Snowflakes and Scandals

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Millie hadn’t expected to fall asleep that night. Her private dinner with Carlisle had been an unexpected surprise, and thoughts of him filled her mind as she returned to her bedroom. The way he’d looked at her directly instead of avoiding her, how he’d listened to everything she said as though her conversation fascinated him.

It reminded her of the man he’d once been. She wasn’t sure when he’d changed, or why, but she was delighted that she hadn’t been the reason he’d become so distant over the past year. She’d half feared that he’d realized she liked him more than she should and he’d decided that avoiding her was the best way to dissuade her infatuation.

But her arduous trek through the snow had a lingering effect on her body, and as soon as she changed into nightclothes and snuggled under the blankets, sleep was quick to claim her.

She awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and much like her normal self.

She sat up in bed and was reaching for the bell pull that hung by the headboard when the bedroom door began to open. For one heart-stopping moment she expected to see Carlisle, but of course it was the maid. Carlisle had only been in her bedroom yesterday because he’d been concerned for her well-being, and he’d gone out of his way to make sure they were properly chaperoned. He had no reason to enter her bedchamber that morning.

The maid dipped into a shallow curtsy. “How are you doing this morning, miss?”

She smiled at the young woman. “I’m feeling much better, thank you. And I must admit I’m feeling ravenous this morning. I’m afraid I didn’t eat much last night.”

“I’m glad to hear that. His Lordship was concerned about you. He wanted you to know that breakfast could wait until you were feeling up to it. I’ll just slip out for a moment and tell the footman you’re ready for breakfast now.”

She hurried from the room, and Millie took the opportunity to look outside. It had stopped snowing, thank goodness, and the sun was shining, causing the snow to sparkle. It was beautiful, and a perverse part of her wanted to head outside to play in it. Not for long, of course, but surely a few minutes wouldn’t hurt.

The maid returned a minute later and helped her dress for the day. She hoped that Sarah wouldn’t mind that she was wearing her dresses.

She thanked the young woman and made her way downstairs to the small dining room. This time she wasn’t surprised to see Carlisle waiting for her in the hallway.

She was imagining things. His quick glance down her figure wasn’t because he was admiring the way she looked. He was probably noticing that this was Sarah’s dress. Thinking that it was a good thing Millie and his sister were similar in height and size.

She greeted him, but today, instead of waiting for him to escort her, she proceeded him into the room. Her nerves wouldn’t be able to handle being in such close proximity to him again. No doubt he would be relieved since it would signal that she wasn’t romantically interested in him. Or at least she hoped it would.

She headed straight for the sideboard and began to pile her plate with eggs and meat. Carlisle didn’t comment as he stood next to her, waiting for his turn.

“I saw that it stopped snowing,” she said as she carried her plate to the table and waited for him to join her.

“It has, thank goodness.” Carlisle lowered himself into the chair directly across from her and cast a significant look at the small heap of food on her plate.

She shrugged, refusing to feel embarrassed. “I didn’t eat much last night. I think my body is quite angry with me this morning.”

His expression was soft. “It’s to be expected. But I’m glad you seem to be suffering no ill effects from yesterday’s ordeal.”

His concern touched her, and she started in on her breakfast. Her imagination was getting the best of her, seeing fondness where none existed.

“I hope my parents won’t be too worried,” she said.

He tilted his head to one side and watched her carefully. “Have no fear about that. I visited the stables this morning and discussed the matter with the head groom. He assures me that a groom can deliver a note to your parents.”

“It’s safe for a horse to ride through the snow? It looks quite deep.”

He nodded. “He wouldn’t advise it if the snow was wet, which would make it too heavy for a horse to manage. It would strain their muscles. But while the snow is deep, it’s dry.”

“So it’s lighter?”

He smiled. “Yes.”

She let out a soft sigh. “Perhaps I should return as well on horseback. Your groom can accompany me to make sure I’m safe.”

“No.”

His reply was swift, and he was frowning again. She couldn’t understand why he’d be angry with her.

“You said it was safe.”

His gaze bored through her. “It is as long as you’re a skilled rider.”

She grimaced. “I’m passable at best.”

He blew out a soft breath and appeared relieved by her reply. “Then it would be best for you to wait until it is safe to take the carriage.”

It was sweet, really, that Carlisle seemed so concerned for her safety. She could almost convince herself that he was concerned for her personally and not just worried about watching over his sister’s friend.

“When do you think that will be?”

He shrugged. “It will depend on the weather, of course. If it remains sunny, as it is right now, the snow can begin to melt. But if it snows again…”

Guilt speared through her. “I apologize for putting you out like this. It must be horrible having to give up so much of your time to entertain me.”

He was staring at her again in that way that had her stomach swooping. “Horrible is the last word I would use. I’m enjoying getting to know you a little better.”

She shook her head. “You don’t have to be polite.”

He huffed out a frustrated breath. “I don’t know what you think is happening here, but I am not being friendly out of mere politeness. I enjoy your company very much, Millie.”

The way he said her name had heat spreading through her. And she realized that she wasn’t going to make it through this adventure without embarrassing herself. Did Carlisle already know about her tendre? Surely he was only behaving kindly toward her as a favor to his sister.

“I can see the wheels turning inside your head. What are you thinking?”

Oh no, she wasn’t going to admit that her infatuation with him was in danger of growing—hopelessly—into something much deeper. And so she said the first thing that popped into her mind.

“I should probably go write that note for my parents after breakfast. But perhaps later, when you have time, we can go for a walk in the gardens? A short one, of course. I’d go myself, but I fear I’m not yet brave enough to venture outside alone in the snow.”

He was going to see right through her and realize she was grasping at excuses to spend more time with him. She prepared herself for the return of his infamous scowl. Instead, he smiled.

“I’d be delighted to escort you, Millie.”