Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 9: Embers of desire

"Madam, are you feeling better now?" Eliza a new help in the Estate asked me as I put on my dry clothes standing close to the hearth. With a grateful nod to her question, I allowed her to dry up my hair. I felt the warmth of the fire seeping into my chilled bones. Upon our return to the Estate, Darius and I went our separate ways to bathe and change into dry clothes. The air between us was laden with an unspoken tension, and we exchanged few words before parting. It was as if I had anticipated the silence, resigning myself to the notion that our interaction would remain minimal.

Just as I finished slipping my shoe back on, a sudden knock came on the door.

I looked at Eliza and she nodded at me before walking towards the door only to find Mr. Ralph in his professional black suit looking for me.

"My lady, his lordship requests your presence," he announced, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. With a furrowed brow, I sought clarification, confusion clouding my features as I struggled to comprehend the unexpected summons. Before I could voice my inquiry, however, Mr. Ralph hastily departed, leaving me with unanswered questions.

It took five more minutes as Eliza helped me wove a quick intricate braided hairstyle and wrapping up a scarf over my shoulder I walked towards Darius' chamber.

My steps faltered right before Darius's chamber and I took in deep breaths recalling the day's event.

Why had Darius summoned me? Was it to vent his frustration at the disruption I had inadvertently caused to his meticulously planned day?  The weight of his responsibilities hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the intricate web of duties that consumed his every waking moment.

With resolve bolstered by the echo of my heartbeat, I raised my hand and rapped gently on the polished surface of his chamber door. His voice, a symphony of warmth and command, bid me enter, and I braced myself for the encounter that lay ahead.

When the door opened, Mr. Ralph was there, all serious and silent, like a guard watching over Darius's room. He nodded at me, then quietly led me inside before closing the door and disappearing into the darkness, leaving me alone with Darius.

"Ah, Mrs. Kinglsey," Darius smiled once he realised I was right behind him.

"Mr. Ralph told me you wanted to speak to me," my voice was as quiet as I could.

With a graceful sweep, he set down his glass of wine, the amber liquid shimmering in the firelight as it danced with the flickering flames. Moving closer, he bridged the gap between us with deliberate, unhurried steps, each movement purposeful and controlled.

"Indeed, my dear Scarlett," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. "There are matters of importance that require our attention."

My dear Scarlett?

His gaze stayed fixed on me, and I couldn't understand why my fingers trembled as I tightened my grip on the scarf draped over my shoulder.

"Firstly, I want to apologize for ruining your day," I began, hoping to start on a conciliatory note. However, he arched an eyebrow in response before pacing around me. His movement was intimidating, adding to the nervousness I already felt. I recalled him doing this earlier with his horse.

The scent of his cologne enveloped me as he stood right behind me.

"You didn't ruin my day. I just want to know why were you there, all alone?"  he whispered the last part before making his way to the side of mine and I looked up at him.

As Darius questioned me about my solitary stroll near the lake, his eyes seemed to pierce through my defenses, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. I stumbled over my words, trying to justify my actions, but each explanation fell short under his scrutiny.