Heart of the Beholder

22

brIDGETTE LOOKED OVER THE BOARD and tried to find the best strategic move. If there was one thing she wanted today, it was to win her first game of chess, so each move was well thought out. Every time he tried to speak, she shushed him so she could concentrate. It was no use, because she could feel his gaze on her, and every time she glanced at him, strange things happened inside her. She knew her face was in a constant state of flushed pink. It was not all that warm in the manor, but if she didn’t find a way to cool down soon, she would regret it. Finally, she decided to move her bishop to take his rook.

She glanced up at him and found his attention on her. She felt the tingles all over again. They stared at each other for a moment, then Bridgette cleared her throat. “It's your turn, my lord.”

He shook his head as if he had woken from a trance. “I apologize. I seem to be getting easily distracted.”

Bridgette smiled down at her lap. I can relate, she agreed in her head.

He quickly took his turn, and it made Bridgette pause. His move did not make sense. Even she could see using his knight to take her bishop would have been preferred over moving his queen across the board. It did put her king in check, but she easily fixed it by using her own queen to take his. He made a noise of surprise as she took his queen off the board. He moved his knight to take her bishop. Bridgette used her queen to take his knight. Lord Thornwood narrowed his gaze on the board and said, “Checkmate.”

Bridgette looked at him with confusion. “You didn’t even move.”

“Not me—you. You put me in checkmate,” he said, pointing out her pieces surrounding his king. He was right; there was nowhere for his king to move to safety.

She gasped with delight and clapped her hands. “I finally won!”

“Congratulations, my lady.”

Bridgette glared at him. “You didn’t let me win, did you?”

He held up his hands in surrender. “I promise, I would not offend your pride like that. Although, like I said, I am a little distracted, so you had the advantage but still won fair and square.”

“And why are you so distracted today, my lord?” She knew the answer, but she couldn’t help herself.

One side of his mouth curled up. “I have many answers for that question.”

“Give me one then,” she said as she started to put the pieces back.

“The dress,” he said, moving his gaze to the pieces she touched. “More specifically, you in the dress, is distracting for me.”

Her breath was nearly taken from her, but she kept just enough to ask, “You picked it out?”

He started to put his pieces back and said, “In a way. Edgar was actually a big help in choosing the style and color. He has an eye for that kind of thing. I, however, requested there be flowers.”

Bridgette ran her finger along the edge of one of the embroidered pink flowers. “The flowers are my favorite part.”

“Remind me to raise the man’s pay later. He normally has a high standard of work, but this time he outdid even himself,” he said. Bridgette dared to look up at him again, his green eye twinkled in the sunlight. She needed fresh air immediately.

“You know what the dress is missing?” she asked.

“What, my lady?” he asked playfully.

“A flower crown,” she said and stood up. “Let’s go to the meadow.”

He was on his feet and offering her his arm before she had another moment to think. They descended the stairs and were met by Edgar. “My lady, my lord,” he said with a bow. “I wanted to inform you that lunch will be ready shortly.”

“Very good, Edgar. We are going for a walk in the meadow and will be back in a moment. Have it ready on the terrace,” Lord Thornwood said politely.

“Very good, my lord.” Then the butler was off to join the bustle of the other servants.

Lord Thornwood led her out the front door and down the front steps. A little past the waterwheel was a dirt path, which followed the stream down the hill. He offered good support as she tried to navigate the uneven ground in her new shoes. Bridgette had no complaints of having to hold onto his strong arm with both hands. They laughed in unison when she missed a step and nearly face planted in the dirt.

“Do you ever get exhausted having to fight for your life every time you take a step?” he asked lightly.

She looked up at him; the angle gave her a good view of his strong jaw. You have truly lost your wits, Bridgette, she sighed to herself.

“I will not lie and say it isn’t exhausting, but over time, I have come to accept that I will probably get a bruise or two throughout the day. All I have to do is keep moving forward, and I do alright.”

“I admire that,” he said reverently. Bridgette slipped away from him and started pulling some yellow flowers. “I have to admit, I don’t have any experience making flower crowns.”

“I am shocked,” she said with a laugh. “That's okay. All I need you to do is hold these.” She placed the flowers in his hands and moved on to a patch of purple ones. Once she had the collection she wanted, she returned to Lord Thornwood, where he had flattened a spot of grass near the stream for them to sit. They sat in comfortable silence as he handed her flowers to weave into a crown. The rush of the water was soothing, the warmth of the sun felt healing, and the blessed light breeze kept her flushed cheeks under control.

