“Just as those before me, I’ll do great things in my life. And although I’m uncertain what those things may be, the gentlemen’s club is just a start. As long as I possess the sword, I’ll be successful.”
Miss Dunston frowned. “But you’re a hero. A knight! Is that not enough?”
He stifled a laugh. “No, it’s not enough. I must do something great. To prove myself worthy of my ancestors. Of my father. Then that will be enough.”
She placed a hand on his arm. This time it was in kindness rather than as a form of manipulation. Somehow, he knew this. “I see you as the hero everyone recognizes you to be, Sir Aaron. You carry the nobleness of your title well. Whatever you wish in life, I believe you can achieve it.” She glanced at the sword. “Since you shared with me something so personal, I’ll do the same for you.”
Never had he wanted to hear words from anyone as he did Miss Dunston at this moment.
“Please, tell me.”
ChapterFourteen
Guilt consumed Louisa. Had Mrs. Rutley not warned her of the dangers of eavesdropping? Of keeping her nose out of other people’s business? Indeed, she had. Several times! Now, not only had Louisa assumed the worst, but she had accused Sir Aaron outright of moral malfeasance.
Yet the knight’s willingness to forgive her for her actions had somehow alleviated the shame that filled her. In truth, he had every right to despise her, to hold her accountable for her childish behavior, but he chose to be a gentleman.
Silently, she vowed to never spy on anyone again. If she was to become the lady she wished to be, such misconduct would be of no help. In fact, continuing down this current path—one of which she had tried to avoid these past few months—would send any possible suitors fleeing in disgust.
As she stood beside Sir Aaron looking up at the Sword of Destiny, her heart filled with admiration for the knight. She had been correct. Deep down, he was a good person and, like her, wanted something better in life. Through this common need, a bond had formed between them.
How strange that she had despised him before today. Yesterday, she loathed him because as far as she was concerned, he was arrogant and self-righteous. Now, however, she saw him in a different light. What she saw stunned her. Rather than pushing him away, she now wanted to strengthen this alliance.
And she knew what it would take to make that happen.
“Since you shared something so personal with me, I would like to reciprocate if I may.”
He smiled down at her, and she was reminded of their chance encounter at the millinery. That smile had intrigued her. Before he had mistaken her for someone else, of course. And had treated her rudely.
No! It was time to put behind her what had already happened. Their future would go nowhere if she allowed herself to dwell on the past.
“Go on,” he said.
Louisa dropped her gaze to gather her thoughts. Where did she begin? “I have three sisters, all older than I, and I love them very much. They are all married to men of title and wealth, which has pleased my parents. After all, now their circle of friends has grown. They are now invited to parties for which they otherwise would be passed over. You must understand, they did not use my sisters to insert themselves into society. But they have benefited from those marriages.”
She sighed. What she wished to admit was not coming as easily as she had hoped.
Sir Aaron must have sensed her reluctance, for he gathered her hand in his, sending her heart fluttering. “Whatever you wish to say, whatever you wish to share, know that it is safe with me.”
Lifting her eyes to look into his face, Louisa did not see just a handsome man. Now she saw a gentleman with whom she could share her heart. Well, perhaps not all that was on her heart, but some. After all, if he learned her darkest secret, he would want nothing to do with her. But there were some things she was willing to share.
“You spoke of your destiny. Well, mine is to marry and have children.” She shrugged. “I realize that is not much different from other women like me, but I worry that by doing so, my story will end. I feel as if something is out there waiting for me, but I’ve no idea what it is. And I fear that if I don’t find whatever that something is, I’ll never be as good as my sisters.”
The room fell quiet as her mind returned to when she had returned home the previous summer and shared these very thoughts. “My parents believe I’m a fool. My father was angrier with me than he ever had been. He blamed Mrs. Rutley for putting thoughts in my head, and if it had not been for Mother, I would not be here today. To him, it was a waste of his money. ‘A place that teaches nothing but nonsense’ had been his description. Mother agreed with him to a point. To her, my only duty was to find a husband. I had no business even considering any other path. My sisters made them proud. They had no strange aspirations in life, no thoughts of achieving anything outside of what was expected of them. Instead, they reveled in the idea of marriage. That is why Father does not see me as equal to them.”
Sir Aaron frowned. “I’d say that is likely untrue. What father does not love his daughter?”
Louisa wished to say her own but withheld the words. This man would never understand. No man would.
“Nothing I do can compare to what my sisters have done for them. Patricia, the eldest, married a viscount. Georgia is now a viscountess, and Anna a baroness. My parents are now tied to the nobility. They don’t need me.”
He gently squeezed her hand. When he went to pull away, she tightened her grip. She needed the feeling of protection his hand offered, for it lessened the worry in her heart.
“It appears I’ve also misjudged you,” he said. “You’re not a spoiled child but rather a beautiful young lady with dreams. I can respect that.”
His words warmed Louisa’s heart and soul. She could see a good man behind his mask of arrogance.
“Before I say more,” he said, glancing toward the door, the corner of his mouth twitching, “should we see how your companion is faring? Or should I assume her malady was a part of the ploy to give you time alone in my study?”