Thanks to Theodore’s suggestion, Virginia was not in his path. Duke continued past her, took two laps about Theodore’s wheeled chair, and disappeared back inside.
“Ignore him,” Theodore said with a sigh. “He does that.”
It was all Virginia could do to keep a grin from overtaking her face.
Whether her patient realized it or not, Duke had adopted Theodore. They had a routine now. A secret handshake. A private jest only the two of them shared.
“I’m glad you get on with Duke,” she said as Theodore wheeled himself inside.
“Does anyone get on with that ill-tempered beast?” he said. “I’ve no idea why you keep him around.”
“Because he keeps coming back,” she answered.
Theodore rolled to his crutches and pulled himself to his feet. “Is that why you think I keep you around?”
She pushed the chair out of his way. Their toes were nearly touching. He was now almost close enough to kiss.
“Why do you?” she asked softly.
It was a dangerous question.
He was so much larger outside of his chair. The crutches did not make him look weak, but invincible. Bullets could not stop him. Horse hooves could not stop him. Twelve scant inches of space afforded her no protection at all.
She was not trying to defend her mouth from plunder, but her heart from growing attached. All wild creatures must return where they belonged.
He reached for her and cupped her cheek with one hand.
His fingers were not the unblemished softness of an idle lord. The calluses from riding and weaponry had faded, but his touch was still rough and uneven.
Virginia loved it. She could feel his presence. Feel that it washim.
He dragged the pad of his thumb across her lower lip. “I want…”
A clatter rent the air as a wooden crutch banged to the ground.
He jerked upright with comical alacrity, hopping on his good foot for balance.
She swept the fallen crutch from the floor and back into his arms without meeting his eyes. Temptation had almost got the best of them. It was better not to know what might have happened if his lips had touched hers.
She would lie awake tonight wondering all the same.
“I apologize,” he said. “I—”
She stepped back. “I should be helping you walk, not standing in your way. You’ve a grand entrance with thetonto look forward to.”
“Grander than I’d like.” He pulled a face. “I’m to waltz with Lady Beatrice until tongues wag, then announce our betrothal.”
Her stomach curdled with nausea. He needed back on his feet not just to walk again, but to dance with his future bride.
It sounded lovely. No one had ever stood up with Virginia. She tried not to be jealous of Lady Beatrice for having it. For havinghim.
“How romantic,” she whispered.
“Tactical strategy,” he corrected. “Lady Beatrice intends to use our betrothal as both armor and artillery.”
Virginia swallowed. “And you?”
“I intend to do the same,” he said. “We both know what we’re getting. Improved positioning in Society is more than worth the price of a waltz.” He rolled his eyes. “Ask my father.”
