He looked over and saw her. “Why do I think you did not come up here to give me a kiss?”
She stayed at the threshold and crossed her arms. “I want to know his name.”
He shook his head. “I will talk to him, but you will only get trouble for your time if you do.”
“You know him, then.”
“I probably know most of the men who were at that fete who might impress Amelia.”
“It is your goal to vex me.”
He walked right up to her. “Caroline, my only goal today, the single one that occupied my thoughts, was getting you to come up here tonight.” He reached around and closed the door behind her. “It appears vexing you was the path to success.”
The sails of indignation deflated at once. She looked around his cell, thinking it had been unnecessary to force him to live like this, especially after he gave his parole. She could hardly have him in the chamber next to hers, however. Who knew what ideas he might get?
He took her hand and stepped back, leading her farther into the chamber. The tiny creases at his eyes’ edges subtly deepened.
“I amuse you,” she said.
“No. You charm me. You are adorable and precious.”
“I think, my lord, that your eloquence is the result of dishonorable intentions.”
He sat in that one chair, still holding her hand. “Not too dishonorable. Sit here with me so I can hold you again.” He drew her closer, then down so she sat on his lap. “We have many things to talk about, Caroline.”
“What things?”
“My next few days here, mostly.”
His last days here, he meant. She kept her expression steady, but that arm embracing her and that face so close to hers almost defeated her. The truth about Amelia had cut two ways. On one edge was relief that Caroline would not have to see the man she loved marry her sister. On the other edge was sadness that he had no reason to remain here now.
“I have them all planned if you are agreeable to my thinking,” he said. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Mrs. Hoover can start her cake. Jason and I will go hunting for Christmas dinner. You and Tom and Amelia can take the wagon to the woods and bring back some boughs of greenery.”
She had to smile at the thoroughness of his plan. “It will be a wonderfully festive celebration.”
“I think so. That will be the next day when we will all eat, drink, and be merry. The day after is the servants’ day off. Unless the household is to lack washing water and fuel and warm food, those who are not servants will have to serve. That means Amelia and I will be servants to the rest of you.”
“Amelia won’t like that. She will think I should be a servant, too.”
“You have served her and this legacy plenty. She will do it. Trust me.”
He seemed very sure about that. She wondered what had been said while she listened at the keyhole.
“Then the next day,” he began, then paused.
She waited for the rest.Then the next day I will have to leave.
“The next day, it is my turn to abduct you. We will make a little journey to Scotland, as you always intended. Only you and I will wed, not Amelia.”
She gazed down at him in the stillness. He gazed back, right into her eyes. Waiting. Searching.
“I am no great prize, I know,” he said. “Other than my title I have little to offer except a reputation that will embarrass you and more debts than are decent. However, you have stolen my heart, Caroline, and given me more happiness and purpose these last days than I ever thought to know. I must at least try to convince you to be mine.” He slid his hand behind her neck and pressed just enough to bring her lips to his. He showed the kind of convincing he had in mind.
She could have answered his proposal right then. The words were in her head. The warmth of that kiss undid her, however. Words became unnecessary. Intrusive. She accepted how the sweetness turned passionate, then almost desperate. She welcomed the way her blood sizzled and coursed down her center.
He nuzzled at her ear while he caressed down her side. “We will wait if you want, but I—”
“I don’t want to wait.”
