“You certainly do that.” Elizabeth pulled her hand away and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. “I love you too,” she whispered against his neck.
Collin’s skin erupted in gooseflesh, his body catching fire with the words that had the power to send him over the edge. He breathed in the scent of lemon and beeswax that clung to her skin, memorizing the moment. His lips burned with the needto kiss her, but with her father looking on, it wasn’t the ideal moment.
But soon.
As he inhaled the sweet and fresh scent of her, he vowed it would be soon. “I love you so much,” he whispered. “I never knew a love such as this existed until I met you.” He spoke softly, pouring his heart into the words.
Elizabeth pulled back, a frown puckering her face. “And we’re leaving the day after tomorrow. That’s…disappointing.” She squinted her eyes at him, as if he were at fault.
Which, of course, he was. “It’s only for a short time and for the benefit of keeping you safe.”
“I understand, but that doesn’t mean that I like it.” She leaned back into his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. “I know. I’ll miss you too.”
“I would hope so.” She gave a small laugh. “If not, we have a larger problem then the tea smugglers because I will not settle for less than your whole heart, Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale,” she replied, honesty ringing in her tone.
“Then we are in full agreement, because I’ll not settle for less either.” He kissed her hair.
Collin was hoping for an opportunity alone with Elizabeth before he departed that evening, but her father was ever vigilant, more so than during their short courtship, as if reading Collin’s mind.
After bidding Elizabeth a drawn-out goodbye, his heart burning with the lingering touches and looks with which she favored him, Collin left their residence with a full heart and very impatient spirit.
Perhaps he’d procure a special license.
Or maybe he wouldn’t. No need to make a scandal of it. There would already be some talk back in London, but then again, London would create talk about nearly anything.
Indecision warred within him, so he’d not make the decision today. And furthermore, he would ask Elizabeth her preference, since he was certain she’d have an opinion on the matter. He grinned in spite of himself. Life with her would certainly never be boring.
Collin was tempted to stop by the Finches’ residence to speak with Michael, but the late hour had him second-guessing himself. He decided a morning visit would be in order. It would give him and Michael the full day to make headway on the situation at hand as well. With the decision made, Collin headed home, his heart full and his future sealed with the most important things: hope and love.
Twenty-seven
At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.
—Plato,The Symposium
Collin awoke the next day full of purpose and with a plan. As soon as it wasn’t unforgivably rude, Collin visited the Finches’ residence. Knocking once, he stepped back, rocking on his heels.
The door opened, revealing a quite disheveled Michael. “Good Lord, man, did I wake you?” Collin asked with more feeling than politeness.
“Aye, you did. I’m well though, and if you’re here this early, you’ve got something to say.” He opened the door wider, and Collin followed him inside.
He took a seat at the table in the parlor, watching as Michael rubbed a hand down his face and then took a seat as well, slouching with fatigue.
“So, what has you here so early?” Michael asked, leaning forward.
“Well, there are several things to discuss, actually. I’ll start at the beginning.” Collin sighed. “The other night, I told you I’d stay home and rest.”
“Let me guess… You didn’t?” Michael asked dryly.
“No.”
“Shocked.”
“You’re not, but I digress.”
Michael waved for him to continue.
“Miss Essex had made an interesting connection with the names on the list and the original regions from Cromwell’s day. The list divided them into districts with a peer of the realm’s name as the code for that district,” Collin said.
