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Ambrose smiled at him. He could see the man Mr Giles had once been, when he reminisced about his wife. He once was a younger man—ready to take on the world. His eyes were shining with the love he had felt for his lost wife.
“And I never lost that feeling,” continued Mr Giles in a thoughtful tone. “Oh, we had our problems, but they were never anything we couldn’t manage. That is the thing about marriage with the one you love, Mr Hartfield. You can conquer anything because you have each other.”
“Marriage isn’t for me,” said Ambrose, feeling uncomfortable. “I don’t think I believe in love, really. And if I do marry, it will be for practical reasons. I will choose a woman who understands how committed I am to my work and not demand much. It would make for a far happier union.”
“I think you have never been in love,” said Mr Giles, frowning. “For if you, had you might not think that way, sir. You cannot bear to live without your love. You would walk over mountains just to be beside them.”
Ambrose was silent, staring out the window. The man was right—he had never been in love with a woman. He had never experienced that all-encompassing feeling that Mr Giles described feeling for his late wife. He had only ever experienced desire, which he had been quite content with, never feeling like he was missing out on anything.
At that moment, Mr Hawkins and Miss Tilney arrived, interrupting their conversation. A barmaid emerged, asking what they wanted for breakfast. His mind turned back to Miss Parker and that kiss from the night before. He wanted to kiss her again. Very much. Should he try, given that she was so innocent, and it might get complicated? But then again…how was he going to resist?
He felt like he had opened a Pandora’s box now. And he didn’t know how to close the lid.
***
Delia stared into the dirty-looking glass on the wall of the room, smoothing down her hair. She had slept fitfully. The bed had been hard and lumpy. But she would be lying to herself if she thought that was the only reason. She knew that most of her restlessness had been due to that incredible kiss she had shared with Mr Hartfield the night before.
She touched her lips as she stared at her foggy reflection. She felt different, somehow. She could still feel his lips upon her own. It was like they were imprinted there. Surely, people would notice that something was different about her? How could they not, when shefeltso different?
Her face burnt. She must face him now. She had to continue this trip with him. For she knew that she had no choice but to continue. She had learnt a valuable lesson about being more careful with her belongings, especially her money. She could face what was ahead, for the thought of going back home was impossible.
She was committed to this path now. For better or worse. But had she just made it more complicated than it needed to be by kissing that man?
Sister Mary Majella bustled into the room. She had been up and dressed for hours before Delia had even woken.
“I just returned from a brisk morning walk,” the nun declared, her eyes sparkling. “It gets the blood flowing properly, so it does. And I know that we won’t be getting much chance to stretch our legs once we are back on that coach.”
Delia smiled at her. “You look refreshed, Sister. You have rosy cheeks.”
The nun laughed, gazing at her. “You look very well yourself, Miss Parker, especially after having slept on that hard bed.” She regarded Delia. “You are glowing, child. A real sparkle in your eyes. Now, I wonder whatthatcould be about?”
Delia blushed. “I do not know what you mean. But thank you for the compliment.”
The nun kept gazing at her steadily. “It is none of my business, child, but just be careful with that handsome Mr Hartfield. That one could make any woman forget her virtue, so he could.”
Delia’s blush deepened. “He is very handsome, isn’t he?”
Sister Mary Majella nodded. “Very. A bit dangerous with those dark good looks.” She sighed. “You will mind yourself, now? You are a young girl travelling alone, and I would hate for you to get swept off your feet and then be discarded.”
Delia gazed down at her feet. “You think he would do that?”
The nun shrugged her shoulders. “He’s a man, isn’t he? Who knows what they will do when the urge is upon them? I know that many men cannot be trusted, Miss Parker. They can promise you the world and then snatch it away in the next breath. Just be careful.” She paused. “A woman’s virtue is a precious thing, child. Do not forget it.”
Delia nodded, turning back to the looking glass.Was Mr Hartfield a rake?
She took a deep breath. He probably was. He probably kissed a dozen girls a week. More than likely, she meant nothing to him. And she must be very careful, just like the good sister had said. In her world, she had just compromised herself. And in this world, he might try to push it further and then leave her high and dry.
He was a common man, after all, and he didn’t believe in loveormarriage. Not that she was in danger of falling in love with him…and shedefinitelycould never contemplate marriage with such a man. That was beyond the pale. Apart from his obvious unsuitability, she was on the run and pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She couldn’t afford to tell him who she truly was.
But, oh dear…that kiss!
Her heart somersaulted in her chest just thinking about it. How was she going to face him again, when all she wanted was to feel his lips upon her own once more?
Chapter 19
Delia’s mouth was dry with nerves by the time she descended the staircase just behind Sister Mary Majella. She spotted the passengers at a far table, already having breakfast. Mr Hartfield was amongst them. He saw her immediately, his dark eyes pinning her to the spot.
Delia’s heart contracted. This was going to be very awkward, indeed. She had never been in this situation before and had certainly never dreamt it could ever happen like this. In her imagination, her very first kiss was going to be with a gentleman of her own class, in a romantic setting.
