She sighed. “Harry. There is so much wrong with that statement, I scarcely know where to begin correcting you.”
He grinned, put the bags down on the bed, then sat in one of the chairs and crossed his legs. “Well, by all means, go ahead.”
“All right.” She opened her bag. “In the first place, I have stopped being a girl. I actually stopped being a girl when I discovered that I had no taste for fripperies and preferred learning to giggling.”
“Good thing you’re a Trease,” he nodded. “Some families would have gasped at your temerity. But Lady Hazel and Lord Hawthorn were always open to education, reading, and all manner of ways to broaden one’s knowledge, be you male or female.” He laughed. “I remember losing a very fierce argument with Holly over something scientific. Can’t recall what it was about now, but she certainly walked away triumphant.”
“I’m glad you said that, because now I no longer need to explain why I don’t have girl things in my bag.” She removed her nightgown. “What I do have are the necessary items of clothing for this journey.” A pair of stockings joined the nightgown. “So please refrain from describing the my belongings in such a detrimental fashion.
A hairbrush and comb joined the items on the bed.
“All right then. I’m going to put these on the other chair. You may put your man’s things on the chair you’re sitting in.”
He was still grinning at her, and once again that odd sensation within her body tingled, bringing heat to her cheeks. She looked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed.
But she should have known he was far too observant to miss it, and wasn’t too surprised when he stood up and made his way to her side. “Since my man things are few, I’ll leave ‘em in the bag.”
“Very well.” She busied herself straightening out her stockings.
“It’s a good thing this room is nice and warm, Willow, otherwise I’d almost think you’re blushing.” His finger touched her cheek gently. “I like it.”
“I’ll sleep in the chair,” she declared, trying not to lean into his hand.
“Hmm.” He was quiet for a moment. “Let’s go down and eat. I can smell the bread myself, and I’m sure you’re as hungry as I.”
Willow nodded. Indeed, she was hungry. But oddly enough, she couldn’t be sure that a hearty meal of fresh bread and stew would suffice to quell the strangely new appetites rising within her.
*~~*~~*
The bread was every bit as good as it had smelled, although Harry admitted that he’d probably have devoured it had it been half-baked and soggy.
The scent of the stew was also enticing, and he was happy to see Willow tucking in. She even sampled a sip or two of his Chillendale ale, declaring it surprisingly tasty, and asking for a glass of her own. He couldn’t deny her that pleasure, and knew that with the meal safely devoured, a small amount of ale wouldn’t do any damage.
Harry had taken great care to conceal his supply of coins around his body in various places few would think to look. So he didn’t worry about paying their shot in the morning, and told Willow so when the reality of their situation hit her as she leaned back in her chair and toyed with her mug of ale.
“I suppose I am quite the idiot,” she muttered. “I am not used to travelling alone, or in anything other than our family’s carriages. Payment for these services never crossed my mind.”
He shrugged. “Fortunately, that is where my experience and wisdom come into the business, since I will be able to pay our bill when we leave in the morning.”
They were sitting on one side of the enormous fireplace, where it was warm and very comfortable. Few other diners were abroad, so they almost had the room to themselves.
“All right,” Willow nodded. “I’ll admit to a horrid naivete when it comes to that sort of thing.” She sighed. “I just never had to use my own coins for anything like this.” She sipped her ale. “I bought ribbons, of course. Gloves, too, and a hat, I think, on one of my few trips to town.”
“You’re not in London much? I’m surprised.”
“Why?” She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Well, you are young, beautiful, of excellent lineage, and possessed of what is probably a very comfortable dowry. That said, you fulfil all the qualifications of a woman ready to be snapped up by someone reputable. Maybe a title or something. And that, my girl, is best found in London.”
“Hah,” she snorted. “Nothing could be further from my mind.” Her chin went up. “My not-identical-twin and I feel the same way about all that nonsense. We are not horses to be viewed as breeding stock for anyone eager to sire an heir.”
“Well, yes, I seem to recall Holly being quite verbose on that topic during one of my visits, and that was when the two of you were still young.” He caught himself up. “Not that you’re old now, of course…”
She shot him a look that spoke volumes. “Thank you.”
“However, marriage must be in your future at some point.”
Willow smiled sweetly. “Why, darling, have you forgotten our wedding so soon?”
