Page 87 of Harpy of the Ton
“Aren’t you spending the evening with Ned?”
“No, I want to take you home.”
A flicker of hope swelled in her soul, which his next words extinguished.
“I need to turn in early if I’m to get to the Oak before dawn tomorrow.”
“The inn? What business do you have at the inn?” she asked, wincing at the sharpness in her voice.
“I’m visitin’ a big house about their garden,” he said. “I’m hirin’ a horse to ride over. It could mean a lot of work—a tidy sum of money if they’ll hire me. I thought I told you.”
“No,” she said. “You didn’t.”
“Oh, well, there’s no mindin’ that. It’ll mean I’ll be out from under your feet for a few days.”
“A fewdays?”
“Don’t be complaining,” he said. “Chances like this don’t come often. The last time I had a chance like this, I…” His voice trailed away, and his expression hardened for a moment.
Then he smiled and patted her hand.
“Never mind that now,” he said. “Time we returned home. Children, come on!”
*
When they arrivedat Ivy Cottage, he pushed open the door, then stood back to let her in.
“Mercy me, it’s getting right cold out there!” he said brightly, shedding his jacket. “Children—go upstairs. I want those clothes folded neatly to save your mother doing it. If anything’s soiled,leave it out to wash. Don’t stuff it in the closet—I’m talking toyou, Jonathan.”
“Yes, Papa!” they chorused, clattering up the stairs. Bella entered the parlor and crouched beside the fireplace, which she’d laid that morning, and reached for the tinderbox. Then she struck the flint, the spark igniting the tinder, before holding it at the bottom of the fire, waiting for the kindling to catch.
A flame sparked into life, and her chest constricted, the fear rising. Then a hand caught hers.
“Let me.”
“I can light a fire, Lawrence.”
“I know, but you must be tired. It’s been a long day.”
“No more tired than you,” she said. “Don’t you need to prepare for your trip tomorrow?”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t help you.”
The flames began to curl around the logs, then, with a crack, a spark flew out. With a scream she jerked back and collided with a solid body.
Strong arms wrapped around her. Then he rose and steered her toward the sofa.
“You rest there, Bella. I’ll see to the fire.”
“But…”
“Must you be so stubborn, woman? I’m doin’ this so you don’t get hurt.”
She sank onto the sofa while he poked and prodded the fire until it burned and crackled merrily.
“There!” he said, standing back. “Now you can have a bit of a rest while I finish work on my designs.”
He exited the room, leaving her alone.
