It felt right. The rain chilled the air; the wind blew fine droplets around them. But it still felt right. They were engulfed in a fire, one quite different from a passionate night spent with a lover. It was a kindling that warmed. That did not burn. But it was definitely one that had the potential to surge.

Carefully, Daniel sought with his lips, then his tongue. And innocent that she was, Simone knew what to do. Her mouth opened and explored as eagerly as his. And soon, there was nothing but the moment, the need for more, but also the fear for too much.

His hands cupped both sides of her face and hesitantly ended the kiss, his lips hovering a hairsbreadth from hers, his forehead pressed against hers, his eyes closed. He knew he should regret this, but he felt nothing but relief. For once, since he returned home to assume his responsibilities to his family, he allowed himself something he truly wanted. He had not felt this for so long; had forgotten just how an act of carelessness could make the world seem fine and exciting.

When he finally opened his eyes, hers were already staring at him with the familiar charming curiosity he always loved. What came out of her mouth, however, made him laugh. "Are you a bastard?"

"What?" he laughingly asked, brows arched in both amazement and surprise. The only other person to have asked him that question so bluntly was Web.

"Is that the reason you're so distant?"

His laughter died slowly, replaced by a small smile. He took the moment to tuck her curls behind her ears, kissed her lightly on the lips again before saying, "It is not a big secret, but yes, I am."

She looked at him with a bewildered frown. "You don't think you deserve your title?"

He nodded, kissing the tip of her nose. "Because it's not quite fair. My father's mistress gave birth to me before he was married to the duchess who, in turn, took me in as her son when she learned that my birth mother died. I'm not hers, but she treated me as her own. I only gained the title because my father wanted it and because my sisters were born with a different anatomy."

"Or maybe because you deserve it."

He chuckled. "As my father said, I should stop whining about it." He tipped her head to he could kiss her again, this time lingering, murmuring against her lips, "We should get back to the manor." She leaned away gently and narrowed her eyes at him. Daniel smiled, although deep inside his heart was a beast against his chest. "Are you bothered? That I'm a bastard?"

One eye squinted, as if it hurt for her to think hard. "It bothers me that I still feel your bastardy is not your major concern."

He stole another kiss before he finally stepped away to take a deep breath. He let it out and smiled at her. "You're too smart—"

"Miss Sisi!" Leroy's distant voice came calling, and they both groaned and stepped further away from each other. As they waited for Leroy to find them, she leaned against the door of the cabin and he on the railings of the balcony.

She cleared her throat and she looked beautiful just like that—damp with frizzy hair, chin lifted high as she tried to act not too concerned. "Whatever it is, that's what's stopping you, isn't it?"

"Stopping me from what?" he asked, smiling as her face flushed.

"From being..." She waved her hand in frustration. "From being the Daniel I knew. The actor. The man who loved acting and adored being on stage."

He bent his head to study his wet leather shoes, their footprints on the wooden planks—his and hers facing in a kiss. He did not want to end this moment with a confused Simone. She did not deserve it after what he had done to her years ago.

"Miss Sisi!" Leroy's voice was nearer. By the footman's searching ability, they were bound to be found soon.

Daniel lifted his head and met her gaze. "I have matters to think about before I can be honest with anyone."

"Think about what?" Brave. That's what she was, he thought. She was never afraid to ask the questions that even he would not ask if he were in her shoes.

He forced a smile. "I have amends to make," he said. "I've hurt people years ago."

It was clear that she did not understand and he could not blame her. Perhaps in time, he would tell her, but not now when they were running out of time. His story would need a very dry and well-rested Simone. And also an understanding one. Maybe a forgiving one.

If Emmeline was here, she would tell him he was being silly. That it was all in his head. But he knew better. He knew the people he hurt and he knew it would not have happened if it was not for him. It was because of his desire to keep living his dreams that it all happened.

It was all because of him.

"And after? Once you've thought about it? Will you tell me?"

He shrugged. "If you want to know."

"Of course." No shame, no hesitation. And he had always loved that about her.

He pushed away from the railing, intending to reach for her, but she stopped him, saying, "You stay back, Your Grace." She looked around before giving him a stern look, although there was laughter in her pursed lips and mirth in her brown eyes. "We still have a wager to win."

***

A wager to win. Was she serious?

The question nagged at him even three days later. Everyone was trapped in the manor for two reasons: first, Harry had imposed his authority and everyone who were caught eavesdropping outside the chapel last Sunday was forbidden to leave the household after getting an hour of additional sermon (as Gale would put it) each; and second, the drizzle had blossomed into a storm.

