Page 25 of Beware A Wallflower's Wrath
Annis dressed with care. Aileen had written to her, informing her of the daily visitor to Books and Bits. She’d also shared a piece of his story. He would be there today. She might as well get this over with in one day, then move forward. While she regretted lying to her son, the same guilt did not assail her concerning Rabbie. He had made the decision to set her actions into motion. He shared the blame.
With a sigh, she checked her appearance in the looking glass. The pale-violet muslin dress brought out the deep blue of her eyes. She wore her hair up, with curls tickling her cheeks and nape of her neck. A locket hung low on her chest, a piece of dried heather inside.
To remind ye of home wherever ye may be, her grandmother had said on Annis’s sixteenth birthday. The dress included a deeper purple ribbon with tiny matching heather sprigs embroidered along the sash, emphasizing the high waist. She frowned at the tiny lines that creased around her mouth and eyes. Where had the young naïve gone? Did he truly believe she was still beautiful?
He had only grown more handsome. Would she let him kiss her again? While she was tempted to allow Lord Robert to court her again, the decision would ultimately be Fin’s. If he did not want a relationship with his father, she would end any communication.
Entering the shop, she was met by a grinning Aileen. “Welcome home, lass. I’ve missed ye something fierce,” she exclaimed, hugging Annis. “I saw Fin on his way out and already assaulted the poor boy.”
“We missed ye too.” She glanced around the shop. “Are we alone?” she asked in a whisper.
Aileen nodded. “He should arrive within the hour. I didna tell him ye were home yet. He only kens ye should arrive sometime this week. I wasna sure if ye’d receive him.”
Annis smiled. “I will. I told Fin this morning, and I shall tell him too. It’s time for the truth to come out.”
“It’s good for the soul to unburden yerself. Lord Robert is a good mon, Annis. He’ll understand.” Aileen hugged her. “No’ that I’m taking his side. Ye’re like a second daughter to me. But I want to see both ye and Fin happy.”
“And ye think Rabbie can do that?” Her voice sounded doubtful even to her own ears.
“Aye,” she said with a bob of her head, shaking the gray curls about her plump cheeks. She grinned, revealing her deep dimples. “If ye both give him a chance.”
Robert had begun walking to the shop in good weather rather than ride. He needed the exercise and hadn’t been in the boxing ring for weeks. His fists doubled at the thought. It was the only form of violence he considered acceptable. A fair fight, using one’s fists. In fencing, one could drop or break the blade. But a pugilist’s weapon was his hands. Robert always went into a match with the hope of improving his skill. He never went against a weaker opponent. Either he wanted an even match, or a man bigger or more experienced than he was. It was the best way to improve and always gave him a sense of satisfaction when he won. He learned where his weaknesses were when he lost. If decided if he stayed in Glasgow much longer, he would find a pugilist club.
The familiar tinkle of the bell and smell of old tomes put a smile on his face each morning. He understood why both women loved this place. It was Monday, and Aileen would have set out a new selection of books on the browsing tables. He stopped at their usual table, removed his hat, and sat on the stool. He picked up Practical Hints to Young Females on the Duties of a Wife, a Mother, and a Mistress of the Family. Not a particular interest of his. He thumbed through another. Letters to a Young Lady in which the Duties and Character of Women are Considered.
Hmm. He moved to another table. Life at Home Or the Family and Its Members. Another book was titled, An Enquiry into the Duties of Men in the Higher and Middle Classes of Society. He was beginning to sense a theme.
“Rabbie,” came the soft voice that made his heart ache.
He looked up to see her, so lovely in a violet dress, her dark-amber waves swept up to leave enticing curls dangling along her golden skin. She’d spent time outside while she was away.
“Annis,” he returned, dropping the book with a thud onto the table. “I didn’t know you would be here today.” He moved toward her, feeling as if the world had stopped turning, each motion so slow in his mind’s eye.
She smiled.
He couldn’t breathe.
His brain scrambling to accommodate this unexpected pleasure, he bowed, taking her hand and kissing the top of it. Touching her skin with his lips almost did him in, and he stifled the groan trying to scramble up his suddenly dry throat.
“I’ve brought some tea for the both of ye,” called Aileen, bustling into the main room. She set the tray on a table in a corner, somewhat secluded from the rest of the area. “There’s also toast and jam if ye’re hungry.” Then she retreated to another part of the shop, giving them privacy.
Robert couldn’t take his gaze from her face as she settled onto a stool, picked up the teapot and raised a perfectly arched brow. He nodded, wondering if he could trust his voice. She was so close; he could smell the faint scent of vanilla.
“Black if I recall correctly?”
He nodded again. Her slender hands set the cup in front of him and picked up her own, pouring the steaming brew with a steady hand, then adding one small lump of sugar.
“May I ask what happened to yer eye?”
His fingers went to the fading bruise of yellow and green, and he grinned with embarrassment. “I had a discussion with your cousins.”
“It seems ye didna win the discussion?” she asked, a hint of amusement sparking in her eyes.
“I did, however, make my point. And earned the respect of new friends.” He remembered the satisfaction of planting a facer on Lachlan. The man’s surprised look had been worth the pain of his returned fist. The Scots now understood Lord Robert Harding was not a foppish gomerel.
“Lord Robert, I understand ye’ve been keeping company with Mrs. Douglas the past few weeks.”
His heart sank at the use of his title. “Yes, I’ve been biding my time until your return. I believe Aileen and I have formed a tentative friendship.”
