Page 163 of Rakes & Reticules
“Have I done something? Should I have waited longer to kiss you?” he asked, tipping her chin with a knuckle and turning her face toward him. “I think about you all the time. You are in my dreams when I close my eyes, in my thoughts as I drink my morning coffee or take my supper. And when we kissed, I knew you had found your wayhere.” He took her hand and held it against his chest. Even through his greatcoat, she could feel the steadythumpof his heart.
“We hardly know one another,” she managed weakly, her resolution failing.
He shook his head. “We’ve been meeting for over two months. Many couples marry after a courtship of that length.”
She opened her mouth, but he put a finger against her lips.
“No, you aren’t ready for a proposal, but I don’t think it’s too soon to tell you how I feel. I was not alone under that tree. It was a mutual passion.” He leaned forward and brushed her lips, once, twice. “Can you deny there is something between us?”
Dottie shook her head. “There is so much you don’t know about me.” Her words were a ragged whisper.
“We have nothing but time, Dottie. I don’t know what you’ve been through. There is a haunted expression I see in your beautiful eyes when you think I’m not looking. I want to know everything about your past.” He kissed her forehead. “There are bits of my past you will learn, and I hope we will not judge each other.”
“I have no right to judge anyone.” She shook her head, laid her hand on his cheek. “You are a good, caring man. One who will make a difference in people’s lives.”
“Let us make a difference together. I have an idea for a hospital for unmarried mothers. You could be an important part of that. I need someone by my side with intelligence, a partner, who can help me with my plans. One who would understand the girls—women—and educate them to be independent, self-sufficient.” His eyes were almost brown in the dim light, but his excitement shone brightly. “Who better to help those in need, than those who have been in their shoes?”
With a deep breath, she nodded. There was a ring of truth to that statement. The downtrodden knew how disingenuous the upper class could be, doling out aid which always included stipulations. What Sampson offered was sincere, assistance on their terms, giving them ways to help themselves long after they left the hospital.
“Will you think about it?” he asked. His voice was husky as his thumb stroked her jaw, and she leaned her cheek into his palm.
Dottie closed her eyes when his lips touched hers. At that moment, she could deny him nothing. She would have to find the right time to tell him about Robert. And pray he would understand.
* * *
Sunday
St. James Park
“Hurry,sweeting, or we won’t get a prime spot.” It was another warm day for November, so she’d decided to take Violet with her. It would be good for the girl to get some fresh air. And meet Dr. Brooks.
Dottie had made a decision. She would find the words to explain how she’d become a widow, and let fate decide if she should stay or go to America. Her heart told her that Sampson meant what he said about a future together. If he would have her, she would be a part of his life, his plans.
Besides, the voyage had lost its appeal. The Clatterlys had helped her establish a living. She was able to support herself, and soon, she wouldn’t need a reference. Her landlords and their patrons already sang her praises. Violet had settled in and seemed happy with their lot.
“I don’t mind if you walk around and enjoy the day but don’t wander too far. I want to properly introduce you to Samps—Dr. Brooks. He may become someone important to me, so the two of you need to become acquainted.” Dottie ignored the pouty look and patted the girl’s cheek. “You look very pretty in your new gown. The deep green makes your hair look golden.”
Violet grinned and ran off toward the canal. “Don’t muss your clothes and keep your pelisse on. It’s not that warm!” Dottie called after her.
By the time Sampson arrived, she had calmed her nerves. “Good day, fine sir. May I interest you in a treat? I’m told I make the very best tarts in London.”
“Funny thing. I was told the same.” He leaned over her cart, squinting at the pastries. “They don’t look so extraordinary to me.”
She gasped in mock offense, then grinned when he winked at her. “I’m glad you’ve come.”
“Are you? I wasn’t quite sure how we’d left things on Wednesday.” Relief shone on his face. “Shall we continue our Wednesdays, then?”
She nodded. “However, there are some things about my past I must share with you before—”
“Before I lose my heart? Too late, Dottie.” He took off his hat and ran a hand through his brown waves. “There are some questions I’ve been wanting to ask, but I’ll save them for another Wednesday.”
“I brought Violet along today. It’s time the two of you meet.”
“The magical child who tames the beastly barkeep?”
Dottie chuckled and scanned the expanse of lawn on either side of them. “One and the same.”
“Is she hiding in the cart?” he asked with a straight face, poking at the cakes and pasties.
