“Come in, please.”
She glanced behind her. “Well, you see, it’s like this…” And she proceeded to relate the reason for their journey, and the unfortunate fact that her horse had seemed to be favouring his right foreleg. So naturally she felt it necessary to seek assistancefrom the nearest source, which happily proved to be Tylwyth Teg.
“I’m very glad you did, Lady Elinor. Please…won’t you come in? I’m sure I can prevail upon Mrs Deryn for a cup of tea.”
“How kind.”
“Deryn, would you let George know about this?” He turned to Elinor. “If you’d have your lad take the mare around to the stables, he can check that hoof.”
“I believe George knows Barnaby and his family quite well, sir.” Deryn finally got a word in edge-wise. “I will happily take care of this for you if you would like to give Lady Elinor a chance to warm up?”
Caleb’s mind took an interesting diversion at his words, and it was a struggle for him to get it back on track.
“If I could remove my hat for a few moments, perhaps? They do tend to give one a bit of a headache.”
“Of course, my Lady,” he smiled. “I have a lovely fire going in my study, so perhaps you’d care to join me there for a few moments?”
“It sounds delightful,” she smiled back, her voice calm, her demeanour everything a young lady’s should be under the circumstances. “I am very grateful for your hospitality.” She glanced down at Carrádog with a little chuckle. “And the warmth of your welcome.”
“Woof.”
Since Caleb was thinking the human equivalent, he stayed silent as he led Elinor across the hall and into his study, where the fire was, as promised, blazing nicely.
“I shall bring tea shortly, sir.” Deryn bowed, then walked to the stairs leading down into the kitchen.
Elinor looked at Caleb as they walked to the hearth, and she held out her hands, obviously appreciating the warmth. “This is…”
“It is indeed.”
He was lost. And she was in his arms before he realised he’s reached for her, her face upturned, her eyes shining as her gaze fell to his lips…
“Sometimes even the most unlikely of plans come true,” he murmured.
Before she could ask what that meant, he pulled her close, closer, and then lowered his head, kissing her as if she were the last woman on earth.
And in that instant, he realised that for him...she was.
Chapter Thirteen
Was she surprised? Yes. Shocked? Yes. Was she shrieking in feminine outrage at being treated this way?
Absolutely not.
Being in Caleb’s arms again was the most wonderful experience, even better than before, since now she knew what to expect, what a kiss could—and should—be. And she was now in possession of the knowledge that she really enjoyed it.
There was none of the clumsy groping or unpleasantness she’d experienced in that London garden. This…this was magic, sweetness, tender touches, and a growing urge for more.
Exactly what that more was, she wasn’t completely sure, but she was quite prepared to wager her best bonnet that Caleb did.
And he proved it by letting his lips roam over her face to her ear, which he tenderly ringed with his tongue, sending delightful shivers from her head all the way down to her toes.
“Caleb,” she whispered, turning slightly so that he could reach her neck as well. “Oh, Caleb.”
“Shhh.” The heat of his breath against her skin raised goosepimples. “There’s so little time…”
“I know,” she sighed, realising she would have to pull free of his hold, but dreading the moment his warmth would disappear.
Reluctantly, they parted, and Elinor found herself glad she’d removed her bonnet, even though a few hairpins needed straightening.
