Tempted By a Rake (Wicked Widows’ League #21)

Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

Lavinia feared that her heart was going to beat right out of her chest when Mrs. Trenton called up and then when Demetrius dropped from her window.

Thank goodness he had not been injured, but she was saddened to see him go.

These past three days had been not only wonderful, but special and they were days that she would cherish.

She also hadn’t known that it was possible to love someone so much and so deeply, but as he never voiced a deep caring for her, Lavinia kept her emotions to herself.

They both knew that being lovers was only to last for so long and then they would part.

It was never voiced other than while they were on holiday, which meant that it would come to an end.

Except she did not want it to, yet it must.

She checked her appearance one last time then left her chamber and went downstairs where Mrs. Trenton was straightening the blanket that she had left unfolded on the settee.

“Did I just see Mr. Valentine run by?”

Lavinia did her best to school her features. “If so, it was likely that he was chasing Max.”

Mrs. Trenton simply nodded.

“It was nice of Mr. Valentine to purchase the evergreen so that you could decorate for Christmas.”

Lavinia couldn’t help but smile. “It was very kind of him, and a surprise.”

“I am simply wondering if he was more interested in the candles and greenery on the mantel or the mistletoe in the doorway. Especially since we have never put up mistletoe in the house.”

Her face heated but she was at a loss for words.

“He did not know that we never have.”

“Well, I hope it was used.” Then Mrs. Trenton turned and exited the room, leaving Lavinia gaping.

Did the housekeeper suspect anything more than a few stolen kisses?

She certainly hoped that was not the case because, despite being a widow, Lavinia still wished to protect her reputation.

Though, she was most definitely now a wicked widow. It was just a shame that she would have to return to sleeping alone because she would not dare be so bold as to allow Demetrius to spend the night here, nor would she sleep in his home, as she’d not scandalize the servants in such a manner.

Except, now that they were here, would she and Demetrius have another opportunity to be alone?

That thought was rather distressing and if she did find that it wasn’t possible, she supposed that she would simply need to wait until they retired for the night and she might just then pay a visit to Demetrius and return home before she was missed.

With a smile, Lavinia stepped to the window overlooking the beach only to note that Max was running along the water, but Demetrius was nowhere in sight.

“Breakfast is on the table, Lady Teviot.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Trenton.”

“There is also a letter that arrived in the post this morning.”

For a moment she wondered who would write to her here, then dismissed the question because no doubt it was from someone in her family worried about her odd behavior.

With one last glance toward his cottage, Lavinia turned from the window and wondered when she might see him again.

As soon as he entered the cottage Max ran past him, eager to be outside.

While Cal would be content to live anywhere, so long as he could find a spot of sun to nap, Max needed room to run. Demetrius’ set of rooms in London was too small for him and being walked on a leash was not enough exercise for a dog with so much energy.

Max would do better living here, which was another reason to leave London.

Demetrius had already made up his mind, and that was the very reason he washed, changed his clothing and then went into town that afternoon to meet with Old Joe at the tea room so that he could review the documents.

As he read the documents and answered questions, what Lavinia had said to him previously came back to Demetrius.

Do what makes you happy. Few are given the luxury of choice. Do not squander yours.

This was what made him happy. Not spending time as a barrister in a courtroom. He did not enjoy arguing cases and standing there to present a case.

“I know that you own Hartshorn, Mr. Valentine. But will you be living there or only visiting for holidays?” Old Joe asked after he had made his recommendations and handed back the documents.

“We do need a solicitor,” a woman at a next table said. “My widowed cousin fears losing her home, has no one to speak to and does not trust her brother-in-law.”

These people needed him, the Duke of Claybrook did not. There were dozens of trustworthy solicitors in London that he could hire but there was no one here for these people.

“I am uncertain,” he finally answered. Though it was a lie. The only time that he would be leaving Seaford was to return to London to pack his things and make his set of rooms available. He just wasn’t certain how soon he would tell Lavinia.

When he stood and turned for the door, he was brought up short to find her standing near.

Their eyes met. She already knew without him uttering a word.

“Lady Teviot,” he greeted. “What brings you here?” Had she followed him or was this a coincidence? Yes, they had grown very close, but he did not think she was the type to become possessive.

“I was posting a letter to my sister. She had written and I wanted to assure her that all is well.” She looked over to Old Joe. “I happened to notice you sitting here when I passed and came in to see if you needed any assistance.” The corner of her mouth quirked. “I have often needed to repair language in his contracts for my brother so if you would like me to look it over for you I will.”

Questions filled Old Joe’s eyes as well as a bit of panic.

“There is never anything wrong with my wording. Lady Teviot just enjoys being difficult,” Demetrius assured the man then took her by the elbow to exit the tea room.

“Is that why you are really here?” he asked.

“I was not really going to offer my assistance, and I did only happen to glance in the window when I saw you.”

He nodded and offered his arm. “Your family is worried?” he asked because he did not want to discuss his decision.

“The letter was from Octavia because my abandoning my family was quite out of character,” she mimicked to which Demetrius chuckled. “I assured her that all was well and was more honest about my reasons with her than I would be with the rest of my family.”

“Because she would likely understand,” he concluded.

She simply nodded as they continued to walk out of town.

“You have decided to remain in Seaford, have you not?” she asked quietly once they were beyond anyone who could hear.

For a moment Demetrius considered telling her that he was still undecided, but instead chose to be honest. “Yes.”

Lavinia simply gave a nod and not another word passed between them until they reached the place in the drive where he would turn one way for his cottage and she in the other direction.

“Will I see you at supper?”

“Yes, Lavinia.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips and placed a kiss upon the back. “My time with you is even more precious than before and I shall not waste a moment by not being in your presence.”

If he wasn’t mistaken, there were tears in her eyes. He wanted to cry as well. “Until tonight.”