He smiled at her angelic face. “I had a splendid time as well. I’m glad you were able to find your grandmother.”
“Thanks to you.” She touched his hand, and he quickly grasped her fingers. “Will you still help me find my mother?”
“Yes. I told you I would, and I always keep my promises.”
“I thank you again.” Slowly, she closed the space between them and lifted on the tips of her toes, pressing a kiss on his cheek.
Immediately, Broderick turned his face so her lips would meet with his as he slid his arms around her waist, holding her tight. Heat ignited in his chest, and he didn’t want to pull away.
Apparently, she had other thoughts, because she broke the kiss and stepped out of his embrace. Her face darkened with a deep blush.
“Good night, Broderick.”
“Good night, my queen.”
She smiled. “You know, I don’t expect you to carry out the wager for the whole week. It has been enough that you treated me this special for today. I’m quite certain it was difficult enough for you, and because of that, I won’t hold you to our wager.”
He caressed her cheek with his knuckles as he gazed into her twinkling eyes. “What if Iwantto continue?”
“Just know you don’t have to.”
“Are you trying to tell me you do not want to wear pretty dresses any longer?”
“No. I just don’t have that many gowns to wear as Lady Sarah’s companion. I haven’t made it to see a dressmaker yet. But rest assured, it has been rather fun feeling pretty today.”
He shook his head. “Emiline, you are not just pretty, you are resplendent. And it wasn’t hard for me to treat you as such, especially since you look so very lovely in the gown your grandmother gave you.” He raked his gaze over her dress once again, wishing it didn’t flatter her womanly figure so. “You were definitely made to wear gowns like this. Not plain dresses only fit for old lady’s companions.”
The sultry look in her eyes had him spellbound. Her eyes had always made him this way. He liked the way she looked upon him as if he were the most gallant man in the world.
At that moment, the front door swung open, and his uncle and aunt stood on the other side. The passionate mood quickly disappeared.
“You are back,” Henry cheered as he stepped outside and gave Emiline a hug. “Oh, child, we thought something horrid had happened to you.”
Broderick narrowed his gaze on his uncle. Why was he acting this way toward the companion? From over his uncle’s shoulder, Emiline looked at him with confusion in her eyes. Aunt Martha stood behind Henry clasping her hands against her middle, her eyes moist.
Very strange behavior from both of them.
“Uncle? Is something amiss?” Broderick asked.
Henry quickly moved away. “Uh, well… When we returned home earlier, our servants said five men came looking forsomething we had that they wanted.” He shook his head. “It wasn’t until Levi heard one of the men say Lady Sarah’s name when he realized what they wanted, and when we returned home and saw you were gone…” He paused, looking at Emiline as he laid a hand over his heart. “I thought those men might have taken you.”
“Uncle, did the stable boy not tell you she was with me?” Broderick asked. “He was the only one to see us together.”
Henry rolled his eyes. “Levi didn’t know who was with you, Broderick.”
Emiline hung her head, wringing her hands against her middle. “Forgive me, Mr. Crampton. I didn’t mean to upset you. We went riding and lost track of time, and—”
“Miss Emmie?” Broderick interrupted her, and she looked up at him. “I shall explain things to my uncle. You hurry upstairs and let Lady Sarah know that you’re all right. She is probably worried sick.”
Henry nodded. “Oh, yes. She is very distraught.”
“Excuse me, then. Good night, gentlemen.” She curtsied then entered the house.
Broderick couldn’t take his eyes off her as she gracefully floated into the main hall and up the stairs. He took a deep breath, calming himself from the passionate moment they had shared not too long ago. He expected tonight would be miserable until he could see her again. Yet his conscience dictated he couldn’t act this way around her. His life was too complicated as it was, and bringing a woman into his world would only bring heartache.
Henry shook his head and chuckled. “The girl certainly looks different wearing that fancy dress. It’s almost as if she was supposed to wear that instead of the servant’s attire.”
Broderick nodded, relieved they shared the same opinion. “I agree, Uncle.”
