Page 15 of A Summer Romance
It had been a long time since Breana had been to London and it was only the once.When she was a child, before many of her younger brothers and sisters were born, her parents had brought her, Abby and Will to the capital.She could not remember the details, only that it had been so exciting.She still remembered the amazement she had felt at the noise and the crowds and the famous buildings.
It was still exciting, but she did not quite feel the same wonder.Her thoughts were still engaged with what was happening to Theo, and whether he would manage to save his home.When the words had poured out of him in the coach, she had heard the determination and fear in his voice as he was driven to get what he wanted, and afraid he would not get the chance.
She wanted him to have that chance.Wanted it with all of her heart.
When she arrived at the Bennett household—Theo insisted on taking her to the door—Chloe was glad to see her, although she thought her friend looked a little pale.Despite what she had said in her letters, it turned out that the move to the prestigious new school had not been as successful as the family had hoped.Chloe missed the countryside and her friends there, but her main worry was her mother.
“You are so lucky to live in Barton Lacey,” Mrs.Bennett said, clutching Breana’s hand rather tight.“The air here is not all that pleasant.”She coughed, as if to give truth to her words.
Once Breana was settled in, Chloe took her for a stroll in the nearby park.“Mama is not well,” she said at one point.“She wants to return to Barton Lacey, or at least some quiet part of the country.But Father says he cannot leave just yet, and how would we live if he did not have a job?So we are stuck here for now, I’m afraid.It is very worrying, Breana.”
Breana expected it was.She then told her friend, in confidence, about the troubles facing the Norris family.Chloe had been shocked.
“I never would have suspected!”she declared.“Mrs.Norris never seemed to have a care in the world.It just shows you can never be certain of anything.”
“I do hope Theo can save them,” said Breana.
Chloe gave her a curious glance.“It was kind of Theo to offer you his coach for the journey to London.The stage can be so uncomfortable.The times I have ridden on it, I have been sick from the bumping and the swaying.”
“Yes, it was kind.”Breana smiled to herself, remembering.“And I am glad for the opportunity it afforded me.I do not think I knew Theo properly before, but he is a kind man.”
Chloe nudged her.“You like him.”
Breana was blushing now.“I do.”
Later that day, Theo called upon her at her friend’s home.Chloe was in the room with her, and after the usual pleasantries were exchanged, Breana could wait no longer.
“What did the bank say?”she asked, almost hopping from foot to foot.“I must know, Theo!”
He laughed, his dark eyes sparkling in a way she’d never seen before.“They have agreed to set aside their demands.For now, at least.I am to have a year’s grace, and by then I hope to have turned matters around.Well, more than hope.Imustturn them around.”
Breana couldn’t stop smiling.“Oh, that is good news!”
Theo took a step toward her, and she wondered if he was going to take her hand in his, or perhaps even embrace her.He changed his mind, but Breana was sure he wanted to.And to her surprise, she realised she wanted to touch him.It felt natural to do so.
“I am very happy for you, Theo,” Chloe said.
Breana was now blinking away tears.“What happens next?”
“I shall return to Barton Manor, but first I will speak with my uncle and explain I can no longer continue my employment with him.He has been very kind, but I’m sure he can find himself a more suitable secretary.I’m afraid my mind has been occupied with other matters.”
Breana thought about him leaving, with her still here in London.It was odd, but she had been longing for the excitement of London and now she was longing for home.How things had changed!
Just then, Chloe was called away by a servant, leaving them alone.Breana felt suddenly shy and self conscious.She glanced up at him through her lashes.“I will look forward to seeing you again when I return to Starling Hall.”
“You can expect me to be there rather a lot,” he admitted, but he was smiling.“I will need to pick Will’s brains, if he will let me.”
“I’m sure he will be happy to help,” she said, and looked into his eyes.“As will I… If you need help… That is, if you want me to…” Her words became hopelessly tangled.
The next moment she was in his arms.She wasn’t sure whether she had moved first, or he had, or perhaps they both had together.It didn’t seem to matter because now that they were together, it felt perfect.It felt right.
His warm breath stirred her hair.She could smell his cologne, the same one Francis used.She fit nicely against him, and if he would just kiss her… That kiss in the library was still the pinnacle of kisses, but she was sure Theo’s would be almost as good.
“Of course I do,” he said at last.“Miss Starling… Breana… there is something I should tell you…”
She waited expectantly for his words, but Chloe chose that moment to return, and gave a little giggle when she saw them together.They hastily stepped apart.No more intimate conversation could be had that day, and Theo took his leave soon after.
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