isabella’s heart swelled with both sorrow and gratitude as she listened to patrick’s words and felt his warm touch. she appreciated the way he understood her need for companionship during this difficult time and was willing to be there for her, even though he may not fully comprehend her pain. as they intertwined their fingers, isabella couldn’t help but feel a sense of solace and warmth in his touch.
"thank you, patrick,” she whispered softly, her voice still tinged with sadness. “your support means more to me than you can imagine. it’s difficult to find peace in the midst of this pain, but you bring a measure of comfort that I’m grateful for. i only wish i wasn’t ordered to remain here, when all i wish to return to spain.”
she gazed up at him, her eyes reflecting the sorrow and gratitude in her heart. “i know the risks we take by being together, but i can’t help but seek solace in your company. you have a way of understanding me like no one else, and i treasure that deeply.”
isabella felt the urge to express her feelings more openly, to let patrick know the depth of her affection for him, but she held back, knowing the complexities of their situation. Instead, she simply enjoyed the tranquillity of their shared company, finding comfort in the silence and understanding that passed between them.
the slightest of smiles tugged at his lips, followed by the immediate guilt from being able to even muster a smile when she was so clearly heartbroken. while it was pleasant to hear all of the ways in which he helped her during such a trying time, it should not be his focus. he could not allow such a thing to occur. “you are welcome, princess.” he exhaled slowly, carefully considering his words. “you may be bound to your orders ... but if your heart and soul cannot find rest in london, just say the word and i will do everything in my power to send you home, for that is where you should be — surrounded by family and places you find comfort in.” he could not bring himself to say what they both knew, that if he were to somehow convince her brother that she needed to return to spain, patrick could not follow.
he glanced down at her and nodded, his eyes reflexively flickering down to her lips mid-sentence before meeting her eyes once again. although the pair were holding hands, it did very little to soothe the intense yearning he felt. it seemed preposterous, to want someone so desperately when their fingers were intertwined but there had always been a distance between them. one he wishes was not there, but one he had to yield to it nonetheless. it would be improper for him to act upon his feelings in the gardens, for a multitude of reasons. “you need not justify your emotions, princess. not to me. if i am able to offer you comfort then that is all that needs to be said, as that is all i want for you.”
he offered her a slight smile, allowing himself one final look at her gorgeous features in the soft light. she was utterly breathtaking, there was no doubt about that, how anyone could be so beautiful was a mystery to him. she was mystifying and utterly radiant. he had never met anyone like her before and he was certain he would not meet another quite like her. with a deep breath, patrick concentrated his gaze forward and began leading them along the path.
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