Page 66 of The Baron Takes a Wife

And with that, she turned with the same determination and economy with which she did everything else and walked out of the door with a swift nod to Fields. Just as she left, Goliath came bounding in.

“You just missed her, old boy,” David told the dog, who cocked his head as if sensing a change but unsure of what it was.

“How do you think Goliath will take to the estate?” Irene asked as they began to walk back toward the drawing room.

“Lots of grass and land, all the rabbits to chase, what’s not to like?”

“Yes, but London is likely the only home he’s never known,” Elena interjected.

“He is strong and good at surviving. I am sure he will adapt and find himself quite at home.”

Irene had gone on, but Elena lingered, looking unconvinced. He took her hand and drew it to his lips, trying to convey all the hopefulness this new journey gave him. She sighed and gave a small smile, and they both joined Irene and Goliath.

Chapter Twenty

Elena turned to look at the townhouse as it began to fade from view among the hustle and bustle of the streets.

David lifted her chin to look at him. “Remember what Sophie said. Chin up.”

Elena gave a slight nod and turned around to face forward. Irene was sitting across from them, helping Goliath get arranged. He was such a large dog that he did not always fit easily inside a carriage.

“You will like it. I promise, Elena.” Irene twisted so that Goliath could sit next to her without falling. “The only reason I didn’t insist we go sooner was because you seemed so attached to Mrs. Raeburn and the hospital. But you’ve been before.”

“But not for very long. And the weather wasn’t very nice. And I didn’t have to meet very many people.” Elena heard how much she was complaining, so she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from going on.

“Ohhh.” David put a hand to his chest.

“David? Are you all right? Is it your leg?” Elena leaned forward, heart pounding.

“I’ve just understood something about you. Even after all these years, I’ve discovered something new about you.” Elena let out the breath she hadn’t noticed she had been holding as it became clear his exclamation wasn’t about his leg.

“We weren’t in the same place for the last three years. I think that hardly counts—”

“You’re shy,” David stated. There was no question in his voice, and a very self-satisfied grin began to cross his face.

“What? No.” Irene sat back, accidentally knocking into Goliath, who gave a small yelp and readjusted. “Is that true? I assumed you didn’t speak to many people because you did not want to make waves in society.”

“Oh, that may be true.” David went on, “But if it comes down to it, between meeting new people and, say, reading a book, what would you prefer, Wife?” David put his hand back below Elena’s chin so she would have to meet his eyes.

Elena sighed, realizing her secret was out. “Reading a book, of course. I talk to people I feel comfortable with or when I feel confident in a place like the hospital. In truth, you were one of the only officers I talked to regularly. Aside from Mrs. Raeburn, I was rather lonely in the Crimea.”

“I didn’t know that. So, I was special to you, too, then?” He was smiling down at her with that boyish smile. She should have been annoyed with his cockiness, but she found it rather charming.

“I suppose you were.” Elena looked down. “I still thought you were a mad Englishman.”

“I suppose I was.” He put his arm around her and stroked down her arm. Goliath shifted loudly next to Irene, breaking their moment as David turned his head toward the dog.

“Poor beast. It will get better once we get out of London.”

“How long is the trip?” Elena asked.

“It will take most of the day, but we should be there before it grows dark. We can take the train someday, and it will only be a few hours.”

Elena couldn’t imagine as she had never been on a locomotive before. She leaned her head against David’s shoulder and began to let the rhythm of the carriage lull her to sleep.

****

David woke to find Elena curled up against him. A few stray golden-brown waves had made their way out of her smart chignon. He stroked them tenderly, trying not to wake her. He looked up to see Irene watching him.