Trent scolded himself. He’d been trying so hard to resist her this whole trip, keeping his distance and avoiding conversation until he realized his efforts to avoid temptation were coming off as rude. How was he going to share a house with her for weeks especially now with the memory of her lips on his? He had to remind himself his duty was to deliver her safely so she could marry another man.

Trent apologized “I’m sorry, that should have never happened. I hope you can pardon my impertinence.”

Eliza only nodded to confirm her forgiveness. She didn’t trust herself to speak. Heat flushed her body, from embarrassment or still lingering from his kiss, she wasn’t sure.

Trent packed their things quickly and after eating some bread and cheese they mounted back onto the horse. “It should only take about 4 hours of riding if we keep a good pace” Trent said.

They rode, both painfully aware of the other’s body. Eliza tried to focus on the beautiful scenery. They’d been riding all morning when they passed by the most beautiful estate she’d ever seen. It had a large stable and several beautiful horses out grazing. In front of the manor, there was a beautiful lake. She said out loud “that is a gorgeous property” Trent smiled “I’m glad you like it” as he turned his horse along the drive to the house. She turned in the saddle to look at him with a question in her eye. Trent not understanding her confusion just asked “is it not what you were expecting?”

“This is your home?” She asked.

With a bit of a laugh Trent replied “well my family’s, yes”

Still confused Eliza asked “what do you do for my father?”

At first confused himself but then understanding dawning he said “he’s not my employer, we’re business partners, at least in a few of my companies”

Then another thought occurred to her “is your family here?”

Trent replied, “ I don’t think so, this time of year they prefer the city and are likely at our town home in Philadelphia, hopefully the pox hasn’t reached there, but my whole family had it when I was younger, so I doubt it would send them away from the city if it has. “

Her surprise was loosening her tongue and she asked another question she’d been wondering “how old are you?”

“24” Trent replied, “ I took off out west when I turned 19”

By this point they’d reached the stables and he lifted her down from the horse. Goodness she would never get accused to the feel of his hand on her waist.

They entered the house to a very surprised butler. “I’ll explain everything David , but first can you call down to the kitchen and get tea and some food brought up, anything is fine, I know we weren’t expected. Have the tray brought to the music room” Trent said as he led Eliza to the mentioned room.

“Can you make yourself comfortable here for now? The tea and food should be up shortly” Trent continued without her response “we weren’t expected, so I need to see to the servants and make arrangements for rooms to be prepared for us.”

Eliza nodded her understanding and smiled “this room is lovely, thank you. I’m sure I’ll be perfectly content until you’ve finished your business”

Trent called back as he left the room “just call for David if you need anything”

As Trent headed off to make arrangements his first thought was to place her in the room next to his, then remembering he was trying to avoid not invite temptation decided on putting her in a room farther away. He would have to think of ways to keep them each busy separately, because he feared if they spent too much time together these next weeks, he’d never be able to give her up.

Trent made all the necessary arrangements and went back to the music room. He stopped in the doorway, the very sight of her could stop him in his tracks. She turned and smiled at him , so he entered the room. Eliza said shyly “I wasn’t sure how long you’d be, so I started on the food without you” she was blushing and smiling at the same time. Goodness it was hard for Trent to resist her. “I’m glad you did!” Trent sat and ate a bit before inviting her on a tour of the house.

They had seen most of the first floor when Eliza noticed a room they hadn’t entered “what’s in there?” She inquired. With a wink -oh it melted her when he winked at her- Trent said “we’ll save the best for last” and showed her upstairs to where her bedroom would be. Seeing the large bathing room attached she let out a sigh, “oh a bath! If it’s quite alright , I think I’ll have a bath after our tour is finished” Trent smiled, “of course, whatever makes you happy” then embarrassed by his statement quickly turned them out of the room. He gave her a brief tour of the upper floor pointing out his family’s rooms and his own then excitedly took her back down stairs. He walked her to the room they had skipped before and he opened the door. Letting her walk in he stood in the door way smiling at her evident pleasure. “I’d noticed your sketch book and had hoped you’d like it” Trent said

“Oh Trent, it’s wonderful “ Eliza let out

“My mother loves to paint, so my father had this room made special for her” Trent explained.

The room, situated on a corner of the house had floor to ceiling windows covering two of the walls. An easel was set up to catch the light streaming in to the room. Eliza was overjoyed she turned to face Trent and throwing her arms around him she exclaimed “thank you! Thank you! Oh I love it”

He returned the hug. Then as the sudden excitement of the moment faded, they both realized they were still embracing. After what she had allowed to happen this morning, she was suddenly embarrassed at her forwardness and stepped back quickly. “I think I should go have that bath now”

Soaking in the tub Eliza went back and forth between the joy of remembering the feel of his lips in hers and guilt over the man she’d not yet met but was intended to marry. She hoped Trent wouldn’t try kissing her again, she was quite positive she wouldn’t be able to resist if he did.

That evening’s dinner was a wonderful and elaborate meal served to the two of them in the dinning room. “I hope your chef didn’t put himself out on my account” Eliza said. Trent said with a laugh “to be honest I think the fuss is about me, you’ll remember I haven’t been here in 5 years, I think he means to show me what I’ve been missing”

Trent explained over the meal that since he’d been away so long he would be busy looking over account books and attending to other business while they were there. “We probably won’t see each other much outside of meals, but I hope you’ll take advantage of the drawing room and you’re welcome to ride out on any of the horses that suit you, so long as you stay on the estate.” Trent informed her.

Eliza smiled graciously, she wasn’t sure if she was thankful they wouldn’t be together often or disappointed.

The next week went by as Trent had mentioned, they didn’t see each other much outside of the evening meal and occasionally over breakfast. Eliza spent most of her days painting or riding. However, with the estate so vast, she didn’t venture far for fear of getting lost. Trent tried to keep himself busy, but his mother had handled things so well in his absence he quickly found himself board and just hiding in his study to avoid Eliza.