Page 96 of One Night with an Earl

“Yes.”

“Keep an eye on her, but also keep trying to speak to her. She is young and heartbroken. It will pass, and she will realize you are not at fault for her young soldier’s actions.”

His words made sense. She needed patience to deal with Penelope. “Thank you.”

The corners of his lips curled in a grin. “I can think of a thousand other ways you can thank me, and they all start with tonight. I’ll send my carriage.”

…

Later that night, as Ana was preparing to sneak out of the house to see Oliver, there was a soft knock on her door. She froze as anxiety spurted through her. Had someone learned of her clandestine evenings with the earl?

She swiftly hung her cloak back on a hook and cracked open the door. One of the young housemaids stood awkwardly. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Miss Gardner. But this arrived for you at the servants’ entrance when you were at the ball. The young woman who delivered it said it was important.” She bobbed a curtsy and disappeared down the dim hall.

Ana’s hand trembled when she recognized the handwriting on the foolscap. It wasn’t bold, dark script, but a light, flowing one. Every muscle in her body tensed as she broke the seal and read the missive.

God, no! Queenie had passed. Even though Ana knew this day would come, the devastating news sucked the breath from her lungs. The note was from Adeline, the beautiful woman who had a gift with herbs. Queenie had passed in her sleep. At least she hadn’t suffered long.

Ana sat on her bed and clutched the letter to her heart. A raw and primitive grief overwhelmed her, and hot tears flowed down her cheeks. She wanted to share her sorrow with another. Only one name came to mind.

Oliver.

She’d lean her head on his broad chest. Allow his heat to warm her cold heart. His strong arms to hold her. Her previous eagerness to see him was still there, but for a different reason. She reached for her cloak and slipped from the house under the cover of darkness.

…

When Ana arrived at Oliver’s home that night, he knew something was terribly wrong. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her lips trembled. He opened his arms, and she flew into his embrace.

“Tell me,” he said.

Ana’s voice trembled. “A dear family friend passed away. She was like a mother to me.”

“Oh, Ana. I’m sorry.” His arms tightened around her. His own heart ached for her, for her loss. He reached into his coat pocket and handed her a handkerchief.

She sniffled and blew her nose. “Queenie was old. No one knew her precise age. She was unwell. I knew the day would come.” Her voice was low, tormented.

“But it still hurts.”

“Yes.”

He thought about what she said, and he envisioned himself in a similar position. “I will feel the same when my grandmother passes.”

“Hopefully, the dowager will live many more years.”

“Let me get you wine and we can talk more.” He poured two glasses of madeira and handed her one. He watched her full bottom lip touch the crystal and her delicate throat swallow. He still fiercely desired her, but he wanted to help her more. If that meant sitting and talking about someone she cared deeply for and lost, then he was willing to listen.

She set the wine aside and wrapped her arms around him. “Make love to me, Oliver.” She pressed her lips to his.

Passion exploded in his brain and kicked in his gut. But this was different. He wanted to kiss away her tears, make slow love to her, and ease the ache in her heart.

He tamped down his desire and cradled her face in his hands. “Ana, there is no need tonight. You have suffered a loss. We can simply talk.”

“I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to waste a moment of time with you.” She tugged on his coat, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him.

His trousers grew painfully tight. It was always like this with her. Unbridled lust, but so much more—longing and an aching in the center of his chest. He kissed her back, thoroughly and with all his pent-up need.

But tonight, his plans had changed. He cared too deeply for her to take advantage. He wanted something else. Something he’d planned on asking her this evening that he hoped would show the depth of his feelings for her.

He broke the kiss to look into her eyes. “I want to share a meal with you.”