One would think the mild punishment by Harry and the raging storm would have been the best recipes to get more opportunities to be alone with her, but Daniel soon found out that the Stratfords had as much things to do within the household as they did outside. There were always random activities for entertainment, their favorite of all was the game of charade; and it surprised him to know that they had other hobbies that did not include shovels and animals. They read, they sang, they played instruments, they would cook, and most of all, they took care of the old man.

It had not been apparent to him before that the Stratfords had a schedule for giving the man a massage, read him stories, and even play cards with him until he witnessed it.

Simone was as busy as she was before the punishment and the storm. She was always with Lydia, always with the cook, in her studio... She was everywhere but in a room where there were just that two of them.

"I'm bored," Price whined that afternoon while they gathered in the drawing room after luncheon. He was chewing his cheek while Roxie sat on the floor, leaning against his one leg as she read.

Daniel was in one corner, reading the last page of the Sutherland Post, ignoring the man because Price always said the same thing every day after luncheon since the first day. Gale was lying on the chaise, resting his head on his arms, looking straight at the ceiling. "Are you certain you did not hear anything, Roxie?" he asked his sister.

"No," Roxie replied, turning a page.

And before he could ask her, Freda said, "No," from the hearth where she was knitting a hat for her cat.

"We swear we did not hear a word or witnessed anything," Roxie said. "We did not even see her. Geneva Withers was just making up stories. She always does because she likes to play victim."

"I asked Damon and he said he'll send me to Birth if I ask again," Price said. "I'm currently considering because it's utterly boring here. I'd rather follow Web around the port than sit around like this."

Lydia burst into the room with Emmeline, looking excited. "Do you know that Quincy Foy has returned?"

Price and Gale straightened in their seats, looking excited. "And how did you know that when you're trapped here?" Price asked.

She shrugged. "His grandfather sent me a letter, and he included the information."

"Why would the viscount be sending you a letter?"

"He's asking if I could paint his portrait," Lydia said, eyes glinting with pride. "And that's the exciting news. Not Quincy, of course."

Gale shot Price a look. "How long did you say we're trapped here?"

"Five days," Price said. "I'm sure Quincy will come by to deliver the books I asked for."

Emmeline sashayed toward an empty chair. "I'm excited to meet this Quincy Foy. Lydia told me quite some interesting things about him."

Gale snorted, lying back on the chaise. "Lydia would tell you the worst of the man."

"She has a crush on him," Price said, sneering at his cousin. "A long time ago," he added when Lydia's slipper flew across the room. "Before she discovered he's worse than Gale and I." He followed it with a laugh, blocking another slipper.

"He's the worst and you'll know it soon," Lydia said to Emmeline.

"You're friends with him?" Emmeline asked Price and Gale.

"Before we learned how to walk," Gale replied.

"Where's Harry?" Lydia asked.

"In the library. You're welcome to join him if you want additional sermon," Price sleepily replied. "Damon's with him."

"And Sisi?"

"With the old man. His legs are quite pesky today."

Daniel stood, folding the copy of the post, and announced, "I'll be joining Harry and Damon in the library. Who wants additional sermon?"

The Stratfords just threw him a wry look, and he chuckled. As he walked out of the drawing room, he turned in the direction of the library, then found his way into the courtyard, into another wing of the manor, and up the stairs that would lead him to the earl's bedchamber.

He waited outside, leaning against the opposite wall, then crossing the distance beside the door, feeling like a bloody fool. Instead of finding the library and do the mentally sound thing, he went to find her as soon as he found out where she was. Just as he did for three straight days now. He would always situate himself in the same room as hers. Often at mealtimes, he had to master himself because, as his sister hinted, it was getting quite apparent that he was giving someone a different kind of attention.

He listened to the muffled sounds from inside the bedchamber and smiled when he heard her laughter. The earl was telling her a story, and Daniel took a step further away so he could not hear. He placed his hands inside the pockets of his trousers, absently gazing at the floor, slowly getting lost in his own thoughts.

Just days ago, he was intent on getting his sister married and leave Abberton as soon as he could. Now, he did not know. Now, he was actually afraid. And he was also excited, like a young man who had just had his first kiss and could not wait for another.

At night, he would lie awake, imagining himself talking to her, telling her everything. Often, it would lead to a reaction that he feared the most. But on one occasion, he allowed himself to imagine her accepting everything; her face bright like sunshine, her words warm and consoling.

But just last night, he realized he had been delaying the matter too long. Years, in fact. When he ended his correspondence with her, he thought it was for the best. It was selfish of him to think it did not affect her. It was only when they met again and he realized he had hurt her.

He sighed, nodding slowly to accept the unknown. She deserved to know why his letters stopped. And hopefully, she could accept his truth.

