Page 132 of The Marriage Method

She perked up. “To visit Bricket Lodge?”

“I told Amstead that I was impatient to spend time alone with you. I mentioned taking you for a drive. There’s an old mill on the river about four miles from here that’s considered a spot of great local beauty. I suggested we might go there.”

“Pity it won’t really be a pleasure trip.”

Miles looked at her steadily. “Everything’s a pleasure when you’re with me.”

Nell’s pensive expression softened. “What a lovely thing to say.”

“It’s the truth.” He reached to brush a stray lock of hair from her temple. His touch was gentle. Careful. He searched her face with uncommon seriousness. “How are you?”

“Very well.” She gave him a quizzical smile. “Shouldn’t I be?”

“You seem not quite yourself.”

“Don’t I?” Nell’s smile faded. “I daresay it’s because I spoke with Lady Belwood this morning. We had a rather candid discussion about her reasons for giving me up.”

Miles’s brows lifted. “You told her she was your mother?”

“It all tumbled out,” Nell said. She recounted the conversation to him, ending on a weary sigh. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I might have known it wouldn’t make me feel any better.”

“You’re still angry with her,” Miles concluded.

Nell opened her mouth to admit that she was, only to realize it was no longer entirely true. She may not like the choices Lady Belwood had made, but—as a woman—she could understand them. Not everyone had a Miss Corvus in their life, or formidable sisters like Effie and Gemma, encouraging them to be bold and fearless.

“I thought I was,” Nell said slowly. “In truth…I believe I feel sorry for her. She was alone and faced with an impossible situation. Many ladies would have done the same—or worse.”

“You take a generous view.”

“An honest view. It doesn’t mean I wish to have her in my life. Indeed, when we return to London, I hope I won’t be obliged to see her overmuch.”

“I’m sorry you had to see her at all,” Miles said. “That you had to face any of this unpleasantness.”

“Don’t be,” Nell replied. “It doesn’t change anything. I know who I am.”

He stroked her cheek. “Is that all that’s been troubling you today?”

“What else?”

“After last night…” His voice deepened. “I hope you’re not too…that I wasn’t unduly…”

Heat crept into Nell’s face. “I’m not,” she said quickly. “And you weren’t. You were perfect. The things you said—”

“I meant every word.”

“So did I,” she assured him.

His fingers curved around the back of her neck. He brought his brow to rest against hers. “I have been thinking about you all day,” he confessed. “Missing you. Wanting you. Worrying that I seduced you into doing something you’ll regret.”

Butterflies swarmed in Nell’s stomach. Heavens. The way he looked at her. The way he spoke—so husky and fierce. She could easily forget that they were in a public place. “Miles—”

His lips found hers in a soft kiss. “I love you, Nell,” he said. “Tell me again that you love me.”

“I do love you.” She nuzzled his nose. “And I shall tell you something else as well. A secret.”

Miles stilled.

“I didn’t need any help undressing last night,” she said. “I could have done it all myself. That’s why my clothes fasten in the front.”