“How can I not believe in you, my dear? Since I brought you to my home, you have showed me—and the others—what a wonderful, caring person you really are. Your actions do not lie when they are done selflessly.” He brushed away a few more tears.
“No, Trevor. You are the one who is so wonderful… so giving.” She lifted a hand and cupped his face. “I love your generous heart. I love your kind spirit. I love…”
His heart skipped a beat, wanting to know—praying to know—if she felt the same. “You love… what?”
She took a deep breath. “God help me, but I cannot stop myself from falling in love with you, Trevor.”
Happiness burst in his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him as he captured her mouth with his, which she met with urgency. Love blossomed inside him, and as much as he fought it, he enjoyed the newfound feeling. Not once during his marriage to Gwen had he felt such a glorious emotion that made him want to jump for joy and cheer for everyone to hear.
Still, he didn’t dare admit aloud he returned her love—didn’t dare hope for fear this new feeling would be snatched away from him like most things in his life that he’d cared for.
Keeping her in his arms, he lowered them to the sofa as he continued to kiss her. He angled them against the cushions more comfortably while he told her with his mouth and hands how he felt. He stroked her back, arms, and neck, knowing if she didn’t stop him soon, he might never stop. Yet, as she touched him—so sweet, so loving—he knew she would not be the first one to stop.
Once again, passion was in control. He didn’t mind, not really, yet he knew if they continued, he’d certainly want to take things further. He couldn’t. She was a mere servant, and until he knew her parentage, he couldn’t make love to her no matter how much he wanted to.
As he slowed the kiss, he stroked her hair and neck, then trailed his lips down her slender throat. She arched, making it easier access. Skin so soft and tantalizing was an addiction to his lips.
When he grudgingly pulled away, her eyes flitted open and her stare met his. He hadn’t realized until now that he’d pushed her back to where she nearly lay beneath him on the sofa. And how could he forget she was in her nightrail and wrapper?
Smiling, she swiped back the hair that had fallen over his forehead. More than anything, he wanted to gaze into her lovely eyes so full of passion and feel her tender, sweet touch… forever.
“My dearest Louisa, I do believe we should stop for now. Don’t you?”
Dazed and breathless, she nodded. “Indeed, I think you are correct.”
“I’m very relieved you came to see me tonight. I fear I had been in turmoil since our outing, and I didn’t know what to do.” He kissed her lips again, but briefly. “You have eased my mind considerably, and I can now sleep peacefully. And happily.”
“As can I.”
Although he didn’t want to move away from the soft comfort of her body cuddled so close to his, he forced himself to stand. She took his hand and lifted herself off the sofa until she stood in front of him.
“Good night, my wonderful, sweet man.” She smiled.
“And sleep tight, my lovely lady.” He kissed her one last time before walking her to the door. From that point, he watched her leave down the hall, her nightrail and wrapper swishing against her legs. He longed for the time she would regain her memory so he would know exactly how to act around her, and whether or not to fully give her his heart.
*
Louisa couldn’t believethe good fortune that had fallen at her feet of late. Thankfully, she didn’t recall a lot about her past, but her life was finally happy. Complete. If she never regained her memory, she would be satisfied with that, as long as Trevor and the twins were forever in her life.
Perhaps she shouldn’t have told him she loved him last night, but she couldn’t stop the words from flowing. She did love him, and she’d never experienced such an emotion before—that she knew about, anyway. Yet her heart told her this was the first time.
Today when she played with the children outside, Trevor joined them. Louisa made up silly little games, which made everyone laugh. She noticed that some of the servants stepped out of the house—or from the stables—to watch. Wide smiles stretched across their faces, which lightened Louisa’s heart. Acceptance finally filled her soul as it never had before.
She loved the closeness she shared with Trevor, and it made her feel like she finally had a family. Her heart sank a fraction of an inch. She did love Trevor and his children, but would he ever want to marry someone like her? Would he ever want the children to have a mother who had been a thief?
Hopefully, he wouldn’t judge her for her past mistakes and love her andwanther to be in his life as his wife.
After they ate the midday meal and the twins took a nap, Trevor surprised them all by announcing another trip into Town. Today they rode in the landau, but closed the top. This time, Louisa didn’t experience the judgmental stares as she had before. Trevor and the children played little games during their drive, and it did her heart glad to see Trevor bonding so closely with the children.
When the vehicle stopped in front of Astley’s Amphitheatre, Louisa’s heart leapt. The New Royal Circus was in town.
In a flash, a memory sprang forward. She remembered holding her mother’s hand as she and an older cousin excitedly chattered about the circus while walking toward the structure. Louisa was probably in her seventh or eighth year, yet the memory was so clear. The steps separating her from the circus were many and her mother practically had to run beside Louisa to keep up the pace. Music played. Children cheered. Merchants sold pastries and other tasty treats for the children.
Louisa drew in a deep breath and placed her hand on Trevor’s arm before he exited the landau. When his eyes met hers, she smiled. “I have been here before.”
His eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You remember?”
“Yes. I was young. My parents brought me and my older cousin here.”