He could not tell how long he waited in the corridor, but he would always remember how he lost his breath at the look on her face when she slipped out of the earl's room, her eyes filled with innocent laughter, her mouth stretched in a smile. The curls on both sides of her face were golden as she moved, then stilled when she saw him.

She carefully closed the door behind her, eyes narrowing at him knowingly. "What are you doing here, Your Grace?" she asked.

He could never forgive himself if she'd ever lose this brightness.

"Miss Sisi!" Leroy's voice said from behind Simone. She smiled when Daniel growled under his breath as the breathless footman approached. "You have visitors, Miss."

Simone's gaze lingered on Daniel as she asked, "I'm not allowed to take visitors, Leroy. I'm currently under house arrest."

"But Lord Harry said you may entertain them in the parlor."

"And who are they?"

"Why—your suitors, of course," Leroy said, grinning at Daniel.

Simone's brows rose, her smile growing wider as Daniel's lips pressed tightly.

"I'll escort you downstairs, Miss," Leroy said, stepping back to give way for Simone.

She gave Daniel a taunting curtsy. "Have a wonderful day, Your Grace."

He blinked after her and the footman, who whispered something in her ear as they walked away, stealing Daniel with another look.

He scoffed in disbelief after they were out of sight. Then he made a sharp turn and found his way to the library. "Simone's suitors are in the parlor," he said nonchalantly as he poured himself a drink. Harry and Damon looked up from the books they were reading. He stole them a look and explained, "I thought she is being punished like everyone else." Facing them, he downed his drink and smiled. "I was just thinking the others may find it unfair. I know because I have three sisters."

Harry continued reading. "They are inside the manor. As I remember correctly, I only forbade them to go out. They can entertain guests if they like so long as they stay indoors."

"Is that even a punishment?" he asked.

Damon turned to Harry. "I said the same thing. You're too lenient."

"They're adults, not children. They only need to be reminded how to act like one," Harry murmured. "You wanted to make them stand with their ears pressed against the wall for six hours. That's not punishment. That's torture."

Damon just uttered, "Hm," before he, too, continued reading.

Daniel sighed and blindly picked a book. An hour later, and with no understanding of his chosen material, he stood and excused himself from the room. Both Stratfords just murmured a good day as he left. He felt more agitated than the storm outside. Passing the drawing room, he heard laughter from the children, his sister being the loudest. When he walked into the parlor, she was alone, arranging flowers in a vase. The maid standing beside her jumped to her feet and said, "Oh, I forgot to get water," with a meaningful smile as she left, completely shutting the door closed.

"Are those from your suitors?" he carefully asked Simone.

"Yes," she said. "Aren't they beautiful?"

Rain splattered the wide glass window from the outside, muting the view of the fields.

"Why are you still entertaining them?" he could not help but ask.

The same taunting smile was on her lips. "I don't have any reason not to."

"Of course you do," he said through his teeth.

She scoffed. "Why? Because we shared a kiss?" Once again, she surprised him with her bluntness. "If that's reason for one to stop entertaining suitors, then I should have been banned from all men years ago."

And with that, he blurted out the most stupid question. "You've kissed before?"

"Of course!"

"You never wrote about it."

She faced him, dropping her hands to her sides. "Maybe because I didn't want you to know."

"Why?" He thought she told him everything.

"The same reason you never told me things."

He stilled. Then he let out a sigh. "Simone..."

"I'm not saying you have to tell me, of course. I was just pointing out that I respect your secrets."

A knock came to the door, followed by, "Miss Sisi?" Something snapped within him and Daniel whirled around to stalk to the door, pulling it open to glare down at Leroy. "Stay here, Leroy, and don't make a bloody sound," before he closed the door to return to Simone.

Her eyes were round with amusement and surprise, but so was her mouth when he cupped her face and kissed her, this time quite thoroughly with every intent to make her forget the men that were in the room earlier. "Meet me tonight," he said against her mouth, swallowing hard. "Your studio."

"Why?"

"I'll tell you." His hands shook at the thought, fear crawling at his skin. "And when I do, please be honest, like you always are."

"Honest about what?" she whispered.

He kissed her again. "About what you'll think of me after. Can you do that?"

She nodded, and he closed his eyes, summoning courage for later.

His mouth claimed hers again as if it was the last. And maybe it would be because what he would tell her could push her away indefinitely. "I'll tell you everything," he promised as he stepped back.

"You don't have to—"

"You deserve it," he said with a forced smile. "I'll need you to be honest tonight, Sisi."

She blinked and nodded.

Leroy was still standing outside when he swung the door open and rushed out without a word.