He wanted to tell her he loved her and always would. Instead, he held her close to him, tucking her next to his side and urging her to nestle her cheek on his chest.
Waiting for her to say something, anything, he listened to the fire crackle and pop, while the rain lashed the shutters. Instead, she wove his chest hairs around her slender fingers and sighed.
Finally, she turned her head, her sky-blue eyes gazing at him. “I did not expect this.”
“To happen?” He gently pushed her hair off her face.
“That, of course.” Her lips curled up into a warm smile. “Yet mostly how we were together.” She glanced away, a small line forming between her brows. “The passion. I was prepared to say no.”
He dropped a kiss on her head and grinned. “You did.”
Turning, she gave him a quizzical look. “But then you kissed me, and it was so different from anything I had experienced.”
“I don’t understand.” Or rather he did not want to believe that she had been denied a husband who cared about her.
“There was no madness before. It was as if he was performing a duty by seeing to my needs, as he called it. Whenwekissed”—she pressed her lips to his fingers—“I knew neither of us could stop.”
He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up. “I love you, Pae.”
Her blue eyes shimmered with tears. Not what he wanted to see. “I love you as well, Richard, but I’m afraid it is too late for us to have a life together.”
“Fate brought us together again.” He gently kissed the corner of her mouth. “Perhaps it will show us a way forward.”
“I hope so too.” She lowered her head to his chest. “Though I do not see how it can work.”
With the pad of his thumb, he brushed away the lone tear that had leaked from under her lashes. Somehow, he would find a way for them to be together.
They made love again slowly, sweetly, then she dropped off into a doze as he listened to the rain still beating a tattoo against the windows.
Slipping out from under the covers, he tucked them around her, making sure she remained warm before making his way into the parlor. He shook out and turned their clothing. Lifting the dome off the tray, he saw it was as he had expected. The tea was cold.
Richard tugged the bellpull and waited. Fifteen minutes later, the summons had still not been answered. Unfortunately, his pantaloons were still not dry enough to don. He gave the bellpull a hard yank, and a few minutes later, the same lad as before knocked on the door.
“Sorry, me lord. We have a terrible lot of people here, what with the rain and the mail coach and all.”
“I need more tea, the soup that was promised, and some bread.” The boy nodded, but appeared a bit panicked. “Is there something wrong with my request?”
“No, me lord, it just may take a bit. We’re not used to having the mail here, but the bridge washed out.”
Richard dragged a hand over his face. “Going to London?”
“No, the other way.”
That was something at least. Still, it occurred to him that Pae’s family would become worried if she did not return soon. “I’ll also need paper, pen, and ink, as well as someone who can hand-carry a message to Town. He’ll be well rewarded.”
The lad nodded, and to show he would be appropriately appreciative, Richard flipped him a crown. “Thank ye, yer lordship.”
A few minutes later the writing instruments arrived. Fortunately, the inn had their name at the top of the paper. An unlooked-for extravagance, but fortunate as he couldn’t remember the name of the place.
Dear Lord Worthington,
Lady Worthington and I have been held up due to the weather. I shall convey her safely home as soon as we are able to travel.
Please acknowledge that you have received this letter.
Yr servant,
Richard, Viscount Wolverton
