Nothing had been stilted about what she and Michael had shared last night.
She’dlovedthat. She was also humbled to her knees that he would offer to see to the care of her family.
But what she felt right now, over toast and tea, was that there wasn’t another soul in this world she’d wish to share toast and tea with.
No one she admired more. Ortrusted, another dangerous word.
What else could love be save this feeling that she’d found the person who made her feel as if she belonged with him?
Michael gave her a look, and she realized she was staring at him like some infatuated milkmaid, and that, too, must be love.
Right now, in this moment, he was the person who meant the most to her in the world. Perhaps even more than her sisters. The realization was both startling and liberating.
Of course, he hadn’t said anything about loving her. He wanted her, which was very nice. But wasshethe only one he wished to share tea and toast with?
After all, Dara had studied London Society. Men had mistresses. Except, it would devastate her if Michael kept one. She wanted his lips and his body for her, and her alone.
A knock sounded on the door. Teddy crossed to open it. A lad was standing there, breathing heavily as if he’d run hard. “I’m here for Mr. Brogan.”
“I’m he,” Michael said, folding his paper and crossing the room.
“Mrs. Ferrell asked if you’d come. She said she found something you will want to see. They are burying her husband today, sir. However, she says she should be home by the evening. She says it is important.”
“We’ll be there,” Michael answered, giving the lad a coin.
“We?” Dara questioned hopefully after the door was closed.
“Are you saying you aren’t curious?”
“What time do you suggest we plan to leave?”
Chapter Nineteen
A wife may do what she wishes, provided she is discreet.
The Rules (according to Dara)
At last, a sensible rule.
Tweedie’s opinion
Wishing to be respectful of Mrs. Ferrell on the day she buried her husband, Dara knew she must wear black. That meant she needed to borrow Gwendolyn’s dress.
Michael asked if she would like him to accompany her to Willow Street. If not, he had some business to see to.
“See to your business. It shouldn’t take me very long.”
“Don’t walk there,” he advised. “Teddy, go with her.”
Dara shook her head. “The advantage to marriage is that I can go where I please.”
Michael raised a hand to brush her cheek withthe back of his fingers, one corner of his mouth lifting. “The only advantage?”
Everything inside of her reacted to his touch, to being close enough to see the texture of his skin, his whiskers...
“There are other advantages.” She sounded breathless and had a strong desire to drag him back into their bed.
Theirbed.
