Liz Fielding - British Bachelors - Tempting & New

There were four of them, burning with steady golden flames in the tall silver candlesticks placed at a safe distance round the corners of the rug.

‘My predecessor sold the chandelier along with everything else, so the room needed some kind of light.’ Jago was kneeling, unpacking a hamper. ‘I bought these last week and thought—why not do it in style?’

She said shakily, ‘Why not indeed—except it’s not dark yet.’

He sighed. ‘Stop nitpicking, woman, and lend a hand.’

There wasn’t just food in the hamper. There were plates, dishes, cutlery, even wine glasses, all in pairs, strongly suggesting that he might have hoped Barbie would indeed be there.

Instead, she thought, he was settling for second best—if she even rated that highly.

Don’t think like that, she adjured herself fiercely. You’re not taking part in some competition, but just filling in time before the rest of your life, so remember it.

She watched Jago arranging the food on the rug. There was smoked trout pâté, chicken pie, green salad with a small container of French dressing, plus a crusty baguette, butter and a bottle of Chablis. While, to round off the meal, there was a jar of peaches in brandy.

He looked across at her, his smile faintly crooked. ‘Will this do?’

‘It looks wonderful,’ she said. ‘Like a celebration.’

‘That’s just how I wanted it to be.’ He drew the cork from the wine and poured it, handing her a glass. ‘To Ladysmere,’ he said. ‘A phoenix rising from the ashes.’

‘Yes,’ she said. And all because of you. She thought it, but did not say it. ‘It—it’s a special moment.’

He said softly, ‘Yes it is, and thank you for sharing it with me.’

The tawny gaze met hers, held it for an endless moment.

And Tavy felt her heart give a sudden, wild, and totally dangerous leap, as she raised her glass and echoed huskily, ‘To Ladysmere.’

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