He nodded and then ran one hand through his hair. “I understand, you don’t really know me, after all.” But she did!
She wanted to say something to make them both feel better, but he was already backing out the door. “You’ll want to put him on a stronger string,” he said, and with a parting frown, stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.
Chapter 10
Aubrey
Following a night that was more restless than restful, Aubrey awoke early, donning the dress she’d brushed out the evening before, knotted her hair tightly behind her head, and determined she would most definitely not be acting like an emotional ninny today.
She closed her valise with a decisive snap. She would not sit in her chamber waiting for him to come for her this morning. She would go downstairs, order her own breakfast and then seek out Mr. Daniels.
She opened the door and would have collided with his much larger frame if he hadn’t reached out to grab her shoulders. “Whoa there,” his voice held a hint of laughter. “Did you plan on leaving without me this morning?” He was joking, she knew that. Because she would not…
“I did not wish to cause us any delay. You’ll be wanting to get to London as quickly as possible.” But when she looked up at him the only way she could think to describe his expression was tender…
And with no hesitation whatsoever, he engulfed both of her hands in his, and then squeezed them.
“Aubrey,” he muttered her name staring down at their hands, and then lifting his lashes to meet her gaze.
“I hate that I’ve hurt you.” His voice sounded gruff, his blue eyes begging her for… something.
“You’ve been nothing but kind.” She straightened her shoulders in an attempt to gather her wits and step away, but he would not release her hands.
“But I scared you. You were frightened last night. I followed the barking of yourpetit chienand every time I was near, the little monster bolted. I could not return without your pet. By the time I caught up with him, it was already dark, and I had to track my way back. It was ridiculous. I ought to have realized how frightened you would be and not blame you for thinking the worst of me. I am sorry, forgive mePrincesse?”
“Of course, I forgive you, it’s just that I know…”That you are going to leave me eventually—that I will never see you again after we part.
He leaned down, hovered for an instant, and then dropped a kiss on the curve of her cheek. He hovered there longer than necessary, his breath heating her skin, almost as though he was contemplating his next move. Unable to check herself, she tilted her head so that he could kiss her neck, her shoulders…
“We will have a good day today, eh? We are friends, non?” He pulled away, leaving her chilled and a little embarrassed. His accent sounded heavier, though, and she reminded herself he did this when his emotions were high.
She nodded, avoiding his eyes, and reached down to retrieve the case she’d dropped when he’d startled her. “We are friends.” When she met his stare again, she forced a bright smile. “We will have a good day.”
And she meant it. She already cherished the time they’d spent together. She didn’t wish to ruin it by pouting or sulking through the last hours they had in one another’s company.
As he scooped Mr. Dog into his arms, she laughed. It didn’t sound as forced as she’d thought it would. “You really chased him through the forest? Did he ever catch the rabbit?”
Mr. Bateman growled in mock disgust. “I think I had a better chance at catching the rabbit than I did at catching him—the blighter.”
They climbed into the back of the carriage together and although she couldn’t shed all of her disquiet, she managed to sit normally on her side of the bench when he lowered himself beside her.
Was it only yesterday that she’d slept in his arms, using him for both pillow and bed as they’d crossed the countryside? She glanced over, and the look in his eyes gave away that he might be thinking the same thing.
Aubrey lifted Mr. Dog to sit between them and turned to stare out the window. “I am so glad we visited Stonehenge. Thank you for thinking of it.” Oh, that sounded wonderfully cheerful, she congratulated herself.
“Anything to see you smile.” He remained solidly on his side of the bench, Mr. Dog proving an effective barrier.
“How much farther?” This time she glanced over to see his expression.
He scowled. “Daniels told me we were closer, but the inn keeper said we’re some ninety miles away yet. We won’t make it to London today but with good weather shouldn’t have any trouble arriving tomorrow.”
“Are you worried you won’t arrive in time?”
He settled his stare on her. “No, Princesse. I am not worried. I’ve enough time yet, before my… party.” The muscles in his jaw clenched. “And I’d rather spend it with you than arrive early.”
And by party he meant anything but. She just wished he’d be forthcoming with her instead of treating her like some little sister half the time, and the other half like a woman he’d like to…
Aubrey turned back to stare out the window.
