Page 37 of When the Duke Met His Match

“Hang on. We’re headed to Dover.”

With her eyes locked on his, she found his hand and intertwined their fingers. The gentle pressure and warmth of her palm seemed to soothe every problem he ever had, and Theophilus couldn’t bring himself to look away.

Odette was everything he had ever wanted, and with London behind them, happiness didn’t seem so far away.

Chapter Twenty-Two

ODETTE

Mist danced across the water as dawn broke. It was early in Dover as fishing rigs were set out before the sun could rise, prepared for the day. Fishermen checked their nets and gear on the docks, calling out to one another before setting off to coast across the calm waters.

Odette peered through the small window, watching as the first light of day gradually spilled across the landscape, coaxing people out of their homes. The glimmering ripples on the water's surface outside offered a sense of tranquility and hope for what was to come.

The smell of saltwater and fish surrounded her the moment she and Theophilus stepped out of the carriage. Mr. Saw tended to his horses and unhooked their harnesses from the rig before offering them hay and the occasional apple. Not long after, a young man exited the building and aided him in fetching fresh water.

All around them, people began filling the streets. They went on about their business, moving between merchant stands and chatting with their acquaintances. A part of her wished she could be like them—someone with a simple life, free of complications and danger. She could only hope that would happen to her once they no longer needed to flee.

Eventually, the space filled with such a large crowd that the dull roar put her on edge once more.

Aimlessly, Odette walked toward the docks, away from the bustling crowd. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment, relieved to be away from the lingering scent of meat and take in the uninterrupted sea air as well.

With a glance over her shoulder, she found Theophilus as he walked several paces behind her with his hands tucked away in his pockets, eyes scanning the horizon ahead of them. It seemed they both needed the chance to slow down and reflect.

She was thankful he respected her desire to think on her own, even if she never said so directly.

As the sun slowly crept higher in the sky, they admired the sea in peace until Mr. Saw approached them with a half-smile. He pointed toward a row of buildings not far from them on the other side of the bustling street.

“That’s where you’ll find the nearest inn. I happen to know the owner; he’ll help. I imagine you two could use the respite.”

Theophilus nodded, his expression showing his exhaustion for the first time. “Indeed. We will forever be in your debt, Mr. Saw. There aren’t words to describe how grateful we are.”

Lewis Saw gave them a bashful look and shrugged off the formality. “Not to worry. You paid that debt by reminding me of my dear Maria and how powerful true love can be. Take care of yourselves.”

“I wish we could have had the honor of meeting her. Her memory will live on through you and your kindness,” Odette said through the heat entering her cheeks.

Mr. Saw gave them a final nod as the couple walked across the docks and made their way toward the busy street.

Theophilus ducked his head closer to her ear and mumbled, “Keep your head low.”

Nodding, Odette moved alongside him and tipped her head, careful not to meet anyone’s eyes. The last thing they needed was to be caught in Dover when they were so close to where they needed to be.

He guided her through the sea of people, carefully avoiding rogue produce wagons and animals being guided with ropes. He opened the door when they reached the inn and allowed her to walk in first.

Lifting her head, Odette found it busier than she had expected, with some patrons sitting at round tables, eating meals, while others hovered by the bar and ordered drinks. When she felt Theophilus’ hand ghost the small of her back, she continued into the establishment.

“That must be the owner and his wife,” he murmured, pointing only for her to see.

Behind the front desk stood a man with a thick mustache and thin black hair neatly combed back, while his wife wore an apron over her frock, red-faced from the bustle of the day. They had friendly smiles for their patrons, which helped guide Odette over to them.

The man pulled a grin for Theophilus. “How many rooms would you like, sir? Mind you, we have few vacancies currently.”

“Just one would suffice for me and my wife,” he said coolly, tone not wavering as if he had told the truth.

He said it so simply and naturally that Odette’s cheeks burned, and she was forced to look away.

“Certainly,” the owner said, gesturing to the woman beside him. “My dear wife, Gisele, will show you to your room. Please make yourself at home.”

Relieved the man didn’t have any other questions for them, Odette went with Theophilus while Gisele came out from behind the counter and led them through the main room. She took them up the heavy wooden staircase that looked worn from time and overuse and onto the upper floors.