Chapter 79 - Seventy Nine
The carriage ride to the Count’s manor was a journey filled with silence. Davis expertly navigated the horse through the winding roads, while Noah sat beside him, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.
Inside the carriage, Doris sat close to the window giving Suzy and Ryan their personal space as she stared at the window watching the passing scenery. Beside her sat Suzy who was lost in the pages of a book, her expression a mixture of concentration and amusement. The soft glow of the afternoon sun cast a warm hue on her face, highlighting the freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks. Her hair, braided into a low bun, framed her face perfectly, the pearl earrings, necklace and a pair of wrist length gloves added a touch of beauty, and the lavender hat she wore added a touch of elegance to her simple yet captivating appearance.
Ryan sitting across her, found himself mesmerized by her. The way she held the book, her fingers tracing the words with a delicate touch, was a sight to behold. Her lips moved silently as she read, a subtle smile playing on her face showing her dimples. He couldn’t help but wonder what she was reading, what stories were captivating her imagination.
Her natural beauty, devoid of any makeup or artifice, was a stark contrast to the heavily made-up women he usually encountered. Her freckles, a feature often overlooked or dismissed as imperfections, added a unique charm to her face. Ryan found himself drawn to them, each one a tiny constellation on her flawless skin.
He wanted to reach out and touch her, to trace the delicate curves of her face with his fingertips. He wanted to kiss away those tiny little dots, one by one, leaving his mark on her skin, marking his territory in a way that only lovers could as he removes her hat and the pins securing her hair letting them fall, his hands raking through those soft curls. The desire to pull her close, to kiss those soft plum lips that tempt him while gently pulling off her gloves to kiss her palm, to feel her warmth against his, was overwhelming.
But he resisted the urge, his mind battling with his desires. He had to be patient, to play his cards right. Rushing things would only scare her away.
"Are you alright, Your Grace ?" Doris asked, her voice breaking the silence. "You’re sweating."
Ryan blinked, startled from his reverie. "What? No, I’m fine," he replied, his voice slightly hoarse.
Suzy looked up from her book, her brown eyes meeting his. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "You seem to be sweating too much."
Ryan cleared his throat, forcing himself to regain his composure. "It’s just hot in here," he replied, his voice steady.
Suzy nodded, her expression still filled with concern. He knew she was worried about him, and it touched him more than he was willing to admit.