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“I don’t,” she said.
A warmth spread over his body when he heard her. He didn’t know what to say. Words formed in his mind, but he couldn’t say them. Nay, he dare not say them, not yet.
“I should return to my aunt before I am missed.” Tabitha pulled back from him.
Yes, best to carry on. He waited while Tabitha smoothed her hair and dress. At one point, she gave him a shy glance out of the corner of her eye. Andrew chuckled, and Tabitha blushed.
“You’d best be careful. If you blush any deeper, people will surely know that we have been up to something.”
With that, some of the color drained from Tabitha’s face. She bit her lip. “How do I look?”
He wanted to say, like a woman who had been thoroughly satisfied by her lover, but he knew she wouldn’t be happy with that answer.
“You’re beautiful.”
Andrew offered his arm once again. They each took a calming breath before walking back the way they came.
“Shall I get you a carriage?” Andrew asked.
“No, I can walk. It’s not far. Besides, I think I need time to calm down.”
She squeezed his arm and gave him a knowing smile. God, it felt wonderful when she looked at him like that, like the sun was shining directly on him.
As they strolled, he remembered the other reason he wanted to speak with her. “Tabitha, I wanted to make sure, one more time, that all is well with you.”
“What do you mean?” She kept her eyes forward.
“I’m speaking about last night.” Andrew stopped them. “You didn’t look yourself. What’s wrong? Perhaps I can help.”
Tabitha put a hand on his cheek. “You are most kind, but there is nothing wrong.”
He didn’t believe her. There was a subtle strain to her voice and a slight tremble of her lips. Andrew would have to keep a close eye on her. Tabitha was headstrong and wouldn’t take kindly to him interfering if there was something amiss.
Just before Andrew could respond, a voice spoke from behind him. “This is rather early for you, Andrew, isn’t it?”
Gran!
He whipped around to see his grandmother standing there, walking cane in hand. Thankfully, she was alone.
“Good morning, Gran.”
She gave him a pointed stare. “Have I interrupted anything?”
“No. Please forgive me. You remember Miss Tabitha Crestwood.”
Tabitha curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Your Grace.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Crestwood.”
“I happened upon Miss Crestwood taking a stroll in the park,” Andrew said, stuttering like a schoolboy who had been caught doing something naughty.
Lady Holcombe smiled. “It is fine walking weather. Perhaps you and I can take a stroll one day, Miss Crestwood.”
“I would be honored, madam.” Tabitha glanced at Andrew, not sure if she should say more. “If you will excuse me, I must get home. Thank you for the walk, Your Grace.”
Andrew took her hand, kissing it. “The pleasure was all mine, Miss Crestwood.”
She gingerly removed her hand, then Tabitha walked back the way he’d seen her come earlier. He didn’t know how long he watched her. Long enough that his grandmother finally spoke up.
