Page 33 of A Scandalous Bargain
Beatrix took the hat with one hand and clasped his hand with the other. “You’re hurt.”
“It’s nothing.”
“It isn’t nothing.”
“Come on, let’s get you home. You’re on Queen Anne Street?”
“Yes. For now.”
He looked at her in question. “You’re moving?”
“To Cavendish Square. Tomorrow, actually. The owner, the Marchioness of Ripley, is leasing the house to Harry. This way, he and Selina will have a larger house. Both ours and his are rather small. I’ll show you where. We can walk by on our way to Queen Anne Street.”
With a nod, he turned in the direction of Cavendish Square. She joined him, and they continued along Oxford Street at a brisk pace before turning left toward Cavendish Square.
His silence made her anxious. She hoped he wasn’t angry anymore. She also wanted to make sure he understood that she did not want to be managed.
“I’m not sure I can promise not to venture out after dark,” she said gently. “How else can I visit you?”
“Send a note, and I’ll come meet you.”
“Truly?” Anticipation tripped up her spine. Though, she’d have to determine how to send a note. But wait! They would have at least one footman at Cavendish Square, perhaps even two! She and her mother had employed a footman in Bath. Rather, Ramsgate had. He’d spared no expense when it came to Beatrix’s mother. Except then someone in the household would know her secret—that she was at least sending messages to Rockbourne. This would take some planning.
“Yes, truly.” Rockbourne sounded calmer.
They turned into Cavendish Square. “The house is just there on the right.” She pointed to the house that had most recently been occupied by her friend Jane Pemberton. “Lady Colton has already moved out. She and Lord Colton were wed, rather by surprise, a week ago. It was incredibly romantic.”
“In what way?”
“He arrived at her house with a special license, a vicar, and her sister as well as their best friends.” They paused in front of the house.
“Lady Colton had no idea?” Tom asked.
Beatrix shook her head. “None. Isn’t that lovely?”
“So long as she said yes.” He chuckled, and she was so glad to hear the sound. “That could have ended badly.”
“I suppose it could have. Lord Colton probably knew how she felt, don’t you think?”
“I think knowing and understanding others’ feelings is extremely complicated. I’m glad things worked out for them. I hope they’ll be very happy.” He said the last with a mix of wistfulness and darkness, as if he expected his hope to be dashed.
“So the house is empty?” he asked.
“Well, the servants are there. Harry is retaining all of them.” She turned to look up at him. “Why do you ask?”
“No particular reason. There are just…opportunities with an unoccupied house.”
Desire fluttered in her belly—and lower. All night, she’d been aware of an undercurrent of attraction. There had been a few times in his sitting room when she thought he might kiss her. She’d been shocked to realize she wanted him to. Rather desperately, in fact.
Now he was telling her about opportunities with an unoccupied house. Her imagination took flight and winged its way directly into a fervent longing.
Before she could ask aboutspecificopportunities, he skimmed his hand against her lower back, and they continued along the square. He didn’t keep touching her as they moved, much to her disappointment.
“You didn’t answer why you have a pistol,” he said.
“I don’t recall you asking.” She was sure he hadn’t.
He didn’t look at her as they walked. “Why do you have a pistol?”
