The Reluctant Suitor by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Read Free Book Online Page A

do to carry on with her stilted aloofness. She was so very, very relieved he was home and safe from the hazards of war that she wanted to throw herself in joyful delight into his arms, much as his sister had done. Still, what loomed before them filled her with a consuming dread that he would revile the agreement that had been drawn up in his absence and, in rebellious resentment, leave Randwulf Manor once more, never to be seen again.
    “You’re very kind, my lord, but there is no need to apologize,” she replied, struggling with a tremulous smile. “Your lack of recognition is quite understandable. I was, after all, a mere child of six when you left.
    I can only guess at the many changes that have occurred in your life since your departure, yet, from all outward indications, you have endured the years very well in spite of the many battles you’ve fought.”
    “I’m definitely older and a bit more scarred,” Colton admitted, casually indicating the tiny nicks that added subtle character to his handsome face, “but in my lengthy absence from home, I’ve learned to appreciate the people I left behind more than I once did. I’ve often thought of the anguish I caused by my departure and have lamented it time and again, but, of course, like wine foolishly spilled, there was no real remedy for the mistakes I made. Once I set my heels to the flanks of my horse, I dared not glance back at the havoc I left behind me; I could only look forward with the hope that someday I would be forgiven for the pain I caused.”
    Considering what had yet to be revealed, Adriana could only wonder if he’d still have regrets when a similar announcement was made to him. Years ago, his reaction to the proposed edict had left such an ominous impression in her mind that she knew with a certainty that she wanted to be far away when the second pronouncement was issued. “I share in the immense relief of your family, my lord, and do take comfort in the fact that you’re back home where you belong. Samantha has been fretting night and day since your father’s death, and I had no idea what more I could say to rally her hopes.”
    “You used to call me Colton years ago,” he reminded her, moving forward a step. “Is it so hard for you to do so now?”
    As he encroached into an area that she would’ve quickly deemed intrusive had it been some other man, Adriana realized that his proximity stirred feelings she had previously considered benumbed. Long ago, when she had been no more than a child, this man had shattered the image she had formed of him in her mind. In every way, he had been an heroic knight to her. To forestall such a trauma from ever happening again, she had to keep herself on an even keel, her sights firmly fixed upon the horizon, for there was no guarantee that the sails that had once been filled by her girlish desires and aspirations would be less susceptible to the freshening breezes of his charm. She couldn’t allow him to fill those vulnerable canvas
    shrouds with any degree of hopeful expectation ever again, at least not until she was reasonably confident that he’d prove himself more compassionate now than he had then. Only when she had been reassured of his benevolence toward her would she yield him her companionship . . . and perhaps, in time, her heart.
    “Please forgive the faults of my youth, my lord,” she replied, daring to meet his gaze as she retreated a step. “That was a very long time ago when I was naught but a child. I can only hope that among the basics my mother has tried to teach me in your absence, I’ve learn to show proper respect for lords of your noble standing.”
    Slanting his head at a curious angle, Colton considered her at length and had to wonder why she refused to be so informal with him after he had invited her to. “I must assume by your answer that you’re averse to the familiarity.”
    “If not with the show of etiquette my mother would demand of me were she here, my lord, what