Chapter Eleven
30 September 1822
T he past week had been a whirlwind of planning, with Rockford and Lora meeting regularly to finalize the details of the art auction and gala. She smoothed her gown and steadied herself. There was still much to do, and Rockford was due to arrive shortly.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace,” Lora greeted him with a warm smile. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Lady Lora.” Rockford returned her smile as she showed him to a seat in her drawing room. As they settled into the study, Lora felt a subtle shift in the air, an awareness of Rockford that she hadn’t noticed before.
He removed some papers from his coat pocket. “I have more people to add to the guest list, a few influential people who should be in attendance.”
Lora glanced at the list, appreciating his thoroughness. “These are excellent additions. Some had not occurred to me. I’ve become absorbed with the menu.”
“The menu is entirely your domain,” Rockford said with a smile as she handed him what she had put together. “Your taste is impeccable.”
“About the guests… I noticed Hastings is on the list.” Rockford glanced up from the papers. “Are you aware he’s been showing particular interest in the clinic?”
Lora glanced at him, her brow arching. “I’ve heard murmurs, yes. He’s expressed his support for our project. Is there a reason for concern?”
Rockford hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I think we need to be cautious. There have been some… inquiries about the clinic’s funding and motives. I want to make sure everything moves forward without complications.”
Lora studied him, catching the slight tension around his eyes. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
He met her gaze. “I’ve heard Hastings may not have the clinic’s best interests at heart. I don’t want anything jeopardizing your work.”
She tightened her grip on the parchment list, a frown tugging at her lips. “I appreciate your concern, but Mr. Hastings has been nothing but supportive. He even offered to introduce me to potential patrons.”
Rockford’s jaw tensed, almost imperceptibly. “Generosity like that often comes with a price.”
Lora tilted her head, watching him closely. Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken thoughts. “You don’t like him.”
“It’s not about that.”
But it was, and she knew it. He was too controlled, too measured, and too careful with his words.
“I just want to make sure you and the clinic are safe,” he added.
Lora exhaled softly, her fingers smoothing over the list. “You’ve done so much already.” She hesitated, then looked up at him. “I didn’t realize you cared this much.”
Rockford looked momentarily taken aback. “Of course, I care. Your dedication is admirable, and the clinic does vital work. Dr. Manning’s and Lady Harriet’s work has been stellar. You may not be a medic, but you have been a fundamental part of the clinic since its inception.”
A faint blush warmed her cheeks. “Thank you. I appreciate your concern.” She let out a breath. “There is still so much to do.”
He cleared his throat and returned to studying the documents. “Yes, there is. I can oversee the finances. It might alleviate some of the burden.”
She considered his offer. She was well equipped to handle the finances as well as the art auction and gala, but his assistance would be a great relief. “That would be most helpful. Managing the details has been… time consuming.”
“I’ll handle the banking issues. If there’s anything unusual, I’ll inform you immediately,” Rockford assured her as he took the folio with the financial records and reviewed them.
Lora nodded, her worry easing a bit. “I feel relieved already.”
He offered a reassuring smile. “Then it’s settled. We’ll tackle this together.”
Their eyes met and the atmosphere seemed to shift. A lingering connection passed between them, charged with an unspoken understanding.
“Do you have any thoughts about the entertainment?” His voice lost some of its formality as he reached for a pen and a blank paper.
Her face brightened. “I was considering a string quartet for the gala. It would add an elegant touch to the evening. There are musicians who played at my family’s gala, and I’m certain Harriet may have some thoughts as well.”
“An excellent idea.” He nodded as he made a note. “And for the décor, I was thinking ivory and gold. Timeless and refined.”
She smiled, a genuine warmth reaching her eyes. “You have quite the eye for these things. I’m impressed.”
He chuckled softly. “I’ve attended my fair share of events. One picks up a thing or two.”
She leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. “Is that so? Perhaps you have hidden talents yet to be discovered.”
“Perhaps,” he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.
A comfortable silence surrounded them as they resumed their planning. Yet, beneath the surface, a subtle tension lingered, an awareness of each other that hadn’t been there before.
As Rockford spoke, Lora found herself drawn to the cadence of his voice.
Then there was the movement of his lips. They were firm yet inviting, with a natural curve that hinted at both strength and tenderness. A sensuous quality drew her eye, making her wonder what it would be like to kiss him, feel their warmth, taste their sweetness, the very idea sent a shiver down her spine.
She stood abruptly and walked to the sideboard across the room. She needed a moment away from him to collect herself, her mind swirling with the thought of their unspoken connection. “Would you care for some tea or something stronger?”
Rockford followed her. “Tea, if you please.”
Lora turned to face him, her heart still pounded. She stared at his lips. Dear God, he had wet his lips, and they glistened. Swallowing hard, she moved her focus to his eyes. What had started as a chill turned into a slow-burning fire. Their proximity, warmth in his eyes, and soft, inviting lips were all too much. Without thinking, she closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to his in a kiss.
For a moment, Rockford was taken aback, but then he responded, his hand gently cupping her cheek. “Lora.” He drew her close. His kiss was tender, filled with unspoken emotions and promises.