“This place is so breathtaking,” she commented as she made the finishing touches to her crown.

“That it is,” he agreed. “I spent many summers of my childhood trekking through the flowers and scavenging for bugs.”

Bridgette smiled as she pictured what a young Leander Thornwood might have looked like. “I fell in love with it the first day I came to inquire about the position. I would love to live near a place like this one day, to wake up to this view every morning.”

“I think that is a lovely goal to have,” he said as he sniffed a yellow flower. When he looked over at her, she giggled. “What?”

“Your nose is yellow.”

His eyes widened, and he rubbed at his nose. “Did I get it?”

“You missed a spot there,” she said, pointing to the corner of his nose. She was careful not to touch his face. The Fates only knew what that would do to her insides. He pulled out a handkerchief from his vest pocket and cleaned off the rest of the pollen. “You got it all,” she assured. She handed him her crown of yellow, purple, and white flowers and asked, ”Will you do the honors?”

“Gladly,” he said and set the crown atop her head.

“How does it look?”

“Like a masterpiece. Like this is where you belong,” he said and brushed a strand of hair behind her shoulder. He smiled lazily. “I just realized that your surname is evidence of that. Here you are in a meadow with a brook. Lady Meadowbrooke in her rightful place.”

She smiled brighter and tucked a yellow daisy into the front pocket of his vest. “We should return before Edgar has to come find us.”

Lord Thornwood helped her up and escorted her back to the manor. He led her through the small ballroom. Bridgette admired the polished wood floor and the amount of sunlight that poured through the windows. It was dazzling, and she realized she had only been in the room once before, during her tour of the manor. Servants opened the large, glass double doors, and Lord Thornwood led her onto the stone terrace, a place she hadn’t spent any time on. A round table and two chairs sat in the middle of the square space with a silky gold tablecloth and a ceramic vase bursting with blush-colored roses. Three servants, including Edgar, stood to the side, ready to serve them. Before they sat, Lord Thornwood moved one of the chairs closer to the other, instead of having them on opposite sides of the table. One of the woman servants looked appalled.

“I don’t think you were supposed to do that,” Bridgette whispered to him as he pushed her chair in.

“As lovely as the centerpiece is, I would rather not have to talk around it to have a conversation with you. Besides, I am the master of this house—I can do whatever I want,” he said with what probably would have been a wink, if she had been able to see his other eye. Once they were both seated, the servants placed large plates of finger sandwiches and a leafy green salad with strawberries and pink dressing on the table.

“How do you like your tea?” Lord Thornwood asked as the servants set a tea tray on their table.

“Oh, um, sweet,” she said.

“I thought you might,” he said and filled her a cup of tea with a few sugar cubes and cream.

“Thank you,” she said and took a sip.

It was hard for her not to observe his perfect posture as he poured himself a cup and served them both some salad and sandwiches. She watched his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed his tea. What a ridiculous thing to be mesmerized by.

“How are you enjoying your day as Lady Meadowbrooke?”

Who was he talking to again? Oh, that was a question for me. She picked up a sandwich and said, “I like it very much, though it is hard to get used to having everything done for me.”

He smirked. “You do so much, I can only imagine how hard it is for you to resist the temptation to clear the table and wash the dishes.”

She laughed loudly and took a bite. “Dishes are not my favorite chore, but it does feel strange to have someone do them for me.”

He took a bite of the salad. “If you sneak off into the kitchen, I will come find you.”

“You might have to haul me out kicking and screaming,” she said.

“I will if I must,” he said slyly. “Don’t underestimate me. I will not have the lady in my care scrubbing the dishes. She is too far above that.”

“You are such a charmer,” she said with a laugh.

“Who, me?”

“Yes,” she exclaimed. “Where was this side of you the last few weeks I have been here?”

“Lost,” he said solemnly. He looked over at her and added, “In the dark.”

“Well, I am glad it found the light.”

“You can thank yourself for that,” he said and sipped his tea.

The afternoon sun danced on the locks of his perfectly placed hair. His eyelashes were dark and long. His lips were a lovely shade of pink. All Bridgette could do was stare and wonder why anyone would hide a face like that under a hood. The green of his eye was like a beautiful spring day after a refreshing rain. When he looked at her, it was like being pulled by the flow of a river toward something unknown, which was frightening and enticing all at the same time.

“Bridgette?”

