Page 66 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

“Not Liechtenstein, but Carrera is in the foothills of the Apuan Mountains and I can see the Apuan Alps from home. Carrera marble comes from the Apuan Mountains. You did know that did you not?” Certainly, he knew this since Trade Wynd was one of the merchants who visited Carrera regularly to export the marble. “If you wish to view the Alps, board the next ship sailing to Carrera.”

“I am aware of the Apuan Mountains and where marble comes from, but it is the size of the Alps that fascinate me.”

Maybe she should realize her good fortune of living somewhere others only read about.

“I apologize,” she finally whispered. “I should not judge you. You had no control over being born a male with more freedom than me being a female with none.”

“I would not agree. You did, after all, stow away on a ship and have been quite stubborn and insistent about finding your sister. So much so, that I spent two days in a mail coach with you traveling across England when I could have put you back on a ship bound for Italy or sent you on your way with no assistance.”

“I do thank you and recognize that I might still be searching London.”

“Georgie, that is only because you are unfamiliar with England and London. Your tenacity is why you are here now.”

Tenacity. Yes, she liked being considered tenacious.

“We will find Grace, and you have nothing to apologize for. Besides, I might be irritated if I were a female with limited freedoms.”

Yet, he wasn’t.

“Get some sleep. We will go to Chisholm’s office in the morning.”

She lay further down in the bed and pulled the blanket up to her shoulder, back to him. When she heard no movement from him, she peeked over her shoulder.

“You should sleep as well.”

“Yes, I should,” he said as he stood then lifted the blankets from the end of the bed and started spreading them on the floor

“What are you doing?”

“I am not sharing a bed with you.”

The rejection stung, but her intention when she asked had not been seduction because she was very tired.

“You will be uncomfortable and wake grumpy if you sleep at all,” she insisted. “Take the other side of the bed and I promise not to disturb you. I’ll stay tucked over here and you can slumber there.” She pointed to the empty space on the bed.

He glanced at it. Worry in his blue eyes.

Was he afraid of her?

“I really should not.”

“Why?” she asked, aggravation in her tone.

“It is not proper. You would be ruined…It just is not done.”

Georgie blew out a sigh. “You are being foolish. Nobody knows me in England. You are tired, I am tired, and I will not put up with you being unpleasant tomorrow because you did not sleep well. I do not like you when you are irritated.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Did that mean she liked him when he was not?

He nearly asked her but decided her answer would make no difference to their current situation.

Damian stared at the empty side of the bed. Did he dare?

He was tired. And, despite his desire, he was not the type of gentleman who would ever attempt seduction of an innocent miss.

He was respectful and honorable and could certainly control all natural urges.