When he finally speaks, it’s on a breath. “Arthur.”
The knock at the door has the both of us stilling.
“Your supper,” comes a strained voice.
I clear my throat. “Thank you, Ruby. You may leave it at the door.”
Charlie’s wide eyes meet my own.
“Well,” I say lightly, not wanting him to worry over what Ruby likely heard. “I think it best you feed me, my love. Being ravaged is quite hungry work, I’ll have you know.”
As I’d hoped, Charlie’s lips spread into a smile, a shy yet satisfied glint there. He runs his fingers through the hair at my temple, his expression turning serious. “Art. I cannot imagine many people have the capability to love someone the way you love me. I will never take for granted the breadth of your heart. Please know it is always safe with me.”
I lean up enough to pull Charlie in for a kiss, my pulse a quick beat within my veins. His cheeks remain flushed when we part, and I’m certain I’ve never seen a lovelier sight.
I don’t speak it aloud, but what I’ve always known is that Charlie and my heart are one and the same. There’s no splittingthe two apart. I was made to love Charlie Valentine, now Kane.
No matter the form in which he came to me.
Chapter 16
Charlie
The sound at the door is quiet, almost tentative. A soft rap of knuckles against wood.
“Yes?” I call out, my heart tripping over itself at the unexpected company. It’s far too early for Arthur to be home, which means someone else is at the chamber door.
Bess’s voice filters through the wood. “I don’t mean to intrude. A quick word, if I may?”
The silence weighs heavily as I drop my feet slowly to the floor, setting my father’s astronomy journal aside. I contemplate, ever briefly, changing into my own clothes. Into a dress. But then Bess’s voice comes again.
“Sir?”
I inhale a shuddering breath at the honorific and reach for the doorknob. Bess stands in the hallway, a polite smile on her face that never wavers, even as she sees me in Arthur’s attire. If anything, she smiles brighter as she inclines her head.
“Yes?” I ask somewhat shakily.
“Would you prefer to come down to the dining room for your luncheon today? Ella has prepared an assortment of sandwiches and is keen to know which you prefer.”
“Oh. I…”
“The front drapes have been drawn. The door is locked as always. You are quite welcome in all areas of your home, Mr. Kane.”
It takes me a long moment to speak, my disbelief warring with immense gratitude. With fear and relief and an aching sort of desire to hear those words again and again and again.
Mr. Kane.
“All right,” I say at last, glancing back at the room before following Bess into the hall. She gives me a wide smile.
The dining room table is already set. One place setting that reminds me of how lonely I’ve felt my entire life.
“Bess,” I say before she can retreat. “May I sit in the kitchen?”
She looks surprised but nods quickly. We pass through the dim pantry, one door swinging shut before the other opens. Ella and Ruby are both inside the room, Ella putting the final touches on a tray of food as Ruby cleans the stovetop. They pause, curtsying quickly before standing with their hands clasped in front of themselves.
The younger woman speaks first. “Ma—sir.”
Ruby looks mortified by her disjointed greeting. Ella simply appraises me.
