Alice sniffled and gazed up at him, ready to promise him anything, she was so grateful they were both alive.
“I-I imagine you n-never want to see Alfie again,” she said, the words uncertain as she clung to him.
His stern features softened, and he stared down at her, one large hand cupping her face, his thumb wiping away a tear that slid down her cheek. “I would never ask that of you, nor want it either. I’d miss Alfie too much. I only ask that you keep out of danger and take no foolish risks. Remember, my heart is in your keeping now. I expect you to take care of it for me.”
Alice, who could count the occasions upon which she had given into tears on one hand before the past few weeks, sobbed harder. If only he had been angry and shouted at her for putting them in such danger, she could have withstood it, but such gentle understanding was her undoing.
Aubrey searched for his handkerchief and handed it over, gazing at her and looking utterly wretched.
“Ah, please, don’t. Stop crying now. I can’t bear it. We’re both safe. Silas Mourney won’t trouble you or anyone else again, and Hawkney has given us his blessing. This is a time for celebration.”
Though it took considerable effort, Alice got herself under control again, making good use of Aubrey’s handkerchief.
“That’s the second handkerchief you’ve stolen from me,” he observed with a wry smile. “Little thief.”
“You’re the thief,” she countered thickly. “You stole my heart and never gave it back again.”
He grinned at that, looking pleased with himself. “And I never shall.”
They stood staring at each other, neither of them able to find words. Aubrey finally broke the spell, glancing around.
“Where did Lill go?”
“Up to her room. She’s not stupid.”
Aubrey laughed softly. “She’s a terrible chaperone.”
“Thank heavens. Come to bed.”
Aubrey stilled, such shock in his eyes that Alice could not help but grin.
“You said we’d be married as soon as possible, but I nearly died tonight. We both did. Nothing is certain, Aubrey, but I’m so glad to be alive. Show me how glad you are too.”
He shifted, his dark brows tugging together and she could almost hear the internal battle he waged, his desire to do as she asked warring with his gentlemanly instincts.
“Please, Aubrey. I’ve never been so scared as I was tonight. I need you to chase the shadows away.”
He let out a frustrated groan. “Dammit, Alice. What the hell am I supposed to say to that?”
“Yes,” she whispered, reaching up on her toes to press a soft kiss to his mouth. “You’re supposed to say yes.”
“Yes,” he muttered, gathering her close once more. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes, my beautiful darling.”
Alice, not about to give him the chance to change his mind, pushed out of his embrace and crouched down. “Take your boots off. You’re not exactly stealthy, you know.”
He grumbled but did as she asked. Though Alice knew Lill would never judge her for inviting Aubrey to her bed, that her friend might hear him clumping up the stairs and know the reason made her uncomfortable. Far better Lill figure it out inthe morning when she tripped over his boots in the kitchen. Either way, Alice was in for a good deal of ribbing over the coming days.
Alice took his hand and led him from the kitchen, creeping up the stairs. Aubrey would never make a burglar, she thought ruefully, as his every step seemed to make the house creak, but they made it to her bedroom without too much noise, and she closed the door with relief.
Lill had made up the fire to ensure Alice stayed warm after her ordeal, and it blazed cheerfully, casting dancing shadows around her bedroom. It was snug, the bed inviting, bathed as it was in a golden glow.
Alice turned to face Aubrey. He stood watching her, a little wary, as if waiting for her to change her mind. She wouldn’t, but he needed to be certain of that.
Letting go of his hand, Alice took a step back. She was trembling again, she realised, though not from fear or the cold now. Anticipation thrummed beneath her skin. Wishing she was wearing something a little less sensible than the thick flannel nightgown, she tugged on the ribbon tie at her throat and caught hold of the voluminous fabric. In one swift movement, she yanked it up over her head and threw it to the floor.
She stood there, goosebumps prickling over every inch of her skin as Aubrey’s gaze darkened, roaming over her body with a proprietary glint in his eyes that made her feel hot and cold all at once.
“Well, say something,” she urged him, beginning to feel a little foolish as she wrapped her arms about her middle. She was not the most feminine of specimens, after all.
