Her moniker began another conversation. “I’m sorry to bring this to an end,” interrupted Elijah, “but we all have to work tomorrow.”
More hugs, additional promises to gather again next month, and Clara finally found herself in the quiet coach, leaning back against the leather squabs. They took his grandmother home, then continued to Hatton Garden.
As the carriage rumbled over the uneven streets, Eli turned to her. He cupped her face, and she leaned into his palm. His lips were warm and teasing, her body responding to him as it always did. Her heart beat against her chest as his tongue swept inside her mouth, wondering where her future would lead with this kind, thoughtful man.
“Clara,” he said, ending the kiss and taking her hand, “I am the most fortunate of men to have been standing on the corner that day I saved you. I’m not one to tempt fate, and I truly believe we were meant to find each other.”
She nodded, her gaze locked with his as his thumb caressed the back of her hand in small, sensuous circles.
“We haven’t known each other for very long, but I’ve never been more certain in my life. I love you, my Ruby. Will you marry me? Will you let me stand with you, beside you, for the rest of our lives?”
This time Clara didn’t blink back the tears. She let them fall, smiling and nodding, not able to find the words to describe her happiness. He kissed her again, a long, delicious kiss that spoke of marriage and children and love and laughter.
When the coach stopped, he leaned over her to open the door, but she put a hand on his arm. “Would you be willing to wait a year?”
“To be sure?”
The hurt in his eyes sent a jagged pain through her heart. She placed her hands on each side of his face and kissed him gently. “Just in case my father is able to return. I have no doubts of my love for you.”
“Then I agree,” he said, though there was doubt in his eyes.
About her? About the possibility of her father returning? The realization she may never see her father again weighed heavy against her joy from Eli’s proposal.
Inside the kitchen, she leaned against the wall after hanging up her cloak. It was dark and quiet, allowing her a moment to catch her breath and go over the last few hours in her mind. The sense of abandonment eased as the images of Eli’s family blanketed her, so warm and inviting. How were they able to open their hearts so easily and so often?
“Did you have a nice evening?”
Clara jumped as the housekeeper entered the kitchen. “Yes, a splendid evening.” A grin spread across her face.
Mrs. Johnson pulled her robe tight and walked to the stove. “Tea?”
“Yes, please,” she said. “But let me make it.” Clara bustled forward.
“I’m quite capable. Sit down. I have news.”
So do I, thought Clara, bursting to tell someone.
“The owner of the townhouse has decided to come to Town. I was worried he would wipe his hands of the whole mess when he learned what happened.” Mrs. Johnson sat down, waiting for the kettle to get hot. The glow of the coals shone on the streaks of gray in her auburn hair. “He shall arrive next week.”
“That’s wonderful,” said Clara, thankful she may still be able to obtain a referral.
“Now tell me your news. You look about to burst,” said the housekeeper with a chuckle.
“Elijah and I are betrothed!” she blurted out. “I am to be married.”
“Oh, Ruby, I’m so happy for you.” She took Clara’s hand. “When will you read the banns?”
Clara’s smile faltered a tiny bit. “I told him I wanted to wait a year in case Pa returned.”
Mrs. Johnson sighed, sympathy in her kind blue eyes. “My dear child, if what he told was true, you realize he can never return.”
“But—” Clara had confided in the housekeeper, knowing she needed the advice of someone wiser and more mature. She trusted this woman.
“We don’t know the details of his plight, but if it was bad enough for him to set sail across the ocean…” She tucked a stray lock of Clara’s hair behind her ear. “If he returns, he could be arrested, charged, and most likely hanged. Is that what you want?”
She shook her head, the older woman’s face a blur as the tears fell. This was the reason for the doubt she’d seen on Elijah’s face.
“I think the best way you could honor your father is by marrying that young man and living your best life with him. Isn’t that what your father would want?”
