After her mother died Ella had attempted to organize this room, but it was so like her mother had been—wild and unpredictable. Bits and pieces of thoughts and ideas scribbled on paper and tucked in books and journals.
With fingers still trembling Ella sifted through the journals, grabbed a year that would be appropriate, tucked it under her arm, and readjusted her focus. If she was going to expose Mr. Bauer as a fraud, she needed to do so quickly—and now she had more motivation than ever.
With tears of anger and disbelief still burning in her eyes, the journals under one arm and her candle in her other hand, Ella climbed the narrow staircase and turned into the conservatory.
Had Mr. Bauer really said those things to her?
Humiliation fueled each unsteady step as she hurried inside her place of peace. The soles of her kid slippers tapping againstthe flagstone floor was the only sound that broke the silence until a male voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Miss Wilde.”
She jumped at Mr. Rowe’s voice.
In her disgust over what had happened, she’d nearly forgotten about her hope of meeting him here, but now her emotions jumbled chaotically within her. She didn’t know what to say. What to do.
His easy smile faded as their eyes met. He jerked in apparent concern. “What’s wrong? What has happened?”
Unable to find the words, she shook her head and took a step away from him.
“You’re trembling! Here, let me help you with—”
He reached out to take the journals from her, but she held them tighter. “Thank you, but I’m quite all right.”
He pressed his lips together and studied her for several seconds.
Surely he must be confused by her behavior, but how could she explain what had just happened?
The glow from her candle glinted in his warm, dark eyes. If she wasn’t careful, she could get lost in them. Forget what had just happened. Forget so many things.
His gentle words recentered her. “At least permit me to take the candle so you don’t drop it. It’s dripping.”
She looked down. The candle had indeed tilted in the candlestick, and wax slid off the side. With a shaky breath she loosened her fingers around the handle. He took it, placed it on a nearby table, and then returned to her.
She forced her breathing to slow. Perhaps she was imagining it, but she could sense his concern. How she wanted to tell him everything—every detail of what had happened and every thoughtswirling through her head. It was the perfect opportunity, for they were completely alone.
He reached out a hand to her and placed it gently on her shoulder.
She should pull away. Abernathy’s judgmental warning of being alone with Mr. Rowe simmered. But his hand was so warm, and the longer it lingered on her shoulder, the more a calm enveloped her—a sense of connectedness that she had been longing for, for such a long time.
“Tell me what is wrong.” His whisper was soft.
Summoning bravery, she looked up to his entrancing eyes, which somehow were not that far away. The sincerity that met her there threatened to break her.
She had to be smart. Practical. Methodical.
In all her planning, nothing she’d ever experienced had prepared her for this weakening of her carefully constructed defenses. This realization that she needed someone’s support, and not just anyone’s support but that of a man who really cared for her despite her flaws, disarmed her.
She needed confirmation that she was interpreting his actions correctly. She had to hear him say it. “Can I trust you?”
Could she trust him?
Her straightforward question resonated within Gabriel. It was painfully honest and real. Miss Wilde had presented herself as strong, and considering her past and the rumors circulating about her, she had to be, but judging by her alert expression and trembling lip, something had frightened her. Something, he wouldguess, that was more impactful than a staged phrenological assessment. Now she was seeking reassurance. From him.
“Miss Wilde. Ella.” A lock of golden hair clung to the tear that streaked down her flushed cheek. He slowly smoothed it back into place before he returned his hand to her shoulder. “This might not seem significant to you, but I’ve told you things about my family that I’ve told no one else. Ever. And what’s more, I have shared my thoughts on my work with you, which is entirely new to me.”
Gabriel slid his palm down her arm until his hand grazed her fingers. “All this is to say thatItrustyou. I hope I’ve proven myself worthy enough for that trust to be reciprocated.”
With a shuddery sigh Ella glanced down at their joined hands. She did not pull away. Instead, she looked back up at him. Her brilliant, lovely blue eyes met his with such directness and confidence. Her breathing slowed. Her trembling ceased. “I trust you, Gabriel. You may be the only person I trust right now, but I do.”
