He gave a self-deprecating smile. “I knew it would get a reaction, and it’s amusing.”
“So, I am to be your entertainment?” she asked with a soft laugh.
“Is that such a bad thing? It’s always a goal of mine, to get you to smile. If I must tease you a bit, it’s for a worthy cause,” he answered, his expression more sincere than his words seemed.
“Well.” Elizabeth smiled, unsure of how to navigate the conversation further. She’d certainly achieved one goal. He did harbor an interest in her. Now she simply had to determine if she shared that interest or merely felt friendship.
Descartes’s rules weren’t as simple as she’d first expected. Then again, when had any human emotion been uncomplicated?
“Did I offend you?” he asked, his forehead furrowing with concern.
She shook her head. “No, not at all, Mr. Finch,” she answered truthfully. And with further frankness she added, “I am merely struggling to identify my own feelings regarding what seem to be yours.” She hazarded a peek up at him.
His eyes widened, and his lips bent into an amused grin as he glanced away momentarily. “I do appreciate your forthright words. It’s part of your charm.”
“Is that a good thing? It seems like most people aren’t as appreciative of that aspect of my character.” She noted that they had arrived at the spot where they’d likely separate for the evening—him to whatever plans he had with Lord Penderdale and her to her own home.
“People struggle with honesty, which can be harder to swallow than a lie. I’ve dealt with far too many liars in my day, Miss Essex. Consequently, honesty is something I appreciate deeply. I certainly find it part of your charm, and I hope that perhaps you may give me an opportunity to prove that.” He halted his steps and regarded her fully, his expression hopeful and still guarded.
“I’ll consider that,” she answered, unable to give him more of an answer.
He nodded. “That is fair, Miss Essex. And unfortunately, this is where I must leave you. I’ll watch until you’re out of sight, and it should only be a short walk to your home from here.”
“Thank you for your kind escort, Mr. Finch. Have a good evening.” She slipped her arm from his. “Hope your ankle improves, Patricia,” she said sweetly, narrowing her eyes when her friend’s met them.
Patricia grinned unrepentantly. “I’m sure I’ll be much improved tomorrow.”
“I’m sure you will too,” Elizabeth muttered under her breath. She waved goodbye and proceededdown the street. Before she rounded the corner, she glanced back and met Mr. Finch’s regard, an odd stirring of emotion swirling inside her. It felt good to be watched over, even if it was by someone she considered more friend than lover. He nodded and waited, his attention not wavering.
Taking a deep breath, she rounded the corner. Her attention was on the ground while she lost herself in thought for a moment as she hurried on. Abruptly, she hit something hard. Her satchel dropped from her hand immediately as she stumbled to right herself.
“Pardon.” A man spoke swiftly. He grabbed her satchel and ran, but not before she was able to get a good look at him.
He wasn’t overly tall, with modest dress and cap, but the defining feature was the heavily bruised left eye. He gave one final glance before running down the road away from her, leaving her on the ground and fuming.
She watched his retreat, contemplating what to do next. She couldn’t very well follow him, though it wasn’t doing any good to sit here on her bottom either. Sighing, she started to stand, but upon hearing rapid footsteps, she glanced up in concern. Was there another criminal about? She’d walked along these streets for years and never before had she been accosted! What was the world coming to? She tightened her eyes, studying the rapidly approaching figure, then groaning when she recognized the face.
“Good evening,” she called out, finding her footing and dusting off her skirts.
“Good God, Elizabeth—Miss Essex.” Lord Penderdale came to a halt before her, immediately and quite tenderly grasping her shoulder as his other hand cupped her chin, tilting it to the side. “Are you well? What happened?” His green eyes traveled over her face as he gently tilted it one way, then the other, studying her carefully. His other hand, at her shoulder, traveled down her arm and supported her elbow, as if worried she might be unsteady on her feet.
Her heart beat out a ragged rhythm, her skin prickling with flashes of heat, then cool, cresting like waves over her as goose bumps settled on her skin. She tried to find her voice, but it was gone. Her mouth opened and then closed.
“Are you injured?” he asked, searching for injuries, and though she understood what was going on, she struggled to react, to do anything. He released her chin and carefully moved his fingers through her hair.
She flinched when he touched a tender spot.
“Ah, I’m sure that’s painful,” he whispered softly, and gentled his touch as he seemed to determine the size of the bump. She didn’t remember hitting her head, but well, she was upright, and then was not, so it wasn’t a surprise that she didn’t remember all of what happened.
“Lord Penderdale.” She spoke finally, mentally chastising herself for the momentary muteness.
He met her eyes and smiled as if hearing his name pleased him. “The one and only. I’m glad you don’t seem too much the worse for wear.”
Elizabeth blinked, needing to do something. He was too close. His hand was still cupping her elbow, her body tucked indecently close to his as his other hand cupped the back of her head. For all the world, someone would think they were about to kiss, in public. Yet though she understood this, she didn’t move. She didn’t step away and tell him it wasn’t proper, that even if he was just trying to help her, he shouldn’t be so close.
But her voice wouldn’t work. All she could do was stare at his warm look and savor that odd feeling of safety as he held her close.
His gaze dipped to her lips and traveled back up to her eyes, and his expression darkened with something she couldn’t identify but she could feel. To the bottom of her toes, she could feel that nameless emotion. His attention darted back to her lips, and she licked them slightly. She didn’t think about doing it; it was instinctual. He noticed and his gaze darkened further, sending heat pooling in her belly as her heart picked up its jagged rhythm. He leaned forward, and his eyes narrowed as if he was just as confused by all of this as she was.
