Chapter 14
1048 Words
Cecilia
A couple of days later, after my letter was sent to Gabriel, I received his response. As soon as I read that he was willing to talk, I readied myself to see him.
“What should I say if Sir Leon asks of your whereabouts?” Sophie asked as she pinned my hair back and adjusted my hat.
“Trust me, Leon won’t be asking about me. He’s been avoiding me more than usual.” I said putting on my gloves. “And if he does tell him I’ve gone into town to find a modiste. He’s been bothering me about knowing what his preferences are on my dresses by now.”
Sophie only bit her lip and nodded. For a while now she was more nervous and silent around me, I trusted it was because she was just as worried about my situation as I. I made my way out to the carriage, not hearing or seeing Leon at all and set off to Gabriel’s estate. I had told Sophie I’d be back after sundown the latest, and if I wasn’t, that I would write to Leon explaining why I was held up. I didn’t want to put more pressure on the poor girl. She was two years younger than I and incredibly kind. I considered her a friend, my only friend aside from Gabriel.
The carriage ride was going to be at least an hour, so I had time to prepare myself. I had enough time to think about what I was going to tell Gabriel-most specifically how I was going to tell him what I wanted. That what I wanted was one night with him. Just one night where I got to fully experience what he made me feel. No promises, no commitments or further intentions, just us. Just physical pleasure that I knew he could give me, and that I could give him. Because I knew he wanted me as much as I wanted him.
***
Gabriel
“The Lady Cecilia is here to see you Your Grace,” William said. I was sitting outside on my grand patio for lunch and stood immediately, knocking my chair over.
Cecilia was here??
I hadn’t expected her to come, I had expected another letter setting a date and time. But not her appearing at my door out of no where. But it was Cecilia- I should have at least known she could have done this.
William eyed my reaction and tried to pick up the chair but I beat him to it. “Should i turn her away Your Grace?” He asked.
“No, no. It’s alright, please, let her through William. Thank you.”
He nodded and bowed. When he walked away I tried composing myself. I took a couple of deep breaths and fixed my hair. I had woken up late today and hadn’t bathed. I didn’t particularly smell bad but I did not smell great either. I wore my riding clothes and my hair was untidy. Surely, I had looked better around her.
I stood patiently as I waited and when William walked back with Cecilia, I felt my heart stop for a moment. She was wearing a lavender dress that was decorated with silk flower patterns on the skirt and a pearl necklace that wrapped around her skin neck and rested on her bosom. Her brown hair was pinned back but some waves fell around her face and her hat was placed neatly on her head. However, it was her bright green eyes full of excitement and determination that rattled me the most. She was on a mission, and I had a feeling I was it.
William bowed as he left us alone and I pulled back a chair for Cecilia to sit. Neither of us said anything but the air was thick with tension. I sat in front of her and asked a maid to bring out another plate of lunch and fresh tea. When she left Cecilia and I both sat in silence, the only thing heard was the soft breeze through the trees. The light hit Cecilia so perfectly, she absolutely glowed and I yearned out to touch her. To caress her cheek where the sun was shining and kiss her jaw where her hair was resting. I was so lost in the thought of her that I jumped a bit when she spoke up.
“I believe you know why I’m here,” she said.
I took a deep breath. I knew that in the past couple of days she must have come to her senses about what happened, that it was wrong and we had crossed a line. “I think I might.”
She nodded. My heart hurt at the idea that this was the last moment I’d probably see her. That the entire year I had spent loving her in silence was for nothing because now I wouldn’t even be able to see her. Now she’d cast me from her life forever and it would break me to have lost her completely. But she would have to do it, she’d have to send me away. Because there was no way I could ever part with her willingly.
“Just say it Cecilia,” I said. My voice was soft and broken. I just needed her to say that she wanted me to leave her alone and I would. It would hurt but I wanted her to get it over with. “I know where this is headed, so please just say it.”
Cecilia opened her mouth to speak but the maid had returned with lunch and tea. We were all quiet as she served us more food and prepared our drinks. We remained silent as she picked up other plates and walked away. And the entire time, I watched Cecilia who seemed to be lost in thought. Her breathing had quickened and her eyes remained focused on her tea cup. When the maid had gone back inside, Cecilia spoke. And what she said caused me to freeze and go up in flames at the same time.
“I want us to spend a night together. I want to finish what we started when I kissed you and you kissed me back.”
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