“I want to find my mother.”
“Of course you do.” He winked.
“Will you help me?”
His expression wavered between panic and confusion as silence hung thick in the air. She waited for him to tell her he couldn’t help her, but the longer he stared, the softer his gaze became.
“Yes, of course.”
“Even if it means going to Brighton with me? I recall you saying how much you loathe places like that.”
He chuckled lightly, sat on the edge of the bed, and took her hands loosely in his. “I cannot believe you remembered that. But yes, I will go with you.”
She smiled. “Thank you. You are such an exceptional man. You may not be of noble birth, but your actions show you should be.”
Broderick’s expression changed slightly. His eyes turned darker—just the way she liked them—as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. His gaze held hers captive even as he lowered his head and placed his lips on hers.The kiss started out soft, but when sparks ignited inside her, she clung to his shoulders and answered his passionate kiss.
This was what she needed. This would help her feel better again. He definitely knew how to kiss a woman to make her swoon, because dizziness was assailing her quickly.
She participated fully in the kiss. With every breath, she seemed to draw closer to his body. She loved sliding her palms over his muscular shoulders and threading her fingers through his thick hair.
Although she took pleasure in kissing him, she knew she shouldn’t. Nothing could ever become of her love if she chose to give her heart to him. Her father would definitely not approve of the match.
Emmie slowed the kiss before pulling away and gazing into his eyes. They were so dreamy they made her knees weak. “As much as I would love to stay and continue this, I need to find Georgia.”
“What for?” he asked, his voice deeper than she’d ever heard.
Heat bathed her face. “Uh… womanly needs.”
Chuckling, he withdrew and stood. “Then, by all means, go find Georgia.”
Embarrassment washed over her, yet Broderick didn’t seem to mind. As she moved toward the door, he kept his heated stare on her until she walked out of the room.
The house was remarkably quiet as Emmie glided downstairs to the first floor. In the front room, the roaring fire in the hearth warmed the air considerably. Daring to go further into the house, she moved to the next room and walked through the archway. The dining room remained empty, too, but as she turned to leave, a clanking of pots came from the adjoining room.
She opened the door and peeked inside. Georgia stood in front of the stove with a white apron pinned to her bodice. The older woman turned and looked her way.
Automatically, a friendly smile claimed her face. “Good morning, Emiline, dear.”
“Good morning, Georgia.” Emmie moved into the kitchen more. “Forgive me for disturbing you, but I wonder where you have placed my clothes.”
“Amy is just finishing with them. She will bring them to your room when they are ready.”
“Amy?”
“She is a lady who helps me out once in a while.” Georgia’s gaze roamed over Emmie’s face and hair, then her smile widened. “Emiline? Would you like to borrow one of my daughter’s dresses for today? I’m certain wearing a lovely gown will flatter your slender figure more than the old riding habit you had on last night.”
As much as she would like to turn Georgia down, Emmie couldn’t because she really wanted to feel like a lady today. Last night and this morning, Broderick had stirred such tender emotions inside her, and she wanted that feeling to continue. She also wanted to impress her grandmother and make her proud of what she’d turned out to be.
Emmie smiled. “As long as it’s not an inconvenience.”
“Heavens no.” Georgia set down the wooden spoon then took the pot off the stove. “Come. Let me show you where my daughter’s dresses are.” Walking past Emmie, she led her to a room on the second floor.
The room was right next to the one she’d stayed in, except it looked more feminine, decorated in pink and blue flowers. Georgia went straight to the window and pulled open the drapes, letting the sunshine through.
“This room was my youngest daughter’s. A few years ago, she married well, and so didn’t think she needed any of her clothes.” She chuckled. “Her husband buys her anything her heart desires. I worry that he is spoiling her rotten.”
She walked to an armoire and opened it to reveal several dresses. “My youngest daughter, Victoria, has the same build as you do—slender. I just thought you might like to wear something that will highlight your lovely face and eyes.”
