Page 53 of His Betrothed
John seemedrelieved. “I’m glad. But you can understand why I—whyweworry about you.”
As they approached her cottage, Roselyn’s nerves stretched taut. She could only see the barest glow of the fire through the windows, but not the shadow of a man moving about.
“Thank you for walking me home,” she said, turning to face John.
“Might I come in to talk with you for a while?” he asked, and his gaze on herswas warm.
Before Thornton had come, she had oftenwondered what she would do when her time of mourning was over, when John pushed his interest in her past friendship. Now she felt unprepared, too flustered knowing that Thornton was but mere feet away, possibly even listening.
She couldn’t even think about marriage. Being once again under a man’s control seemed dangerous.
“I’m sorry, John, but’tis late, and I’m tired.” She smiled up at him tentatively, then felt her smile fade as he took her hand in both of his.
“Then I’ll visit another time, when we have the evening to talk.”
Her breath caught as he leaned down and kissed the back of her hand. Wide-eyed, she watched him straighten and grin.
“Go on in, Roselyn. I’ll stay until you’re safe.”
She nodded and fumbled behind her forthe latch, unable to take her eyes off him. When the door swung open, she entered and closed it without looking at him again.
In the warm darkness she leaned her forehead against the wooden door and closed her eyes. She had known of John’s interest in her, of course, but it was still a surprise to find him beginning a sort of courtship.
John’s presence was soothing and pleasant. He didn’t makeher heart feel as if it would explode from her chest; he didn’t make her thoughts lose focus. If there was anyone from whom she could protect her feelings, who wouldn’t endanger her with another wild passion, it would be John.
Thornton’s sarcastic voice dissolved her thoughts. “Out for a pleasant walk with your latest conquest?”