When they finally parted, Lora’s cheeks were flushed, her breath coming in soft gasps. “I… I don’t know what came over me,” she whispered, her eyes wide with surprise and vulnerability.
Rockford shook his head, still smiling softly. His thumb brushed her cheek, a tender gesture that sent a thrill through her. “You don’t need to explain. It was… unexpected but not unwelcome. And this time, I didn’t come away with a bruised eye.”
She tucked her head into the space beneath his chin. “You called me Lora like you did so long ago.”
Rockford smiled, his eyes softening. “I prefer not to remind you of the names you used to call me, ferret, carrot, parrot, but never Garrett. Should I go on?”
Lora let out a burst of laughter and quickly clamped her hand over her mouth.
“We should get back to work.” His voice was low with a touch of regret.
She nodded, her heart still racing. They returned to the table, the atmosphere charged with a newfound tension. As they worked side by side, the memory of the kiss lingered but didn’t fade, not completely.
“I received this in my morning post,” Rockford said after a few moments and handed her a response. “His Majesty is looking forward to attending the Enchanted Garden event on the 21 st of October. This is a gentle way of directing us to change our date. He will be attending. His support could be pivotal for the clinic’s future.”
Lora’s eyes widened. “His Majesty?”
“Securing his support could significantly advance the clinic’s cause.”
She stared at him, a mix of surprise and apprehension. “That’s… monumental.” Her voice wavered slightly. “What if we fail to meet his expectations?”
Rockford reached across the table, his hand resting gently atop hers. “We’ll ensure everything is perfect. I have complete faith in you.”
She looked down at their hands, his touch sending a subtle warmth through her. “It’s a daunting prospect.”
“Great accomplishments often are,” he said softly. “But you are more than capable.”
Her gaze met his. “You always know what to say to ease my worries.”
He smiled, his thumb brushing lightly over her fingers before he released her hand. “I’m glad to be of service.”
The afternoon passed in a comfortable rhythm, with discussions of music for the gala as well as the selections for the art auction. But beyond the planning, it was the unspoken moments that lingered, shared glances, fleeting smiles, the quiet understanding between them growing with each passing hour.
As evening approached, Rockford gathered the financial records into his folio. Across the room, Lora remained focused on a final review of the menu, her lips pressed together in thought as she traced a finger down the page. The soft glow of the lamp bathed her in warm light, and for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to simply watch her.
He cleared his throat lightly, the sound breaking the quiet hush between them, and closed his folio. “Lora. It might be best to keep the king’s attendance to ourselves for now.”
Lora glanced at him. “Why?”
“If word spreads too soon about his attendance,” his expression serious, “it could lead to unnecessary complications, particularly for his safety. Discretion is essential in such matters.”
She considered his point and nodded. “Very well, I’ll keep his attendance to myself.”
As he stood to leave, a flash of a man with a dark coat popped into his mind. “If you notice anything amiss or have concerns, you’ll let me know at once.”
“I will,” she assured him, then added softly, “Rockford, about earlier—”
Before she could continue, he closed the distance between them, his finger gently pressing against her lips. The softness of her skin ignited a longing he had been trying to suppress. “Did I offend you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
She shook her head, her eyes searching his. “No, not at all.”
He brushed a stray curl from her face. The unspoken emotions between them swelled. Without further hesitation, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, deliberate kiss.
This time, he poured all his unspoken words into the connection, the admiration, the desire, the regret. Her hand rested lightly against his chest, and he wondered if she could feel his turmoil.
When they parted, her eyes remained closed for a moment, as if she was savoring the moment. As she opened them, the vulnerability he saw there warmed and shattered his heart.
“Until tomorrow,” he murmured, stepping back. His voice carried the burden of promises he wasn’t sure he could keep.
She offered a soft smile. “Until tomorrow.”
Leaving Fallsmith Manor, Rockford felt as though he was on a precipice. The kiss lingered on his lips, a reminder of everything he longed for, and everything he stood to lose.
Protecting Lora had always been his priority, but now his feelings for her blurred the line between duty and desire. Each step away from her felt heavier with realization that his love could place her in greater danger. The path he had chosen, to protect her by any means necessary, now felt more treacherous than ever. But no risk was too great if it meant keeping her safe.
*
As the door closed behind him, Lora touched her lips gently, her fingers tracing the lingering warmth. A swirl of emotions, joy, confusion, anticipation, made her tumble. She moved to the window and watched as Rockford’s figure receded into the evening shadows.
What just happened? she wondered, her heart fluttering. The connection she felt was undeniable, yet a hint of uncertainty clouded her thoughts. Memories of their childhood kiss flooded her mind, and she realized she had often measured others by Rockford’s loyalty, honesty, and kindness. Now, she understood she hadn’t been exaggerating.
One thing was clear, their relationship had shifted in a way she hadn’t expected. Though uncertainty lingered, she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew she was willing to face them. The growing emotions that bound them were undeniable, and she wouldn’t ignore them any longer. After all, she thought with a faint smile, life’s most precious moments often came without warning.