Page 56 of Lord of Fortune
Penn came from the inn, a basket in each hand. He frowned slightly as he approached her. “Are you sure you’re not angry? You looked angry.”
“I’m not angry.” She tried to sound blithe. “I simply didn’t wish to come between you and Henrietta saying your good-byes.”
After a flicker of surprise in the darkness of his eyes, they narrowed slightly. “What does that mean?”
Amelia shrugged. “I thought you and she shared a special…connection.” She tried to keep the acid from her tone, but failed. How she hated sounding like a shrew.
Understanding dawned in his features. “You saw… You’re jealous.”
Apparently.“I am not.” She hated sounding like a liar even more.
He smiled then, taking her off guard. “Henrietta does have a tendre for me, as it happens. I believe she has a bit of hero worship from the time I saved her all those years ago.” He shook his head. “I never knew. Last night, she kissed me. It was…awkward. I’m afraid I crushed her sensibilities. I felt terrible.”
NowAmeliafelt terrible. “I’m sorry to hear that happened. It’s just…”
“I kissed you, then left abruptly.” He cocked his head to the side. “How did you happen to see me with Henrietta?”
Heat rose up Amelia’s neck, and she hoped the blush didn’t spread to her face. She wasn’t going to tell him why she’d really opened her door again. He might not have been willfully kissing Miss Jessup, but the entire event had given Amelia more than enough reason to recall that their relationship was supposed to be strictly professional. “I forgot to ask you about the plan to retrieve the dagger. I know we’re going to see your father for help regarding the White Book of Hergest, but how will that point us toward the dagger?”
“That will depend on what we learn. You’ve reminded me that we should discuss how I will introduce you to my parents.”
She blinked at him. “As your partner in recovering the dagger. How else would you introduce me?”
“No other way.” He searched her gaze for a moment before handing her one of the baskets. “Here is your breakfast. Jessup tucked a small bottle of ale inside.”
“How thoughtful of him.”
“Are you sure you’re not angry? Or jealous?” The last seemed to carry a hopeful tone.
“I assure you I am not. You are correct in that we were carried away last night, and we mustn’t let it happen again.”
“I rather liked kissing you,” he said softly. “But I didn’t wish to take advantage.”
“I appreciate your behavior. You’re a true gentleman, and I’m glad I can trust you.” She offered him a bright smile as a butterfly flitted over their heads. “As nice as kissing you has been, I think it best if we return to our original arrangement. We have an important objective, and we should be focused on that.” She sounded so convincing that she almost believed herself. And yet, a part of her, the romantic that had hoped for the grand love affair with her husband, sagged with disappointment.
“As you wish,” he said, his tone now a mixture of disappointment and frustration. “We’ll be in Monmouth early this afternoon. Enjoy your journey.”
“You too.” She turned and went to her coach and wondered if a return to their original arrangement was even possible. Despite what she’d said, she couldn’t help but think of his lips covering hers, his hands caressing her, his hips thrusting forward…
Amelia opened her basket and found dark brown toast inside. A smile crept over her mouth as she realized only Penn could be responsible for that. Damn, she couldn’t even have her breakfast without him intruding.
She took a large bite of the deliciously scorched bread. Best to keep herself occupied, or it was going to be a very long trip.
