The steady drumming of the rain above them matched her heartbeat, but in time, both slowed. She realized she was quitewarm and content, but they couldn’t doze the way she was desperate to.
So with a sigh, she pushed herself upright, causing his hands to fall to her hips. In the light from the lamp, she saw his wry smile…and something in his eyes.
She sucked in a breath and jabbed at his chest with one finger. “You do not regret this, do you?”
“What?” He seemed genuinely surprised. “Nay! Olive, ye…”
He pushed himself up on his elbows, then as she scooted backward, he sat upright. It was only then she realized he was still wearing his boots, with his trousers and smalls tangled around his knees. Before she could snicker about that, he was reaching for her, pulling her against him and tucking her head protectively beneath his chin.
“I will never regret this, Olive.” He blew out a breath. “I just wish the timing had been better.”
Outside, the rain was stopping; the thunder a distant rumble to the west. Olive knew soon she’d have to untangle herself from him and find her clothing once more and face the world.
But she didn’t want to.
This had been an adventure. Not the combat archaeology adventure she’d always dreamed of sharing with Aberdeen Jones, but somethingbetter. An adventure she’d shared with Phineas Oliphant, and she never wanted it to end.
But it would have to, wouldn’t it?
Damn.
“I think the timing was fairly perfect, myself,” she managed in a prim voice, which didn’t betray the way her heart was already aching at the thought of going back to reality.
He gave a weak laugh, then lifted her up and away from him, beginning the process of returning to Dumpkins Estate and their rightful roles.
It was as if they both understood this had been a one-time interlude, something which couldn’t be repeated. Now that they’d determined the excavation was a bust, they wouldn’t have the excuse to be alone together again.
But surely there’d be other times, other opportunities? They had the rest of the summer after all.
No. This was our grand adventure. I know it.
Thesphaerawas lost to history, but she’d experienced ecstasy with the man she loved. That had to be worth something.
When they were dressed once more—her blouse and skirts now merely “wet” instead of “uncomfortably soaked” and her stockings and drawers damp from the rain, not from anything more exciting—Phineas escorted her from the small shed.
Without speaking, he draped his jacket around her shoulders, and now that she was dressed—and wet—once more, she was pleased for the relative warmth. She shoved her hands in the pockets and felt something crinkle but didn’t think anything of it.
No, she was too busy watching the way his lips quirked when he offered his arm.
As they turned toward Dumpkins Manor, leaving their failure of an excavation behind them, Olive couldn’t help mourning what she’d lost.
Because there was something telling her she’d never experience any of this again.
