“Incorrigible,” she whispered as her heart raced and he laughed, then lifted her the rest of the way to the carriage.
“While you, my lady, are irresistible.” Without a backward glance, he swung into the vehicle, taking his place between Patience and his sister and gathering the reins with purpose. The boy who had held the horses was tossed a coin before they were off.
Irresistible.
Patience bit her lip, wishing she might truly be the kind of woman who might haunt the dreams of a man like Mr. Beckham. She was keenly aware of the brief taste of him and how his touch lingered, leaving a heat against her skin. His thigh was close to hers, his arm brushing against her own, the sound of his voice as he spoke to his sister making her happy beyond all. As much as she preferred to be tranquil, it was exciting to be with Mr. Beckham and she enjoyed that a good deal more than she might have expected.
And a kiss, virtually in the street! Two, in point of fact. Patience felt like a wanton.
Especially as what she wanted most of all was another longer embrace.
* * *
They haltedat the milliner and Amelia darted into the shop with her handful of samples, bent upon her mission. Arthur took his time handing down Miss Carruthers, wanting a chance to speak with her alone.
“You are quiet,” Arthur said when she remained silent. Had he shocked her? Had he offended her? What he had wished to do more than anything else was ensure that Miss Grosvenor knew there was no hope of any scheme succeeding that was contrived to see they two wed.
Ever.
That she had spoken thus of Miss Carruthers was unacceptable. If she had been a man, there would have been pistols at dawn.
“Only because you startled me, Mr. Beckham,” she confessed with a sidelong glance that was almost coy.
Arthur dared to be encouraged. “Are you vexed with me?”
She flushed a little and her eyes sparkled. Her gaze danced toward Amelia, already in the shop, then back to him. She lowered her voice as she leaned closer and he wanted nothing more than to gather her close and kiss her properly. “Only that it was so short a salute,” she whispered, to his astonishment.
He feigned shock and she laughed. “Miss Carruthers,” he said and she laughed even more, a sound that eliminated his concerns. He offered his arm and she slid her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Perhaps you should call me Arthur.”
The suggestion pleased her, he could see that immediately in the flutter of her lashes and her quick upward glance. She smiled again. “Then you must call me Patience.”
“Patience,” he murmured, savoring the sound of it.
“Arthur,” she echoed, glancing up at him. She shook a finger at him. “You must tell me the truth, sir. I expect all of your secrets surrendered in full before we are wed a year.”
That was fair enough. Arthur thought she would know them all within a month. “I give you my pledge upon that, Patience. Upon my word, you can rely.” He held her gaze for one last moment, then escorted her into the shop.
He leaned down as they crossed the threshold, his voice so low that only she would hear his words. “I thought that a fine start, Patience,” he murmured and she glanced upward, her expression surprisingly mischievous.
“As did I, sir,” she admitted. “Given the book we are to publish.”
The book. Arthur had almost forgotten the details of the book. “Have you read it?”
“Not yet, but I will.”
He leaned closer again as she pretended to consider three different ribbons with the flowers Amelia had chosen already. “I hope you have not forgotten the plan of confirming all its details,” he said, hoping for a blush and gaining one that almost set him aflame.
“Incorrigible and outrageous,” she whispered, those eyes dancing.
He feigned solemnity. “I would not risk the reputation of a new firm by publishing a volume that had not been thoroughly reviewed by its owners.”
She appeared to be fighting a smile, and losing the battle. “I fear that I find myself shocked by your audacity, sir, and impressed by your determination to attend to detail.” She looked up, meeting his gaze steadily. “I accept your challenge.”
“Was it a challenge? I meant it as an invitation.”
“Either way, I agree to embark upon it.”
How soon could they be wed?