“Hmmm?” She blinked back into the present. “Sorry, did you say something?”

He chuckled, then said, “I was just suggesting we take a stroll in the garden, so you can show me what you have worked on.”

She couldn’t hide her excitement. “Oh, yes, I would love that.”

When they were finished with the delicious food, Lord Thornwood offered his arm to her again as they walked down the stone steps from the terrace into the garden. It was so much more than she could have hoped for. She let go of his arm and rushed to the raised bed of flowers. “They have grown so much and will bloom within the next few weeks,” she said. “I was worried they would die since I wasn’t here to water them.”

“I know Edgar took the job seriously on the days you were not here,” Lord Thornwood said as he stepped up beside her. “What flowers did you plant?”

“The ones with a stem and leaves like this are lilies,” she said, pointing out a tall and thin stalk with many leaves. “I planted them throughout the garden because they are beautiful and come in many different colors.” She moved over to the next plant. “The ones that are more bush-like in shape are called peonies. A delicate-looking flower which makes me think I am in the clouds because of all the soft petals. I am hoping they bloom a lovely light pink. Oh, and of course, we have the classic white daisy. And this here is a ground cover plant, it will only grow close to the ground, but spreads between the other plants and will make it harder for weeds to grow. The merchant told Edgar the plant will bloom small periwinkle flowers at some point. I can’t wait to see that.” Bridgette realized he hadn’t said a word. She turned around to find him strolling along behind her with his hands in his pockets. “You didn’t really want to hear all that, did you? It is all probably boring to you.”

He shook his head. “No, I am actually very content watching you talk about your plants.”

She smiled sheepishly and gestured to the back of the garden. “Then you will love the vegetable garden.”

He followed her to the back of the garden. She pointed out all of the different vegetables to him and which ones she was most excited to cook with. “I honestly had no idea there were so many vegetables in existence. Edgar just gives me food, and I eat it,” he said.

Bridgette laughed a little too loudly, but Lord Thornwood didn’t seem to mind. “Then I must teach you about vegetables like you taught me about chess. I expect you to be able to identify each of them by the end of next week,” she said as if she were talking to a class full of students.

He bowed obediently and said, “Yes, my lady.”

She couldn’t help but giggle at his response.

He licked his lips and cleared his throat. “So, is that everything in the garden?”

“Oh!” she gasped. “I almost forgot about my favorite part. I hope it finally bloomed.” Without thinking, she grabbed his hand and pulled him through the small maze to the circular clearing with the benches and the rose bush. They stopped in front of the bush, and as soon as Bridgette realized she was holding his hand, she let go. “This one is my favorite.” She circled the healthy-looking plant looking for any spot of color. “I almost pulled it out because I thought it was dead, but I noticed it was still hanging on, so I cared for it, and it has grown well. I thought I saw some buds on it last week, so I was hoping there would be—”

“Bridgette.”

His voice was low and so unexpected she took her time turning to look at him. He was standing on the other side of the rosebush. “Come here.” Hesitantly, she approached where he stood, and at first, she had no idea why he had called her over; but then he pulled a branch aside and revealed a beautiful, deep red rose blossom. It was breathtaking and enchanting. She wanted to stick her nose in it and smell it, but the look on Lord Thornwood’s face made her pause. His expression was forlorn as he looked at the rose. “This was my mother’s favorite part of the garden as well.” He lowered his hand from the bush and met eyes with her. He cleared his throat and said, “I apologize. I wasn’t expecting to get my emotions ambushed by a rosebush.” He turned away from her and wiped at his eye.

“Don’t apologize for what you are feeling. It's natural,” she said, too afraid to reach out to him. He turned back to her and nodded with gratitude. “You loved her very much.”

“I did,” he said. “I still do.”

Bridgette motioned toward a bench. “Will you sit with me?” He followed her to the bench, and they both sat down. Bridgette made sure there was enough space between them so the skirts of her dress didn’t touch his leg. She heard the bustle of the servants taking the furniture from their lunch inside. “Was she pretty?”

“Absolutely beautiful,” he said thoughtfully.

“She made you feel loved?”

He sighed. “Yes, she did. Even up to the day she died, and I was a terrible son.”

There was pain and regret in his voice. She wanted so badly to understand, but she didn’t want to force him to open up to her. “I am sure she loved you, even if you did things you are not proud of. She still loves you now.”

“Your mother said the exact same thing.”

She looked at him. “My mother?”

