Page 24 of Charming the Accidental Suitor
Not old, terrifying Mrs. Marks.
He nodded solemnly. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry?—”
“Do not apologize for others,” he snapped.
Felicity shut her mouth. She was used to his harsh tone, though, so the bark washed right over her.
“My point is that what I value is different than what your mother values.” He picked up his knife and stabbed his meat. “It is your task to figure out what it is thatyouvalue.”
Her lips parted, but she found herself speechless. It did not take a genius to realize he knew about her mother’s news.
But what did he expect her to do about it?
Be stubborn, a little voice whispered.Be brave.
But how?
She nibbled on her lower lip, food forgotten again as she turned over her uncle’s words. She didn’t know what she’d do.
But she’d do something. She’d doanything.Because she might not be certain what it was she valued, as her uncle put it. Nor even what she thought wasgood.
But she did know one thing. She desperately wanted the freedom to figure it out.
8
Albright had no idea what he was doing.
He slipped onto Felicity’s property like a blasted burglar in the night, all the while cursing under his breath.
He was being ridiculous.
He wasn’t even certain why he was here. Creeping along the shadows, he shook his head at his own foolishness.
And yet…here he was.
He picked his way over to Felicity’s climbing tree, the slip of parchment in hand. He could have just sent a messenger, for heaven’s sake. And during broad daylight.
But no. He frowned. He’d decided to come himself. To act like a spy and leave a hidden message where Felicity might find it, and he couldn’t even say why he was doing such a ridiculous thing.
“You’re back.”
Felicity.The voice came from overhead, and his body reacted instantly. His heart slammed and his blood seemed to heat in his veins. But most of all, it was this strange, light sensation that stole over him that made him curse.
This was why he’d come. The truth of it was as overwhelming as it was unwelcome.
He paused a moment more to collect himself before tipping his head back. And…there. Perched on the lowest limb, Felicity smiled down at him. Her smile was brighter than the stars, and her eyes seemed to glimmer with moonlight.
His heart gave another sharp kick to his ribs. He had to swallow hard before he could speak. “Do you make a habit of spending time up there?”
“Yes.” Her tone was light, like she was about to laugh at any moment. “You don’t seem surprised to see me.”
She was keeping her voice low and soft so they wouldn’t be caught out here, and the dulcet tones wrapped around him like a blanket. Something inside him eased and thawed as if he’d just come in after a long winter’s journey and was finally basking before a fire.
He looked away. Stuff and nonsense. Felicity was a young lady, not a fire. And he was a gentleman. With a job to do, no less. He cleared his throat, readying himself to speak, but before he could—whoosh!
Felicity dropped to the ground right in front of him.
