After running into each other at the ball, Benedict and Amelia feel an instant spark. But what happens when Benedict learns that Amelia suffers painfully in her family's estate? To what lengths will Benedict go to make sure Amelia will never be hurt...
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Amelia's POV.
My fingers moved through the cold water as I sat on the grass, my hand emerged in the lake, looking for a moment of peace away from the estate. A short moment away from all the chaos, shouting and beating was all I needed.
My shoes were off, my hair was down, and my blue gown pooled around my sitting position on the green grass. The chirping birds brought me a feeling of comfort, as well as the sound of the water moving with the gentle breeze.
"Busy?" I heard a deep voice behind me, a sudden ripple of shivers running up my neck at the sound of the familiar voice. I suddenly felt slightly embarrassed that I was so unprepared for his arrival, my fingers dancing in the water, my shoes a little higher up on the hill, my dress wrinkled up around me and my hair down, which is seen as informal.
I immediately stood up in a rush, dusting off my dress as I tried to straighten it. "My lord." My voice sounded a little too high as the embarrassment started to grow stronger. I looked up at Benedict, his tall frame a little higher up on the hill.
"Am I interrupting?" He asked, a small smile forming on his face.
I almost melted at the sight, but composed myself soon after. "Yes- I mean no. No, you're not interrupting, My lord." I bowed my head in greetings, as any person with manners would do. And then I found myself making my way up the hill, a little closer to Benedict, and I grabbed my shoes that were laying in the tall grass as I began to make my way away from him.
"Where are you going?" He asked me as I headed up the hill. I turned slightly, although I did not halt my pace.
"I'll leave you to it, My lord. I didn't mean to interrupt your privacy." I told him as I heard his chuckle. Another wave of shivers running down my back at the sound of his voice.
"I was actually hoping you would stay." This time, I did stop my pace as I looked back at him. A look of confusion on my face.
"Pardon?"
"I was taking a walk along the west field." He pointed into the distance, a barrier of trees blocking the direction he came from. "I spotted you through the trees. It intrigued me. No one ever comes here." The way he never broke eye contact intimidated me, but in the best way possible.
"Just getting to know the place. I don't go out much. But since my father had to go back to Peterborough for business, I thought I could use these few days outside the house." Indeed, my father had left the previous day to attend a business event, it would be another two weeks before I would see him again, which brought me some relief. This meant I had freedom to do as I wished for the next two weeks.
"Well, do you mind my presence?" He asked me.
I shook my head with a smile. "No. Of course, not. In fact, I was about to leave to give you some privacy-"
"Nonsense." He took my arm as I was about to turn away. "I would love to get to know you better, Lady Allbrook." My heart skipped faster and faster at his words. "Is that alright with you?"
