Georgie searched his eyes, and warmth filled her heart. How could she not fall in love with this man?
A knock came at the door, startling her out of her thoughts, and William jumped up from his seat. He walked over to the door and asked, “Who’s there?”
“I have your supper for you,” a girl’s voice said.
William unlocked the door and opened it. He accepted the tray and set it on the side table. He fished a coin from his pocket as he returned to the door. He handed it to the girl, and her eyes lit up.
“Thank you, sir,” she gushed before hurrying away.
William closed the door and locked it. He walked over to the side table and looked at the tray. “Supper consists of bread, cheese, and meat.”
“I must admit that I am so hungry that I care not what I eat,” Georgie acknowledged.
He picked up the tray. “Shall we eat in bed?”
“I suppose we must.”
After William put the tray down on the bed, he carefully sat down and reached for a piece of meat. “I am hoping that this tastes better than it looks.” He took a bite and chewed for a moment before a disgusted look crossed his face. “You might want to avoid the meat,” he advised.
Georgie laughed as she reached for some cheese. “I do appreciate you trying it first.”
“It is the least I can do.”
A comfortable silence descended over them as they ate, but it was interrupted by periods of loud, boisterous shouting coming from downstairs.
“Are all coaching inns like this?” Georgie inquired.
William nodded. “I’m afraid so.”
“I hope I can get some sleep with all this noise.”
William brushed the crumbs off his hands as he said, “It may be loud, but you need not fear. I will keep you safe tonight.”
Safe.
Georgie did feel safe around William. He felt like home.
ChapterNineteen
The following morning, just as the sun peaked over the horizon, William led Georgie through the narrow hall and down the rickety stairs. His eyes roamed over the main hall, which contained only a lone man resting his head on one of the long tables, appearing as if he’d had entirely too much to drink the night before.
They were greeted by the innkeeper near the entrance. “Good morning,” Mr. Vance said, holding a basket in his hand. “I trust that you slept well.”
“We did,” William lied. The floor had been astonishingly hard, but his racing thoughts would have prevented a restful night even if he had been comfortable. He had to admit that he was rather eager to marry Georgie, to make her his own.
“I have the basket that you requested,” Mr. Vance said as he held it out. “My wife filled it with food, and even included fresh biscuits that she baked this morning.”
Georgie accepted the basket and smiled. “That was most gracious of your wife. You will have to thank her for us.”
“It was the least we could do,” Mr. Vance replied, returning her smile. “The sun is just coming up now. I hope you have safe travels.”
“Thank you,” William said.
He assisted Georgie into the coach, sitting across from her as the footman closed the door behind him. The coach jerked forward, and they were alone again. Not that William minded. He preferred it that way. He didn’t think he’d ever been more content than when he was with Georgie.
She stared out the window, unaware of his attention. Her hair was hidden beneath the bonnet, but a few pieces escaped and curled around her forehead. She was a beautiful woman, and only seemed to grow more so as he spent time with her.
Georgie glanced at him, and he realized that he had been caught staring. He quickly turned his attention towards the basket next to her. “I do hope Mrs. Vance did not pack any of that meat from last night.”
