Page 7 of The Duke's Lesson in Love

He had only stopped once on his way to London to avoid traveling at night.

“Berwick-upon-Tweed?” Her eyes widened. “Isn’t that on the border with Scotland?”

“Depends on who you ask, Miss Fields.”

“This is no short trip,” she said, drawing his attention to the lower lip she worried between her teeth.

“We should arrive within the week even with our stay at the inns along the route.”

She continued to nibble at her lip. Perhaps it was a mistake to take her so far from her friends and family. He already had to cater to the boy's entertainment during the trip. What did he know about comforting a woman’s loneliness? Nothing.

“Is something amiss, Miss Fields?”

Those bewitching brown eyes rose to hold his stare, and he swore she flushed. “No, Your Grace.”

He did not believe her. The sight of her swollen lip, made glossy from her tongue, caused his breath to lodge in his chest. “I can arrange for your safe return to the orphanage if you have changed your mind.”

Even as he uttered the words, he hoped she hadn’t reconsidered. Hoped she was as strong as his instincts warned. But he knew, whether he admitted it aloud or not, he desired Miss Fields with a force that surpassed the youthful lust he had once had for Edwin’s mother. Sadie’s very presence in the confined space ignited warring emotions—a challenge to keep away and a dare to risk his heart.

Edwin turned from the window. “Mamon Sadie, are you leaving? Can I come too?”

“Of course, you may come wherever I go.” She opened her arms and Edwin launched into them.

Gill cocked a brow, noting she did not answer the first question.

“I am afraid you are stuck with me.” She touched the boy’s cheek lovingly. Gill swore his jaw tingled. “What of your new home? Do you not want to see it?”

“I have never traveled as far as Berwick.” Edwin frowned. “What is it like, Your Grace?”

“It is a growing town. Rich with history and culture. Although we are the northernmost town in England, I dare say, we are the most fascinating.” Gill leaned forward. “Did you know Berwick-upon-Tweed has changed hands thirteen times?”

The boy shook his head, sending strands of hair over his forehead. “You mean England lost it?”

Gill chuckled. “Not to worry, it is safely under the crown now.”

He spent the next few hours until they reached the first inn fielding questions about his hometown. Edwin was excited. Miss Fields, on the other hand, clutched the boy close to her side as if she were afraid he would vanish from her grasp. It warmed Gill to know she cared for Edwin far more than his parents had cared for him. Duty to title and rank was the only lesson he remembered from his father and mother.

He spied the inn in the distance, sandwiched between several buildings, and he allowed the vision to distract him from thoughts of his past. A past that reminded Gill he was not fit to be a father.Once the danger passed, he would see Edwin schooled at Eton, and Miss Fields returned to her life with a glowing reference.

The sun had set by the time they arrived at the inn and approached the innkeeper.

“Good evening, my Lord.” An older woman with graying hair nodded. “Miss,” she said. “I am Flora. How may I be of assistance?”

Gill returned the greeting. “Two rooms if you have them.”

The woman opened the registry, turning the pages around for his signature. “How many nights,”—she glanced at the signature—“Your Grace?”

“One.” Remembering the way Miss Fields had clutched Edwin, he added. “Preferably adjoining rooms.” While he did not believe she would harm Edwin, Gill wasn’t convinced she wouldn’t take the boy and flee at the first opportunity. There was also the possibility he was being followed and if danger struck, he might not be able to get to them in time. He felt a loss of control not knowing for certain who was after Edwin.

Miss Fields stiffened. “Surely across the hall will do, Your Grace.”

Until they reached his home, Gill needed Edwin within reach. “Do you plan on giving me the slip, Miss Fields?” He asked, standing close enough to not be overheard, yet not daring to rehash the explosion to his senses she ignited when their hands touched.

Her eyes widened in shock, but from the way she kept her tongue and did not spit accusations of him being ridiculous—the opposite of their first meeting in the office—he suspected the thought had crossed her mind.

“Splendid. I am glad we understand each other because I have no time or desire to chase after you.” He faced the innkeeper again. “We will take a light meal in the dining room and have baths placed before the fire in each room.”

“If you will follow me to the dining room,” Flora said, hurrying around the counter. “I’ll have your meals prepared and your rooms ready by the time you finish eating.”

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