“Say that again,” she teased, leaning in to him teasingly.
“No, once is enough for your greedy heart,” he scolded with a grin.
Elizabeth sighed softly. “I can’t wait until it’s just the two of us.”
Collin chuckled. “My family already getting irritating?”
“No! That’s not what I meant.” Elizabeth stopped walking and regarded him. She’d loved spending time with his family. It had exceeded every expectation she’d dare imagine.
“Oh, well I find them annoying, so we’d be in agreement.” He tapped her nose playfully. “But I knew you didn’t mean it that way. I was just teasing you. If anything, you may like my sister more than you like me.”
“She is delightful,” Elizabeth said. “And every bit as kind yet truly funny. I’ve never met her equal.” She was being honest. She and Joan had become fast friends, and she was thrilled with the prospect of such a sister-in-law.
“Believe me, God broke the mold after He made her, thank goodness.” He glanced heavenward.
Elizabeth shoved him flirtatiously. “Some would say the same about me.”
“Yes, but in your case, God merely made perfection and didn’t need to replicate it,” he replied softly, his regard roaming her features and making her feel beautiful down to her toes.
Elizabeth blushed, then followed him as he ledher around the corner of a wide tree. “I’m glad you feel that way, I’m inclined to see all my many faults.”
“I like to think of them as opportunities to grow,” he said. “‘Faults’ is such a negative word.” He tightened his grip on her hand, tugging her close.
“I have many opportunities to grow,” she amended.
“As do I, and we’ll improve together. Sound like a plan, Miss Essex?”
“Indeed, Lord Penderdale,” she replied with a cheeky tone.
He grinned. “Using my title without sarcasm… I’m not sure I know what to do with that.”
“Don’t get used to it,” she quipped.
“I would never dream of it,” he replied and placed his free hand on his heart.
“Good. Now, tell me all the things you didn’t tell your sister when you gave your account of all that transpired.” She speared him with a direct look.
“How do you read me so well? It’s quite frustrating,” he said.
“You can read me as well. Therefore, it’s fair. Tell me,” Elizabeth entreated him. She grasped his arm and closed her eyes for a moment, savoring his presence. She’d been beside herself with worry, hoping she wasn’t making too much of the situation and then fearing she was making too little. It was a mess, and it wasn’t until she’d seen Collin that she was able to take a full breath.
Collin shrugged. “I didn’t tell her that Olsen had tried to beat me into submission, or that Michael was the one playing both sides.”
“Mr. Finch?” Elizabeth started. “No.” She was shocked, trying to imagine Mr. Finch in such a situation. Eagerly, she waited for Collin to continue the story.
“Indeed, he didn’t tell me until a few days ago. Nevertheless it worked in our favor, leading to all the arrests.” He shrugged as if the news wasn’t astounding at all.
“Well, that was a turn I didn’t expect,” she murmured.
“You and me both, and I like to think I’m quite astute.” He waved his hand.
“You are, but clearly Mr. Finch had to be quite cautious or else he would be in greater danger than you.” Elizabeth frowned. “Poor Patricia, I hope she didn’t know. Now that it’s all taken care of, I hope she wasn’t worrying.” Elizabeth’s heart pinched for her friend, and she made a mental note to write her soon.
“I don’t think she knew. I didn’t ask Michael directly. That’s simply what I’m assuming.” Collin traced the length of her arm comfortingly.
Shivers of pleasure ran up her spine at his touch, but she forced herself to focus on the conversation. “Good, well, anything else?”
“No, not that I can think of. It was, when all’s saidand done, quite quick. And then I headed home to you,” he finished.
