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CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Tillie was gettingthe sense that something was wrong with Alex again. But her inability to trace emotions was once again making it difficult for her to trace back to exactly what might be wrong.
“Of course, you know that. Far better than me.”
He shook his head. “That’s not true. I know that astrology is my hobby but there is little that I understand better than you.”
Tillie wrinkled her nose. “That’s not true either.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, neither of them moving toward the telescope.
“You understand so much better than I do. You see me more clearly than I see myself and…” She hesitated. It was time for her to truly share her feelings and nerves fluttered in her belly.
“And what?”
“You understand what’s happening between us far better than me, I think,” she whispered the words, heat flaming in her cheeks.
For a moment he stared down at her, his features unreadable in the dark and then, suddenly, she was in his arms again, his lips on hers.
She melted into him, her arms wrapping about his neck. She’d found the right words after all. Not always her strongest suit but here she was being kissed.
He finally picked up his head. “Do I?”
She nodded. “I’m afraid I’ve never been very good with expressing my feelings.”
He gathered her closer still. “In that case, let me try and fill in the words. We are falling in love.”
“Yes,” she answered, the butterflies now beating wildly in her stomach, though less from fear and more from excitement.
He kissed her again. “Good. And…” his nose lightly brushed hers, “we’re going to begin formally courting.”
“Yes,” she said again. “And then you can speak with Ben, provided he does not share anymore courtship tales.”
He laughed at that. “Very good. And you’re amenable to marriage with me?” But before she could answer yes, he started in again. “Because I can promise you, I will not only support your work emotionally but in practical ways. Do you need me to take notes, reproduce drawings, present to the scientific community? I’m here for all of it, Tillie. I’ll never hold you back.”
Yes, yes, and yes, her mind cried with joy. She tried to push the word out, but emotion overwhelmed her. Because, as much as she’d debated the path for her future, the right choice had suddenly become abundantly clear. Alex…
With him she’d have everything she’d ever wanted.
Before the single word fell from her lips, the sound of wagon wheels caught her ears. Alex heard them too, his head turning to that he might look over his shoulder. Just as quickly, he spun about, facing the path as he tucked her behind him.
“Hello?” he called into the night.
The carriage drew to a stop.
“Lord Greenburg,” her mother called out sharply. “Is my hoyden of a daughter with you?”
“Oh dear,” Tillie said. Her mother rarely used such terms. Clearly, she was very angry. “I left in the midst of a conversation with Lord Bancroft.” She placed a palm on her own cheek. “She must be furious with me.”
“Don’t worry,” he answered. “I can explain.”
Tillie shook her head. It was time she and her mother ended their war once and for all. Tillie had found her future and her mother was just going to have to accept that. “I’m here, Mother,” she called out into the night.
The carriage came into view, her brother appearing first as he handed their mother out. “Tillie,” he bit out, “How could you.”
And then he wagged a finger at Alex. “And you.”
She stepped around Alex, coming to stand in front of him. “It’s not his fault, Ben. He had no idea I’d come out here.”
