“Oh, Henry.” Heat blossomed in Amelia’s cheeks as she again looked between him and the flowers, shocked that she wanted him to take her into his arms once again. She released his hand to press hers on her chest. “My heart is full, I couldn’t be happier.”
He drew a gentle finger along her cheek. “Nor could I.” He glanced at the flowers. “Perhaps I should’ve brought them in a vase.” His frown suggested he wondered if he’d made a misstep.
“We have several that will be perfect,” she quickly reassured him. “And if I were to guess, Fernsby will no doubt bring one shortly.”
“Your staff is ever efficient.”
Unable to resist further contact, she reached up to cup his cheek, flowers still in her other hand. “I adore you, Henry,” she murmured. “I’m so pleased we found one another.”
“As am I.” He kissed her briefly before leaning back to look into her eyes. “You are so special. I am the luckiest of men.”
She blinked again, certain her smile was impossibly bright. “Weare the luckiest.” Though thrilled with his declaration, as well as her ability to express the same, a part of her was relieved he hadn’t proposed. Sharing their feelings for one another was a big enough step for now and enough to leave her feeling overwhelmed. After another sniff of the flowers she asked, “Now then, shall we have a drink before dinner?”
“I would like that very much.”
She carefully set the flowers on a nearby table, her legs not quite steady, then managed to move to the sideboard which held the crystal decanters.
Henry watched her, a hint of disbelief shining in his warm brown eyes as if he were still having difficulty believing what they’d just shared. She felt the same, but the joy within her confirmed it. How thoughtful of him not to pressure her, yet say what was in his heart.
She soon returned to his side and handed him his glass, then led the way to the settee, wondering if he’d noticed the change in furniture.
“You’ve rearranged,” he confirmed with a smile as he waited for her to sit.
Another blush heated her cheeks as she sank onto one side of the settee, deciding it was best to be honest. “I decided I preferred for us to sit together. I hope you don’t mind.”
Henry joined her. “In truth, I’m thrilled.”
Clearly she wasn’t the only one ready for them to be closer in both heart and body. “Good.” She nodded, her gaze shifting to the cat who licked a paw with determination and grace. “Master Leopold wasn’t certain whether he liked the change in layout at first, but he’s since agreed.”
Henry chuckled, watching the cat too. “Smart cat.”
A companionable silence descended as they both sipped their drinks.
Though she longed to inquire about his day Amelia held back, not wanting to think the only reason she had invited him to dinner was for his investigative work. Instead, she simply enjoyed the moment and the feel of him at her side.
“How was your day?” he soon asked.
“Well enough. I went to St. Hope’s Charitable School.”
“To see your aunt?”
Amelia smiled. “In part.”
“She is well?”
“She says she is.” Yet she couldn’t help wondering if that were completely true as she recalled their conversation.
He waited in silence as if to see if she’d clarify the answer.
“She expressed concern that Mr. Tinton might be searching for her.” She frowned, holding Henry’s gaze. “And wondered if she’d somehow been mistaken about the circumstances of her money.”
“Hmmm. For what it’s worth, I don’t think she was.”
The confirmation warmed her. “Nor do I. Of course she’s pleased to have her money back. It’s almost as if she lost her outrage when that happened, and without it, memories of their time together have returned.”
He nodded. “That’s not unusual, but I hope the man keeps his distance. I don’t believe for a moment he ever had good intentions.”
“She needs something to distract her from those thoughts.” Amelia tapped a finger on her lip. “Of course, she was relieved to hear about Miss Elmcroft’s message.”
