Free Hint of Desire by Lavinia Kent

meanderings. He had spent the remainder of the afternoon walking through fields and poking in irrigation ditches. He had responsibilities beyond one small woman and her child. If he failed in some way, he knew, his estate managers would take up the slack, but he had never failed in his duties and he’d be damned if he’d let a lady – regardless of who she was – distract him from them now.
    Arthur stalked through the formal garden to the ornamental pond at the back edge. In the waning dusk, it was possible to pick out the shimmering orange of the exotic fish with which he had stocked the pond in the spring. It had been an impulsive act, but he could not regret it. Watching the bright golden fish glide slowly through the shallows brought him a tranquility that had no edge of boredom. He dipped his walking stick into the water, watching as the ripples brought wide gaping mouths to the surface. It really was amazing how the small fish had grown over the summer. If they survived the harshness of winter, he could only wonder how they’d grow the following summer.
    Arthur turned back and looked at the house outlined with the merest glint of the red that still shone fiery behind it. He had left a message inviting Lily – he should think of her more formally, but his mind refused – to join him for dinner, and it would be rude to be late. Mathers would already have his evening attire laid out, each piece pristine and perfect. Sherry would be served in the parlor, followed by the usual succession of courses. Then he would retire for brandy and a final cigar in the garden, and another day would be over, the same as so many others before it.
    But it wouldn’t be the same, not if L ily consented to join him. Since she had arrived to disrupt his household, nothing had been quite the same. He took a deep breath and played with the thought; nothing had been the same since she arrived. His steps quickened on the paving stones as he moved towards the door.
     
    “My aunt has agreed to join us, as chaperone, until such time as some arrangement can be made for you. Are you sure you have no family to take you in? What of your husband’s? Surely you wish to return to your home?” Lily watched as Arthur leaned back in his chair and surveyed her from under hooded eyes.
    Dinner was finished and the last of the sweet lay forgotten on the table before them . Lily’s fork clanged against the thin china of her plate. She quickly lowered her hands to her lap.
    “No, there is no one . And I do not yet feel up to travel, even of a short distance.”
    Arthur had asked before and always she answered with the same simple words. He might know there must be family on her husband’s side – Worthington’s brother had surely been mentioned by somebody. He reclined further and she could feel his cool gaze sweep over her.
    “Lady Smythe-Burke, my aunt, should arrive within a few days. We are fortunate that she was visiting not far from here. She will know how to deal with . . . the situation.” The words hung in the air until Lily felt her hands begin to tremble.
    She raised her glance from her lap and looked at him with trepidation .
    “I am not sure I understand, your g race. What do you propose?”
    “I have not decided, but I do know the present situation cannot continue . This is not the place for you.”
    She dropped her gaze again . She knew what he said was correct, but it sent chills down her spine. She knew she needed to leave, but she depended on his generosity until she could find a place to go – anyplace but Marclyffe and the memories it held. Still, as he had sent for his aunt, a chaperone – evidently he was not about to push her out the door.
    As if seeking to relieve her discomfort , he changed the subject. “Have you been well enough to stroll in the garden? It would help improve your strength. The weather has been lovely and the late roses quite magnificent.”
    “I am afraid I haven’t yet . I seem to be so easily