Page 79 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

It was also afternoon and he was growing hungry and since a coaching inn was one of the few places a woman could take a meal with a husband or chaperone, he directed her inside.

“Is this not where we arrived yesterday?” she asked

“It is and I am hungry,” he answered. “I assume you are as well.”

“I am thirsty,” she said. “And I would not mind a small repast.”

There were no private rooms available, unfortunately, so Damian led her to a table that was vacant and away from the others and positioned in a back corner. He then obtained a tankard of ale for each of them.

“The proprietor tells me that the large platters on the long table are communal for travelers to serve themselves.” Whenever he found himself eating at a coaching inn in the past, during his travels between Southampton and London, he usually took a meal in his chamber or in a private room, so he did not know if this was common practice or not.

“There are plates and utensils if you would like to partake.”

“I would,” she said right before she stood and walked to the communal table.

There she added roasted meat, cheese, and fruit to her plate. He chose the same, as well as potatoes and bread and followed her back to their table.

“This has been a very pleasant day, Damian. Thank you for walking around Liverpool with me.”

“I have enjoyed myself as well, Georgie.”

*

The remainder of the day was spent as pleasantly as it had begun. And even though she had promised herself that she would not argue with Damian, the promise was soon forgotten because Georgie found no further reasons to object. She simply enjoyed being with him.

It was more than enjoyment and she feared that a piece of her heart had been lost to Damian today. Not that she would ever tell him, of course. But now that he wasn’t being so difficult and showed how thoughtful he could be, along with his teasing and laughter, and maybe seeing who he truly was when relaxed, had gone a long way in softening her heart and increasing her desire for him.

Damian had seen that she had obtained the stationery she needed then returned with her to the coaching inn where she wrote a letter to her family, updating them on what she knew of Grace. He then saw that it was posted before they returned to Chisholm’s office and were taken to his home and introduced to his wife. When Mrs. Chisholm learned how long Georgie and Damian had been traveling by mail coach, she insisted that they rest and provided a bath because she would have hated having gone without such a luxury after even two days.

As they were believed to be married, this had left Georgie and Damian in a difficult position. Yes, she would love to bathe and wash her hair since it was unknown when she would be granted the opportunity again, but not while Damian was also in the chamber with her. Thankfully, he made the excuse that she preferred her privacy and then chuckled to indicate that it was foolish given they were married. Her face had heated while she was also grateful.

While she had luxuriated in the bath, Georgie relived the day from the moment she woke until they had arrived at Chisholm’s home and that was when she knew for certain that she was in danger of falling in love with Damian.

That wasn’t all either. She wanted him—desired Damian in a way that she did not think possible.

What would it be like to wake every morning as she had done today, to experience an evening spent in intimacy, to be filled, held, kissed, touched, and caressed?

Sadly, despite the yearnings of her physical body, Damian gave no indication that she was anything more to him than someone to protect, though maybe a friendship had developed.

Their hosts and Damian were already in the parlor when she returned downstairs. Damian had also changed his clothing and his hair was still damp, which meant he must have bathed as well.

When he glanced in her direction, he studied her from the top of her head to her slippers then back up to meet her eyes, a half smile on his lips and warmth in his blue eyes. Georgie’s face heated. She had no idea why, other than her wayward and improper thoughts of what she would like to do with him, and the frustrated ache such thoughts produced that would go unrelieved. Thankfully, she was saved from having to speak because dinner was announced.

Damian came forward and offered his arm before they followed their hosts to the dining room.

“I am quite curious, how did the two of you meet?” Mrs. Chisholm asked.

Did she dare answer honestly? As she wasn’t certain what she should say, Georgie raised an eyebrow and waited for Damian to answer. Afterall, he was the one who first claimed they were married.

“She stowed away on one of my ships,” he answered honestly.

“You did!” Mrs. Chisholm exclaimed.

“Yes,” Georgie murmured as a cream soup was set before them

“From where?”

“Carrera, Italy.”