In desperation, he did the only thing he could think to do. “Let’s go out in the fresh air.”
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ELEVEN
Midnight
Before Millie could even understand what George meant, he stood up and moved away from the table in a fast, fluid motion. Leaving her speechless—and if she was honest, a little disappointed. She’d been enjoying herself, and he’d brought the axe down soabruptly.
“Don’t we have to pay?”she asked.
“No need, we have an account.” He didn’t even turn toface her.
Millie picked up her things and followed. He waited for her a few steps away, and then they walked together towards the exit. He was too much of a gentleman to walk off and leave her, but he may as well.His body was mere inches from her elbow, walking by her side, but he could’ve been a hundred miles ahead. Something had closed up in him, and she didn’t know what or why.
It didn’t really matter. He’d been blowing hot and cold all evening. Her lips twisted as she flicked the right edge of her shawl over her left shoulder.She felt like a guest invited in only to have a door slam inher face.
In fact, he’d been blowing hot and cold ever since she’d met him that day on a London street. He’d flipped between coldness and consideration, distance and warmth.
Well, he could take his revolving moods andshove off.
Outside, Evans sat patiently in his driver’s seat behind the horse, waiting for them. Had he waited all evening?
George went ahead towards the cart and exchanged a greeting with Evans before he turned to her, offering his hand to help her up.
Millie looked from his hand to the polished leather bench she was supposed to share with him. It looked like a love seat. They’d be thrown together as the cart swayed from side to side all theway home.
Not on your Nelly!
In reality, she felt a little like Cinderella. Earlier that afternoon she’d had two fairy Godmothers dress her and transform her into a beautiful princess, she’d had a magical evening with Prince Charming, but now, as if the clock had struck twelve, her evening had been terminated. She may as well be in rags sitting ona pumpkin.
Fine,so be it.
“It’s a nice night. I think I’ll walk.” She would accept her pumpkin with pride.
Secretly she was pleased to be walking out on George this time. She resisted the temptation to glance over her shoulder to where she’d left him standing alone in the paved courtyard in front ofPascale’s.
The horse cart crunched on the stones and came past her. She told herself not to look, but her eyes didn’t seem to be taking orders anymore. Of their own will, they stole a glance at the cart as it rumbled past.
Empty.
What?
Evans flicked the reins and turned west towards the village at afast clop.
And now she did look behind her, only to find George closing the distance toher side.
“What are you doing?” It didn’t come out friendly, but friendlybe damned.
“Walking home.” He pointed with his chin in the direction that would take them home. “Isn’t this what you wanted?” He slowed down, as he came level with her at the start ofthe lane.
Typical man. Playing aloof until you pulled away, then he started chasing you.
“No, you don’t need—” She tried again, more politely. “I didn’t mean to drag you with me. I am happy to wander home by myself.”
“Wander is right. You don’t know the way.” He held his hand out to her.
Oh, for crying out loud.“I’ve been here three months, and I’m a good walker, and it’s not so far—”
