“It is.” A tiny niggle of pain went through her chest. “It’s something I can’t escape from no matter how hard I try.” She lowered her gaze to her lap. “Not that I wish to forget either of my husbands. I loved them both dearly.”
“As one should.” Mr. Mattingly devoured yet another seed cake and finished off his cup of tea but declined a refill. “I wouldn’t know from personal experience.”
“That’s too bad, for being in love is most exquisite.” Oh, why had she said that?
“I’ve always assumed that was so.” He rested his cup on the low table and then trained his full attention upon her. Had there ever been a pair of gray eyes as gorgeous as his? So clear and deep and understanding. “I am sorry for your losses and hope, if it’s your intent, that you’ll find a third husband and that he’ll give you many happy years.”
Years is something I don’t have, though.
“Thank you.” The errant idea that this man could possibly fill that role for her danced through her head. Not even a hard shake could dislodge it. From all accounts, he lived a good, decent life. A well-rounded and well-traveled life that would prove a wonderful education for Hannah. Then she shoved all of those thoughts away. She’d only just met this man. “Well, I’m glad that accident or fate has dropped you here, Mr. Mattingly.”
“As am I.” He wiped his fingers upon a linen napkin and then meticulously folded it. “I think there will be no end of entertainment and activity while I’m at Ettesmere Park, and I’d be honored if your brother still wishes for me to attend his wedding.”
“Oh, Arthur never says anything he doesn’t mean.” Though her smile felt weak, she gave it to him all the same. “It’s been an age since Ettesmere Park has played host to a wedding.” And it was a good opportunity to have a new dress made. “Perhaps I shall indulge in a bit of dancing.”
“Is that exercise you enjoy?”
“I do, but I must be careful. If the set is too boisterous, I must decline as it makes my heart race entirely too fast.” It would be the height of embarrassment to expire on a dance floor at her brother’s wedding in front of this man of the world. “However, if the mood strikes, I shall indulge during Mama’s masquerade ball.”
And hope for the best.
“I’ve done the pretty more than a few times over the course of playing at being an ambassador, so if you need a partner, I’m game.” He put his folded napkin on his plate and rested them both on the table. Then he stood. “Well, I really should discover where it is your lovely staff has put me. It’s already been a long travel day, and I’m a bit exhausted.”
“Oh, I apologize. That didn’t occur to me.” Sophia sprang to her feet. She must have moved too quickly, for darkness crept up along the edges of her vision and she swayed.
“Steady, now.” Mr. Mattingly’s arm was about her waist to steady her. “Should I holler for someone, Lady Sophia?”
“No, thank you.” For a few seconds, she gave herself the luxury of leaning into him on the pretense of finding her balance. “I’m better now.” It had been yet another reminder that her time on this earth was measured. “In any event, welcome to Ettesmere Park.” Though she rather enjoyed the brief feeling of being protected in his modified embrace, she pulled away. “If you should like a tour guide for the house or grounds, please ask. I’m always walking the acreage in the morning.”
“I appreciate that.” Confusion shadowed his eyes, and he perhaps stared overly long at her lips, but she couldn’t be certain. “If you would be good enough to show me upstairs to my room? I couldn’t presume to traipse about someone else’s house, even if curiosity is raging.”
“Of course. I’ll ring for Landers. Surely they have made up the room.” It was so easy to smile around him. “Come with me.”
He nodded. “Is there a library here? I only brought three books with me, and I’ll wager I’ll go through them quickly.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and though it was alarming enough, it had nothing to do with her health. A man who reads books! How lovely. “Of course, and you’re welcome to peruse the shelves. Arthur won’t mind.”
“Thank you.”
With every word he uttered, she was more and more entranced, and she couldn’t wait to discover everything else about him.
Hopefully without becoming a silly widgeon.