Part 17 (2/2)
She nodded.
He was so straight, so serious. He seemed coiled, ready to spring on a foe at any moment. A strength emanated from him that she found fascinating.
”And did the glimpse please you?”
”He is... comely.”
He raised a brow, noting her hesitation.
Anne shrugged. ”But what does a pretty face tell you? Nothing, except it masks the truth better.”
”What is the truth?”
Anne's cheeks colored. She didn't even know this man. Why was she saying these things to him? She started to back away, but he reached for her. His hands closed into a fist before touching her and drew away. But it was enough to stop her. She looked back at him.
”I should go... they'll be looking for me.”
He stepped back, putting his hands behind his back. ”Of course... I'm sorry.”
She knew she should leave immediately. But his eyes held her. She couldn't look away. She saw sorrow and darkness there. But there was warmth, too, simmering below the surface.
”Who are you?” she whispered.
Before he could answer, she heard her father. ”Anne! Where are ye, la.s.sie? Come out!” And then to someone else, ”She knows all the little trails. Designed the gardens herself.”
The man looked around their little clearing with new interest. ”This is your doing?”
Anne nodded.
”It is the finest garden I've seen. I was drawn to it immediately-I had the urge to hide myself within, as if it were another world, a fairy kingdom-”
”Aye! That is just what it is!” Anne said, clapping her hands, thrilled that he'd understood her intention so well. ”I come here oft, to forget things... for a little while.”
He c.o.c.ked his head slightly. ”And what must a fine lady like you retreat from?”
Why did she keep saying these things to him? She shook her head, shy suddenly. She knew she should go but couldn't leave without knowing who this man was and if she'd have the opportunity to speak with him again.
”What is your name, sir?”
”Wesley.”
She repeated his name, smiling slightly.
He stepped forward, his hand reaching for her neck, hovering over the pendant she wore. She lowered her chin, but could not look away from his face for long.
”It's lovely,” he said, pulling his hand away quickly.
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