Maxey walked offthe ship with her arm hooked through Nash’s like a grand lady. The rich silk of her black and white dress made her feel like royalty. She sauntered proudly, knowing the square neck of the bodice gently enhanced her bosom. Feeling very feminine, she lifted her bonneted head as the wind blew the few carefully coiffed ringlets she left hanging by her ears.
Through the crowded docks at the port, she held herself erect as she glided beside the most perfect-looking man she had ever met. She glanced at Nash and studied him closely. For somebody who wasn’t trying to be noticed, he didn’t accomplish that feat very well. He was more handsome than anyone man she had met, and judging from the way he turned heads, other ladies agreed with Maxey. Clean-shaven now, he emanated more magnetism than she had seen before.
Black trousers hugged his legs, outlining their muscular build. The dark fabric of his coat pulled tightly across his broad chest, and the crisp white linen of his shirt made him as regal as a prince. His hair had grown slightly longer, and now fell to his collar in beautiful black waves. But this only enhanced his glory and made her proud to be the woman on his arm. Unfortunately, she would lose that privilege by this afternoon.
Nash hailed a fancy carriage to take them and their trunks to the nearest inn. As Maxey sat waiting inside the vehicle, she looked out the window and admired the scenery. The land was greener than she remembered from childhood. Tall, full trees and shrubbery decorated almost every building. Ancient-looking structures made her gasp, and she yearned to take a stroll through each and every building, walk on every cobbled path, and lift up her skirts and race through the distant forest that stretched for miles. Immediately, she fell in love with the town of her birth.
The carriage shifted as Nash climbed inside, and once the door closed, the vehicle lunged forward into a steady ride. Nash looked at her and smiled. Immediately, her heart ached with sorrow. Would she ever feel happy about their parting and knowing she would return home soon?
“Well? What do you think of Devonshire?” he asked. “You told me you haven’t been here for quite some time.”
“It’s lovelier than I remember. There are so many more houses and buildings. It’s unfortunate you won’t be able to take me on a tour. I would really like to see more.”
He patted her gloved hands folded on her lap. “Perhaps another time.”
“If I’m ever back in Devonshire, I will call upon you,” she snapped, turning her attention out the window, determined to remain quiet for the short ride to the inn.
When Nash registered them under Mr. and Mrs. Black, she tried not to appear shocked. Why hadn’t he used a different name instead of the one people called him on the ship?
Nash was friendly to the porters who helped carry their trunks to their room, and he tipped the servants very well. One porter spoke only Spanish and was quite surprised when Nash answered him in his native tongue. The porter sneaked a peek her way and said something she couldn’t understand. Nash chuckled and replied with a touch of humor in his voice.
Maxey arched a brow. What were they talking about, and why did Nash laugh when he looked at her?
After the door closed and they were alone, Nash sighed heavily and sank against the wall. His gaze moved to her, and he smiled.
“What was that all about?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
“The conversation you had with the porter.”
He grinned, making her stomach do flip-flops. “He said that your hair resembles wheat fields at harvest time on a bright, sunny morning.”
“I suppose, from being in the sun, my hair is lighter than before.”
“It is. The porter also said it is a rare pleasure to see such beauty. I agreed, since I think you are the loveliest woman I have ever met.”
She shrugged. “Then he needs to get out more. So do you.”
“Here at the docks, it is rare to see a woman whose beauty outshines the sun. Perhaps it is a good thing you are leaving. My uncle would be able to spot you immediately, and I would definitely have to keep my eyes on you every second of the day.”
“Thank heavens I’m leaving this afternoon, then,” she mumbled.
He took a deep breath and released it slowly then slipped off his overcoat and draped it on the back of a chair. “I think we managed to leave the ship without any problems. You definitely make a beautifully regal lady.”
“I thank you for purchasing this gown. I have never owned anything so fancy,” she said without feeling as she yanked off her bonnet. “And as always, you turned out an excellent performance of a gentleman of nobility. Many women turned to watch you as you passed by.”
She sat at the small vanity and peered into the mirror. Her lips were pulled tight, and sadness had taken the spark out of her eyes. It hurt to know Nash insisted on sending her home, and she wanted to lash out at him and make him feel her pain.
She yanked out the pins holding her hair in place. As each one clinked on the table, her rage intensified. Once they were all out, her hair plummeted down her back and shoulders. She plucked at the styled curls around her face, loosening them in the process.
Nash walked behind her and stopped. Meeting her eyes in the mirror, he removed his cravat and laid it on the top of the table. “Why are you straightening your hair?”
“Since I need to look like a boy soon, I need to prepare for that role. Of course, without donning the cabin boy’s clothes, I will always look like a woman.”
Nodding, he touched one of the curls by her ear. “When I first saw you sitting in the balcony box at the opera, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever beheld.” His hand dropped to her shoulder and caressed the small amount of skin exposed around her neck. “Then, when you reappeared night after night for seven days, I could not wait to meet you. During the scenes, I peered through the stage curtains at you. I could not get enough of your beauty.” He stroked her cheek. “I still cannot get enough.”
She wished he would quit making her ache with his tender words. “Yes, I can tell.” She laced her words with ice. “That’s why you’re sending me back to where I belong at Wentworth Manor.”
