“You’re adapting quickly,” he noted after she successfully completed a defensive sequence. “The cane suits you.”
“It feels right,” she admitted, looking down at the silver lioness. “Like it was made for me.”
“It was,” he said simply. “Every detail was chosen specifically for you. The height, the weight, even the lioness—fierce, protective, beautiful.”
Color rose in her cheeks at the implications. “Charles…”
“Your form has improved considerably,” he said, stepping closer, the heat in his eyes unmistakable. “Both with the foil and now this.”
“I have a good teacher,” she acknowledged.
His smile turned wry. “I’d suggest we celebrate your progress, but I fear my idea of celebration might scandalize the attendant.”
The casual reference to intimacy sent heat through her. “Charles!”
“What?” His innocent expression didn’t fool her at all. “I merely meant a glass of brandy. What were you thinking, my wanton one?”
Before she could formulate a response, he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Though if you were thinking of something else… something involving significantly less clothing and perhaps that particularly interesting position we discovered this morning, I would be more than willing to indulge you.”
“We’re in public,” she hissed, glancing toward the attendant.
“So we are,” he agreed, looking unrepentant. “Though I find myself increasingly impatient for privacy.” His gaze traveled over her. “You move beautifully with that cane, Amelia. Like you were born to wield it.”
She carefully sheathed the blade back into the cane, using the motion to compose herself. “I should return to theReview. Tomorrow’s edition…”
His expression shifted to concern. “Working late again? Alone?”
“Yes. The duke doesn’t allow Elisha to stay past six.”
“I wouldn’t either if you were not the proprietor. Hire more staff so you can be home for dinner.”
“We can’t afford more staff quite yet.”
Hereford sighed. “I shall pay for extra assistance, but for now, come. I shall take you there and assist.”
Amelia regarded him skeptically. “Assist? With the printing press?”
He offered her a disarming smile. “I’m quite skilled at hiding behind one if you recall. Besides, I cannot possibly fall asleep knowing you are toiling alone.”
She couldn’t deny the warmth his concern generated. “Very well, but be warned, it’s not a pretty sight and it will be quite strenuous.”
“Not precisely the kind of labor I was hoping for,” he said, withdrawing his pocket watch, “at nine o’clock at night.”
As they prepared to leave, Amelia gripped her new cane, feeling its solid weight, its hidden danger. Charles had given her more than a weapon—he’d respected her wishes despite his reservation, had acknowledged her need for security. It was perhaps the most thoughtful gift she’d ever received.
“Thank you,” she said again as he helped her with her cloak. “For the cane. For understanding.”
His hands lingered on her shoulders. “You never need to thank me for seeing you as you truly are, Amelia. Fierce, brilliant, and absolutely magnificent.”
The words, spoken with such quiet conviction, made her heart race. As they left for theReviewoffices, her new cane clicking confidently against the floor, Amelia realized that Charles had become more essential than silver and steel.
Over the next few hours, Hereford proved adept, as Amelia expected by now. He listened intently as she explained the intricacies of the press. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, diligently cleaningtype and helping to feed the massive machine. Amelia found herself both impressed and strangely touched by his willingness to immerse himself in her world.
“Remember when you corrected my leading?” Amelia asked, a teasing note in her voice as they worked side-by-side, the rhythmic clang of the press a steady backdrop to their conversation. “Or when you critiqued my margins? I assumed you wanted to drive me mad.”
Hereford paused, wiping a smudge of ink from his cheek, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Perhaps I did, a little,” he admitted, a mischievous glint sparkling in his eyes. “But mostly I enjoyed seeing that flash of fire in your eyes when I vexed you. I find you exceedingly charming when you’re provoked.”
She shook her head, feigning indignation. “You are incorrigible.”
