The world around them disappeared. The softness of her lips reflected the softness of their kiss. It was as gentle as the night air around them. He did not want to claim her, he wanted to be with her.
The warmth of her body against his sent the beast within into a satisfied prowl. His heart beat a steady waltz against his chest and he felt hers beating in time with his. He felt as though gossamer strings tied them together, the breeze gently caressing their faces.
The sound of footsteps burst through the fragile moment, and they sprang apart. Theodore’s smile was so broad it made his cheeks ache. He felt like a schoolboy, and Harriet’s grin was much the same.
He moved, wanting to offer his arm again but stopped, his smile fading but not completely disappearing. A powerful urge to kiss her again overtook him and he pushed it away.What am I thinking?
Anyone could have seen them, could have jumped to… incorrect conclusions. Thetonneeded gossip like it needed air. He swallowed, turning away from Harriet.
“Would you like to keep walking?” He felt her move closer behind him, and shifted away from her touch. “Or shall we dance?”
“The fresh air will do us good.” He gestured around them. “A walk would be my preference.”
“Very well then.” He turned to see her reach towards him, but before she could take his arm, he clasped his hands behind his back.
It was too dangerous to do anything else, but he was too weak to deny her completely.What am I becoming?
CHAPTER 21
“Bad news, I am afraid.” Harriet’s father sighed as he strode into the drawing room, his eyes widening when he realized that his wife was not alone.
Harriet saw her father’s cheeks redden as he swept into a low bow and hastily stood up to embrace him. She and Theodore had decided to pay her parents a visit before they returned to the countryside.
Her mother had mentioned that she had kept some things from Harriet’s childhood and wondered if Phoebe might like them. It was two days since she had kissed Theodore beneath the stars at Catherine’s London home.
They had not kissed again since that night. Several times, Harriet had turned, feeling as though Theodore was watching her, but whenever she looked, he was absorbed in some other task. Occasionally, they would catch one another’s eyes and several million butterflies would burst to life in her stomach,but Theodore would look away, shifting before she could say anything.
He was not avoiding her, not exactly. Nor was he as cold as he had been, but there was something there. Once or twice, Harriet nearly asked him about it, but she lost her nerve.
What if he says it was a mistake?
The thought turned her stomach and with difficulty, she pulled her attention back to the present.
“I did not realize we had guests. I was not expecting you until this afternoon.” Her father released her and Harriet returned to the present.
“We arrived early, Lord Devonmere.” Theodore inclined his head to her father. “My business concluded sooner than expected, and with Harriet so eager to see you both, I saw no reason to delay.”
“I see you have learned the first rule of marriage, Your Grace. A happy wife is the secret to a peaceful life.” Her father beamed at Theodore and then at her. “I will never object to a little more time with my daughter, and of course, you are family now too. You are just as welcome as she is.”
“Thank you.” Theodore clasped his hands behind his back. “You said you had bad news.”
Harriet saw her father’s smile falter. “Ah. It is nothing, not worth your notice. I would not have said anything if I had known we had company.”
He gestured for them all to sit down. Harriet frowned, she was not used to her father being silent about such things, but before she could ask, her mother said, “I take it your visit to the farm did not go well?”
Her father sighed and ran a hand through his thinning hair. “The damage is far more extensive than I realized; I will have to move some things around to pay for the repairs. It will delay the project in the new world by some months, but that cannot be helped.
Theodore watched her Father with a curious expression, as though he were trying to piece together a puzzle.
Her father slapped on a bright smile, and waved a hand. “The repairs will happen one way or another, they will only be basic and no doubt I shall have to repeat the endeavor in another year or so, but such is life.”
“I would be happy to cover the cost of the best repairs money could buy –” Theodore said without hesitation. ”
Harriet nearly choked on her tea. Beside her, her mother gasped softly, a hand on her chest. She felt as though her heart had grown too big for her chest. She knew how much such repairs would likely cost, let alone additional improvements.
I know it is normal that a husband would help with the finances but this? It is too much.
Not even her father managed to hide his surprise. For a moment, he simply looked at Theodore, his face soft, as though he were looking at his own son. “That is a most kind and generous offer, Your Grace. Thank you. But it will not be necessary, I have everything in hand. I assure you.”
