Twins of Tenby Hall

Chapter 11

Mr Westbrook strode leisurely into her view, not noticing her at first, which gave her a brief moment to take in his sleepy appearance. Coat unbuttoned and white shirt undone at the neck, hair poking up all askew, a slight shadow of morning stubble decorating his jaw. Her heart did a flip-flop for some strange and unnatural reason. He finally looked up then and halted his walk when he noticed her, smoky eyes meeting her own. She blushed violently, her mind helpfully recalling her thoughts last night regarding Matthew and kisses. She struggled to shoo away her unbidden memories and maintain composure. 

"Em?" He blinked 

"M-Mr Westbrook...what are you doing up? It's only half past ten." 

He quirked up a brow at her use of his surname. "I could sleep no longer, I had much on my mind." He scratched the back of his head as he walked over to sit with her "Why are you up at this hour? Everyone else will be abed for another hour or two yet." 

"I claim a restless mind as well." Miranda sympathized. "And I did retire earlier than the rest." 

"Mhmm" he gazed sleepily at the antics of the ducklings, seemingly deep in thought. He looked so adorably somnolent and boyish she couldn't help but let a bubble of laughter escape, making him glance at her with eyebrow raised. 

"What's got your spirits so heightened this morning?" 

"I don't often get the pleasure of seeing you so rumpled." 

"Pfft! I wasn't expecting to meet anyone but the ducks and fish! It can't be helped." 

She shook her head with an uncontainable grin and changed the subject. "You will be staying for supper once everyone has departed, I assume?" 

He looked to her...turned back to the pond "It was not my plan, but as you extended the invitation..." 

"Lies, you were waiting for the invitation; nay, I correct myself, you were not waiting for an invitation for you know you do not need one and were planning on invading regardless." She laughed. 

"You would be correct any other day, but I leave for London tomorrow early, so I was planning on heading back to the estate before making the journey. I will be away there on business for some time." 

"Oh, then no! you must go, you would be too pressed for time if you stayed for supper, and we would not wish to inconvenience you! I am sorry you will be leaving so soon though, after having just returned home, how long will you be away?" 

"Eight or ten weeks probably. At least. And it would not be of any inconvenience, but as much as I would love to stay and dine with the family this evening, I really should start off early." 

"Heavens that's an unfortunate stretch of time! What business is it that would keep you away from us so long?" She asked, dismay settling too heavily in her chest and showing on her face. 

He flicked a curious glance her way "I am securing myself a terrace in Town. The location is very clean and quiet and it is a very agreeable size, for a terrace. I am planning some renovations for it and I must be there to oversee said renovations. It is proving to be more of a hassle than I anticipated." He sighed, combing some hair into place with his fingers. 

"Oh yes you have mentioned this endeavor. It is convenient to have a place of your own in Town of course, but I think it a sorry thing as now you will be encouraged to quit Thornhill more frequently and then when shall we see you!" 

With a chuckle he teased "I did not imagine my extended absence was something you would consider 'a sorry thing'. Shall you miss my scolding and taunting?"