But that was in the past, and now there was a future to look forward to.
He turned back to his books, tallied up a few columns, and nodded as the results matched those he had anticipated. If this kept up, he might be able to repair the windows in the East wing soon. He looked through the ones across from his desk, thankful that all the windows, glass or board, were weathertight.
Elinor probably wouldn’t be able to call today. And he wasn’t sure if he should venture out to visit her.
He rose, pushing his chair aside and pacing a little. This whole…whatever it was…between himself and Elinor was becoming—well, complicated was too simple a word for it. His steps brought him to the fireplace, and he stared into the ornate mirror above.
He saw himself, shirt sleeves and waistcoat, standing in front of a pleasing and masculine study, where firelight reflected on the decanter of wine on the sideboard, and the tea set Mrs Deryn had brought in earlier.
It was, he thought, not unlike an illustration for some Gentleman’s Weekly, or whatever periodical featured such things.
But was ithome?
And why the hell had that thought popped into his mind?
Rolling his eyes at himself, he turned away from the mirror and let the fire warm his backside. He knew damn well the answer to his own question, because she’d been on his mind ever since he’d first met her in the flood, and after kissing her, holding her?
“Damn.” He forced his thoughts away from her taste, her scent, and how she felt in his arms, since all of those were having an uncomfortable effect on his masculinity.
It was unusual, though, he had to admit as he gathered up his papers and put the top back on the inkwell.
He was not inexperienced with the female sex, that was for certain. He’d enjoyed passionate liaisons, simple flirtations, and even considered a mistress. That idea was tossed aside when money became more of an issue.
But not one single woman that he could think of had affected him like Elinor Molliney. His sleep last night had been disturbed more than once by thoughts and memories, and he wasn’t completely sure he liked it.
He was, in his own mind, carefree. Untethered, unconfined and unrestrained. And probably a lot of other un-words that he couldn’t think of at that particular moment.
Although, his gaze once more roamed around the room, if he was completely honest with himself, he was attached. To Tylwyth Teg Abbey.
The work he’d put into restoring it had made it personal, and he admitted that he’d be loath to leave it under any circumstances.
He sighed. All this contemplation was giving him a headache. And his stomach reminded him he was hungry. After lunch, if it stopped raining, he might entertain the notion of going to visit Elinor. Perhaps her company could help sort out his muddled thoughts.
Or perhaps he could just kiss her again and forget everything.
There.Thatwas a very good plan indeed.
Chapter Twelve
Unaware that being thoroughly kissed was on a certain gentleman’s mind, Elinor resumed her researches after lunch, losing herself once again in the mystical world of strange creatures, and their even stranger adventures. She puzzled over the thought of a novel, though.
Would anyone take it seriously? Or would it simply be brushed off as another silly story with ridiculous people doing ridiculous things? Certainly there were genuinely appealing novels available—Sense and Sensibility for one, and she had read it twice since obtaining her copy. And of course, being a young woman, she couldn’t help wondering if there was a Colonel Brandon in her future.
At that time, she hadn’t met Caleb, and now the thought crossed her mind that he might be excellently suited for the role.
Thinking about him made her restless, and she put her pen down with a sigh. The rain had stopped sometime in the past hour, but it was still quite dull.
She wished she were at Tylwyth Teg Abbey, in that incredible library, with the fire making the room warm, and Caleb sitting beside her, as they compared notes.
Her musings were interrupted by Jane, who popped her head around the door. “Young Barnaby is going down to the village, Miss Elinor. Was there anything you’d be wanting?”
Elinor blinked as inspiration flashed into her mind. “Yes, Jane. Yes, indeed. I need a ride. I’ll go with him.”
“Miss Elinor…” The older woman’s eyebrows rose. “It’ll be muddy, and you with no maid? What will the villagers think?”
“They’ll think I’ma silly girl with no sense.” She shrugged. “Let’s be honest with each other, Jane. I’m really not of much interest to anyone down in Molliney Mere. Being the youngestdaughter and not possessed of anything that might intrigue our villagers… Are you really concerned?”
Jane sighed. “Well, if it’s only to the village and back…”
