William smiled in a way she supposed was intended to be flirtatious. “We’ll see, my dear.”
Georgie felt her cheeks growing warm and ducked her head. “You shouldn’t say such things,” she insisted.
“Am I not allowed to tease my fiancée?” he asked.
“There is a time and a place for such things, and this is certainly not it.”
A man stumbled out of the coaching inn, burping loudly as he did so. He glanced in their direction, showing no signs of remorse, and tipped his head before continuing on.
“Dear heavens,” Georgie muttered. “What manner of men come to coaching inns?”
“You don’t want to know the extent of it. It’s why you won’t be leaving my side.”
William led her inside, stopping in the entry hall when a tall, stout man met them at the door.
“Good evening, sir,” he bellowed. “What can I get for you and the missus this evening?”
“I would like a room and for supper to be brought up,” William replied as he retrieved some coins from his waistcoat pocket.
The man accepted the money. “You are in luck, because we only have one room left. You’ll have to share a bed. That won’t be a problem, will it?”
William slipped his arm around her waist, and Georgie felt herself tense. “Not at all,” William said. “My wife prefers it that way.”
The man nodded approvingly. “I’m Edgar Vance, the innkeeper here. This fine establishment has been in my family for generations, and we take pride on being respectable.” He pointed towards the main hall. “The men can get rowdy in the evening, however, so be mindful not to leave your wife unattended.”
“I have no intention of letting her out of my sight,” William said, placing a kiss on her cheek.
Mr. Vance smiled. “Ah, young love,” he declared as he produced a key from his pocket. “If you will follow me, I will show you to your room.”
As they followed the innkeeper through the main hall, Georgie asked in a hushed voice, “Was the kiss on the cheek truly necessary?” Her face felt like it was on fire.
“I thought it was.”
Georgie couldn’t maintain eye contact with him and chose instead to look over the hall. Long tables filled the room, and men of all ages sat on benches along them. Most seemed to be staring at her, even as they drank from their tankards, and she leaned into William.
“Is it my imagination, or is everyone staring at me?” Georgie murmured.
“They are most definitely staring at you,” William replied. “Just remain close and I will keep you safe.”
His words gave her a sense of relief, and his scent—sandalwood, if she hazarded a guess—didn’t hurt, either.
They walked up a rickety set of stairs and down a dimly lit hall. The innkeeper came to a stop in front of a door and unlocked it, then opened it and stepped inside.
William allowed Georgie to step in first and she glanced around the darkened room. A bed sat against the wall with a small side table next to it. The green paper on the walls was faded, and no drapes hung over the lone window.
Mr. Vance lit the candle and placed it onto the side table. “Will the room do?”
“It will,” William replied.
With a bob of his head, Mr. Vance said, “I will see to your supper being brought up.” He walked over to William and handed him the key. “I would recommend keeping the door locked, considering how beautiful your wife is.”
William accepted the key. “I shall heed your advice.”
Once the innkeeper departed, William locked the door and slipped the key into his waistcoat pocket. “I know this is not quite what you are used to.”
“You seem to forget that I have been living at the orphanage.” Georgie walked over and sat on the bed. “Although, this mattress leaves a lot to be desired.”
“It will only be for a night,” William said.
