journey was not unpleasant, but I find myself quite exhausted.”

“Of course,” Cordelia replied.

Her sister regarded her suspiciously. “And what do you intend to do?”

“Nothing at all.”

“Cordelia.”

“I thought I might read a book.”

Katherine narrowed her eyes. “You are not to go wandering about this enormous house without informing me.”

“I would never dream of doing anything so improper.”

Her sister gave her a look of profound disbelief. “I watched the way you interacted with Lord Templeton. The familiarity between you suggests the long-standing acquaintance you mentioned in your letter has grown very intimate. Please be careful. I see the allure. He is very handsome and charming…but…”

“Please do not worry, Kat,” Cordelia said softly. “Allow me this opportunity to discover what I truly want.”

Katherine sighed. “I shall rest for an hour or two. Afterward, we may join Lord Templeton and see something of the grounds together.”

“Very well.”

But even half an hour seemed an impossibly long time. Once Katherine had retired to her adjoining chamber, Cordelia wandered toward the windows and looked out across the estate. From this vantage, the grounds seemed even more expansive. The lake curved gracefully between gently sloping lawns, while beyond it, fields and woodland stretched toward the distant horizon. She could see horses grazing beneath the trees and several dogs following a man who carried what appeared to be a large basket. Farther away, near a cluster of low buildings, stood several enormous animals. Cordelia leaned closer to the glass.

Were those bulls?

At least a dozen of them grazed peacefully within a broad enclosure. One was a magnificent reddish-brown creature, while another possessed a dark coat and an imposing pair of horns. She had seen cattle before, of course, but never so many unusual animals gathered upon the grounds of a private estate.

Then she noticed George. He emerged from the house and began walking across the lawns, his long strides carrying him toward the distant enclosures. Cordelia watched him for a moment. He had removed his riding coat and now wore a simple waistcoat over his white shirt, his sleeves rolled neatly to his forearms. Even at a distance, there was something arresting about the easy confidence of his movements.

She looked toward the door connecting her room to Katherine’s. Her sister was resting. Surely there could be no harm in stepping outside for a little while. After all, she had agreed that Katherine should rest, and although her sister had cautioned her against wandering without informing her, surely a brief stroll across the lawns could hardly be considered wandering about the house. It was a rather generous interpretation of their conversation, but Cordelia decided it would suffice. She adjusted her bonnet and hurried from the room. By the time she reached the entrance hall, she was moving as quickly as her uneven gait allowed. A footman opened the door, and she stepped into the afternoon sunshine. “George!”

He was already some distance across the lawn. At the sound of her voice, he stopped and turned. The smile that spread across his face sent a ridiculous little thrill through her.

“Cori?”

She approached him, slightly breathless from her haste. “I saw you from my window, and I thought perhaps you might be going to see the animals.”

“As a matter of fact, I am.”

“Then I should very much like to accompany you.”