nineteen
If Samuel didn’t see Vivienne that night, he wouldn’t sleep.
Seeing her had become a necessity, especially since he needed to understand if she was upset because of the kiss. Dobkins had simply said Vivienne’s mother hadn’t let her out, but perhaps she regretted having kissed him and decided not to see him anymore, or maybe she’d taken ill.
“This is madness,” Captain Jackson said as they walked down the pavement next to him. “If you get caught in her room, there will be huge trouble.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“Wonderful. I feel so much better now. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The captain rolled his eyes. “That was sarcasm.”
“Sarcasm. It’s like lying.”
“No, it’s like realism.” The captain shoved his hands in his pockets. “And it’s bloody freezing.”
They waited in a dark corner of the street until all the lights of the house had gone out.
“Don’t be long,” The captain grunted. “It’s so cold my bollocks have to be so blue and frozen we can hang them up on a Christmas tree.”
He scowled. “Disgusting.”
“Quick, lad.”
He climbed the tree in a moment and leapt through the open window. Happiness burst in his chest. She wanted to see him.
“Samuel.” Vivienne ran to him, and he caught her by the waist.
He meant to give her a quick hug, but the moment her arms were around his neck and her body was pressed against his, he couldn’t let her go. She clung to him with desperation as if they hadn’t seen each other in years.
He was hugging her. He couldn’t believe she was in his arms. Hugging her had come naturally.
She stepped back from him. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come. My mother believes I’m too tired. She worries about my health a lot.”
“I missed you.”
“Did you go to The Regent’s Park?”
He raised his hands to sign. “It wasn’t the same without you.”
“I’m not sure my mother will let me out soon.”
He caressed the top of her head, marvelling at how silky her hair was. “I thought you didn’t come because of the kiss.”
She flushed. “No, it wasn’t the kiss.”
She didn’t add anything else, like ‘Would you kiss me again?’ and he didn’t want to be too insistent.
He stroked her cheek, happy to see her. “I’ll leave before someone realises I’m here.”
She nodded, lowering her gaze. “Of course.”
He was about to get back to the tree when she took his hand. She didn’t say anything, but her large eyes had a private conversation with his heart.
“Yes?” he asked when she didn’t say anything.