A corner of his mouth lifted. “Yes. She is a wise woman.”

“How much did you two talk?” Bridgette asked, surprised.

“Enough,” he said with a smirk. “She reminds me of my mother. The warmth of her touch was a soothing balm to my broken heart.”

Bridgette gave him a frustrated look, and he laughed. “Please do not tell me she is the reason you took your hood off.” He laughed louder. He didn’t answer. “Well? Was it because of her?”

He looked at her smugly, and for a moment, she wanted to punch him in the arm.

“I have something for you,” he said. “Edgar?”

Edgar came out of one of the openings of the maze into the clearing, holding another box. Bridgette looked back at Lord Thornwood. “If you think you can just change the subject and make me forget with a gift, you are wrong.”

He ignored her and stood to take the wrapped box from Edgar. Edgar bowed and left when he was dismissed, and Lord Thornwood turned back to her. He held the box out and said, “For you.”

Bridgette eyed the box and then looked up at him. “You have already given me so much today. I can’t accept anything else.”

“Please,” he said, setting the box in her lap. “I promise this is the last thing you will have to unwrap,” he said with a glint in his eye.

“Fine,” she said with a sigh. She would be lying if she said she didn’t want to know what was inside the box. She pulled the ribbon loose and ripped the paper. She lifted the lid and bit her bottom lip before she admitted, “I love them.” She ran her fingers over the two different hand shovels and a hand rake. The handles were wooden, but painted with colorful flowers. “Did you paint these?”

“Yes, I did,” he said hesitantly.

“I have never had my own set of gardening tools before. They are truly beautiful,” she said, running her finger along the painted flowers. “Thank you.”

“I had hoped you would like them,” he said as he shifted his weight and nervously ran his hand through his thick hair. It still looked very nice, even with the lock that fell down over his mask and nearly touched the tip of his nose. “One of the things your mother said to me was that you like parties.”

Bridgette tilted her head in amusement. “Why did she feel the need to tell you that?”

He gave a half smile. “So it is true?” he asked, taking a seat again.

“I suppose.”

“I had a difficult time trying to decide what kind of party it is you would like. A small affair with dinner and musical entertainment or a grand ball with too many people to breathe comfortably. When you think of a party you would like to attend, what do you think of?”

Bridgette pursed her lips, thinking. She didn’t want to disappoint him if he’d already planned something. “The only parties I have ever been lucky enough to go to were when I was a child and made to stay in the nursery while my parents were downstairs enjoying the festivities.” She smiled warmly at the memory. “I can’t count how many times I snuck away from the nanny and found a spot where I could hide and watch the beautiful ladies, in their beautiful dresses, being spun about the room by the handsome men. I fantasized about being one of those ladies. Although, I don’t think I ever dreamed about being in a room with so many people I couldn’t breathe,” she laughed. “I do love music and the energy of a ball, even though I have never actually been invited to one.”

“Then we shall have a small ball tonight,” Lord Thornwood said confidently.

“That is absurd!”

“How?” He asked with a smirk, daring her to prove him wrong.

“Balls take time to plan and prepare,” she said.

“True. I did take time to plan and prepare all last night, all yesterday, and the whole night before,” he said, looking thoughtful.

Bridgette gaped at him. “Invitations have to be sent way in advance, and I could be wrong, but I don’t think you like people enough to invite them to your home.”

He nodded. “You are correct, I do not like people. But I did hire an entire staff to help me get everything ready, and in doing so, they have been invited to participate in the ball. So, we will have the company, but not the drama, thank the Fates,” he said with a long sigh.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Sounds like you have a lot of experience with that.”

He brushed at his fancy vest and grumbled, “You have no idea.”

“I would like to have an idea,” she said with a grin.

He looked up at her. “I am sure you would.”

“Will you tell me?” she said, tilting her head.

“Not today.”

She sighed with exaggerated disappointment. “Why not?”

“Because we were talking about why a ball is not an absurd idea,” he said and tapped her on the nose. She laughed at the surprising gesture and swatted his hand away playfully.

“Oh, yes. I forgot the most important reason. I don’t know any dances.”

He took out his pocket-watch and checked the time. “That is why I scheduled dancing lessons.”

“You what?” she asked as he stood.

He slipped his pocket-watch away and held a hand out to her. “Edgar should be waiting for us in the music room.”

“Edgar?” she asked as she put her hand in his.

“There isn’t much the man doesn’t know.”