And why did her chest ache so to think on it?
“Come now,” Andrew said. “You are meant to have more fun with me, not less.”
She shook her head. “I am sorry. Forgive me.”
“Nothing to forgive.” He laid his hand over hers.
She did not deserve this man. He was like a rock to her rushing stream—believing in her when she did not know that she deserved it. Saving her when her family created this lie. Listening to her gripe and moan about this position.
“Tell me more of your plans,” she said, wishing to turn the conversation to him. “Your estate and bank.”
Rather than answering, his expression grew serious. “I wished to speak with you on that, actually.”
“Oh?”
“Yes.” His hand, folded against his chest as he escorted her, tugged against his lapel. “If you are to be gone for eighteen months… I do not… that is, I am not certain if…”
She glanced over at him, incredulous. She’d been so wrapped up in her own thoughts, she’d not seen the particular set of his jaw and furrow of his brow. What had him so on edge? He glanced at her and shook his head in personal disdain.
“I apologize. I am making a mess of this. It is only that I have been thinking how peculiar it is to send you off alone to the north of England. Even when the nature of our marriage is… what it is.”
“You are thinking of coming with me?”
Some of her incredulity bled into her voice, and he grimaced. “You need not sound so aghast.”
“It is only that I do not understand. Your dreams—your plans.”
“They can wait. The bank can wait.”
“But the estate.”
“Do not tell me you were only marrying me for my estate, Soph.”
She shoved at his arm. “Be serious, Andrew. I am already taking your name. Your future. Do not let me take your dreams as well.”
He paused on the walk, looking around, then tugged her to the side of a shop and lowered his voice. “I can find a position in Durham.”
“But why would you want to?”
“Because of you, Sophie! Because I want to be with you!”
She scoffed. “You cannot throw away your dreams on the basis of our friendship. I will not allow it!”
His brow raised. “Are you my keeper now, dear?”
She nearly stamped her foot. How could he be so flippant about something so very serious? She was not even certain where her anger was coming from. But a little whisper told her it had something to do with the hope that had burgeoned upon his saying he wanted to be with her. And that had no place here—not when there may be no basis for the marriage if she did not attain her position.
Not to mention, if she fell entirely for Andrew Langford, she might never be able to regain her focus at work. He could not come with her and keep her teetering on the edge of wondering whether theirs could have been a love match if given the chance.
“I thought that sounded like you, Andrew,” an amused voice met with their raised ones. And one glance at the face of the man who had joined them showed several interested shoppers watching as well.
Sophie hid her face with her bonnet, her cheeks heating.
“Charles,” Andrew greeted the man, his tone deadpan.
“Do not sound so pleased to see me. I apologize. Did I interrupt a lovers’ quarrel?”
“Nothing of the sort. Simply a discussion,” Andrew returned.
