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Chapter 7
Charlie burped loudly as they left the tavern and headed towards the carriage. Rafe grimaced and looked around. A middle-aged couple had been walking past, and they both gave Charlie a dirty look.
“Charlie, would you stop doing that? We’re not in the middle of nowhere anymore.”
“What? Would you rather I kept it in?”
“If you’re going to do something like that, you could be more discreet about it.” Rafe nudged his friend towards the carriage. “Get in. We’re done here, so we’d better get home.”
His father had asked for him to get on with his business and to get back once he was done. Blackmore was unable to do it himself. Rafe had seen him that morning, and Lord Blackmore hadn’t looked very well at all. He was bright red and sweating, and he couldn’t stop coughing. Rafe had been concerned; his father’s health hadn’t been great in recent years, according to Sebastien. It was shocking to see the Earl like that. But Blackmore said he was fine, and all he needed to worry about was getting some of his business issues sorted.
Why he trusted Rafe to do it instead of his heir, Rafe had no idea, but he wasn’t about to argue. His father was giving him responsibilities and trusting him to do the right thing. Rafe wanted to show that he could do it. Once he had shaved and gotten himself looking more presentable, he had gotten to work.
Now they could go back to Robin Hood’s Bay with everything sorted.
He urged Charlie into the carriage first, collapsing onto the seat across from him with a heavy sigh. Then the carriage set off, almost rocking him onto the floor. Charlie chuckled.
“You’re still not used to being driven around, are you?”
“You could say that.” Rafe righted himself, flinching as his back was jolted when they bumped over something. “After looking after myself for so long, I’m not used to having people doing things for me.”
“I can see why you jumped at the chance to do something like this.”
“And Father did tell me.” Rafe sat back and found himself smiling. “I am pleased that he asked me. It makes me feel like I’m actually doing something.”
Charlie chuckled.
“Well, you’ve certainly loosened up since you returned. It’s only been a few days, but you’re already looking like a different person.”
“I didn’t know that was the case.”
“I’ve known you for nearly six years. I know when things are different.” Charlie wiggled his eyebrows. “Also, you’ve had a bit of a lighter step since we rescued that sweet little lady in the street. The one who fainted pretty much in my arms.”
Rafe didn’t need to think. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. She was even more beautiful than he remembered, and he had felt a pang of regret that it hadn’t been him who had picked her up off the ground. But Charlie had gotten there first, and he had easily swung her up into his arms to carry her inside. He had been a proper gentleman while Rafe had just stood there staring.
She was combative, that much was clear. Rafe didn’t need to read the situation to know that she was angry. But there was also a lot of pain underneath it all. She was hurting as well, and she was fighting hard to hide it. Rafe wondered what had happened to this woman. It had to be something bad, and she was still in pain over it.
It was a shame that he couldn’t actually ask her what was wrong. She looked like she wouldn’t give it up that easily, either.
Who was she, anyway? Rafe was curious to know. It was a shame that they had to go on to the family solicitor and then deal with some business partners before heading home. Otherwise Rafe would have waited around to see what was wrong. Maybe he could have gotten her to open up.
He just wanted to spend time with her.
“You’re thinking hard again, Rafe.”
“Hmm?”
Charlie tapped the side of his head.
“I can see things turning over. You’re thinking about that beautiful young lady, aren’t you?”
Rafe thought about denying it, but he didn’t have the strength to do it. He nodded.
“I know it’s foolish, and I shouldn’t be….”
“There’s nothing wrong with finding someone attractive. It’s perfectly normal. And if I were younger, I would have tipped my hat at her as well.”
Rafe fought back a growl. The thought of Charlie and this lady didn’t make him feel good. Was he actually jealous?|
