Valerie's glad that no one's around when she gets back home. She doesn't think she'd be able to face anyone right now, considering the mood she's in
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Valerie's smiling so wide she's sure she must look ridiculous, and on top of it her eyes start to brim up with tears. She brushes her lips against his cheek as he's kissing hers, and then she quickly ducks her head again so he won't see how silly's she's being. She tries to focus his attention elsewhere, and holds open the lid on the basket, showing him the goodies inside. "I was hoping you'd have time for lunch today," she says softly. "Could you spare a half hour for me?"
"I'd be delighted!" Daniel tells her, touched by her kindness. "What a lovely surprise," he adds, trying to catch her gaze, but her face is tipped down, and the pretty hat hides her eyes. Something isn't quite right; he can tell she's not her bright, happy self. "Let's eat outside," he suggests. "We can sit under the trees behind the pasture. It's a beautiful day, far too pretty to spend it inside." He takes the basket from her and offers her his arm.
"Okay," she agrees, and it really is a beautiful day. She's happy to take the short walk with him, just enjoying the warm air and the breeze that helps dry her tears. She's glad that she decided to come see him; already she's feeling a bit better.
They find a nice shady spot and settle down on the grass. Valerie reaches across Daniel's lap, her fingers dipping into the basket and pulling out a small folded tablecloth. She lets it fall open and he helps her spread it out in front of them, placing the basket on it so the wind doesn't pick it up as easily.
"I brought sliced ham and bread and butter," she tells him. "And fresh berries for dessert. I hope that's all right."
Valerie watches her hands as she twists them together. "Something did happen today. But it's not the sort of thing I should tell you." She ventures a glance up at him. "You were so upset with me about Walker yesterday. I don't want that to happen again, but I suppose I would deserve to have you mad at me." She's starting to think it will be best to come completely clean, for if he doesn't like her as she is, then she'll have to spend the rest of her life pretending. Which she can't do. And if it means she'll spend the rest of her life alone, then she supposes that will just have to be the way it is. This thought causes even more tears to slip down her cheeks.
Daniel strokes her cheek again, catching her tears on his fingertips. "I wasn't upset with you," he tells her. "I was upset with myself. I was worried I was imposing my company on you. I wasn't sure about your relationship with Walker. He did speak highly of you," he adds hastily when her brow creases with what looks like worry. "I have no doubt he's fond of you, and that he worries about you." He strokes a strand of hair away from her damp cheek.
Valerie reaches up and takes his hand, holding it tightly between her own. "You weren't imposing, and you weren't exactly wrong about Walker. I mean--" She stops when the little furrow appears between Daniel's brows. "Maybe I should start at the beginning," she says, looking down again, focusing on her thumb as it strokes against his. "I've been living here about a year, and it's been very difficult. It was hard getting work, and meeting people, and I was very lonely. It got better when I moved in with Miss Althea and the girls, but then when Mr. Mellors hired me and I met Walker--" she paused and felt herself flush. "Well, they were very nice to me and they really seemed to like me." She knows she's rambling but she can't figure out how to phrase things, exactly. "They were very sweet, and kind of flirtatious, and even though I knew they were together, I guess I let it turn my head, you know?"
He thinks of Walker's comments about Valerie's breasts and nods. "Walker has his charms," Daniel comments. "I don't know Mellors that well; I've heard he can be rather gruff." He looks at their joined hands, at the nervous movement of her fingers against his. "Go on," he urges her quietly.
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They find a nice shady spot and settle down on the grass. Valerie reaches across Daniel's lap, her fingers dipping into the basket and pulling out a small folded tablecloth. She lets it fall open and he helps her spread it out in front of them, placing the basket on it so the wind doesn't pick it up as easily.
"I brought sliced ham and bread and butter," she tells him. "And fresh berries for dessert. I hope that's all right."
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