Page 47 of His One and Only Lady

She stared at it for a long second, indecision warring in her gaze.

He bent over and whispered, “I won’t bite, I promise.”

That propelled her to her feet with a distinct pinkish tint to her cheeks.

“I shan’t be more than five minutes,” she said to no one in particular.

As they wended their way to the groaning tables, Theran asked, “Have you attended many house parties?”

“Lord, no.” Purity laughed and sobered almost as quickly with a swift, self-conscious glance around.

She disguised it well, but she fretted about what others thought. Even the hint of impropriety could be grounds for dismissal.

“This is my first. The Ceddes seldom visited their children, and during my eight years with them, this was the first time they’d attended any function as a family.”

Eight years.

That would make Purity…What? In her late twenties?

They reached the tables, and a footman handed them each a plate.

“How can I possibly decide?” Purity took in the enormous selection of food.

For a moment, Theran was ashamed of the opulence he took for granted.

“You must try the Scotch eggs.” He placed one on her plate. “Have you ever had them before?”

Purity shook her head.

“They’re boiled eggs, wrapped in sausage, then rolled in breadcrumbs and fried. They’ve been a favorite of mine since childhood.”

“Do you have Scots in your ancestry?” she asked, placing a fat strawberry followed by a hot cross bun on her plate.

“Aye, though it’s three generations back,” he said with a mock brogue.

A slightly faraway look entered her eyes. “I know nothing about my family.”

Theran nodded at the footman offering a piece of sliced beef.

“I’m sorry, Purity.”

She glanced up at him and raised a delicate shoulder. “You needn’t be. I was raised by a loving, caring woman, surrounded by girls I consider more sisters than friends. I was blessed with a benefactor who cared enough to place me in a home. Many are not so fortunate as I.”

Theran’s esteem for Purity elevated even further. Rather than feeling sorry for herself, she accepted her fate and even considered herself blessed.

Blessed.

When was the last time Theran counted his blessings rather than his losses or disappointments?

Soon, their plates overflowing with succulent foods, they carefully picked their way between picnickers back to his aunt and uncle.

“There’s an excursion to an abbey’s ruins later this afternoon.” Theran gave Purity a sideways glance. “Would you like to go along?”

“I…what time?” She puzzled her brow beneath her bonnet. “Bernadine naps in the afternoon, though I suppose she might miss one day with your permission.”

“I meant without her.” Theran had lost his bloody mind, and yet his mouth kept rattling on. Like a runaway carriage plummeting downhill. “The ruins are no place for a curious child.”

“Oh. Then, I don’t think so, Mr. Rutland, though I thank you for the invitation.” Her smile contained a rueful tilt. “That would undoubtedly cause whispers. I’m already the object of speculation.”