Page 85 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl
‘Yes. You should have.’
While his words were harsh, his voice and gaze were soft as butter. The look in them melted her insides. Her heart picked up speed as he took her gloved hand and raised it briefly to his lips. ‘I cannot help but be concerned about you.’
How was it that he made her feel so feminine? And cared for. ‘I am well able to take care of myself.’
She didn’t mean to sound defensive, but she was afraid she was beginning to rely on him, on his caring, on his protection, far more than she ought.
After all, very soon he would be departing for distant shores and she would once more be alone. She had only herself to rely on. She would never ever go back to live with her mother.
Besides, she had grown used to her independence. She liked it. Most of the time. On the other hand, she had enjoyed these few weeks of companionship.
He released her hand and she felt the loss of his touch.
‘I am sorry,’ she said quietly, thinking she might have hurt his feelings.
‘I am sorry, too.’
‘You have no reason to be sorry. I shall never forget your kindness. You and Pip. If not for you I would never have had the opportunity to—’
‘Hush.’ He touched a finger to her lips. ‘Do not say any more. I think you may regret it if you do.’
Puzzled by the note in his voice, as if the words hurt him to say, she gazed into his eyes.
He looked away. ‘Have you ever been to Vauxhall Gardens?’ He gestured across the river.
‘Is that where it is? I have never been there. My mother did not think it suitable. Have you been there?’
‘I went there this past spring. It is quite the experience. It is too bad it is closed or I would have taken you.’
She laughed. ‘Just my luck to come to London in the winter time.’
‘Perhaps there are other places you would like to go that are open.’
‘I would like to see the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum.’
‘Ugh. Just a bunch of broken old statues. I’ll take you if you wish.’
He made it sound as though she was asking him to undergo torture.
‘I thought I might like to see it after I read about it in the newspaper, but I won’t trouble you if it is not something you would like to do.’
‘What about taking in a play? Would you like to go to the theatre?’
‘That I did do when I was here and I enjoyed it immensely. I have never been to the opera.’
‘Very well. The opera it is. I will see if I can borrow a box. I know a couple of people that have them.’
‘Do you know what is playing?’
‘I do not. I will find out.’
‘Oh, dear. I am not sure I have anything suitable to wear.’
‘Then you must order something right away.’
‘Perhaps I should not go. An opera gown is a great extravagance and I will likely never need it again.’ She sounded sad.
‘All the more reason to purchase it. A memory to savour when you retire to the country. Do you think you will miss living in London?’
