There was something about the way she spoke that gave him pause. For a second, he couldn’t help but wonder if she might be hiding something else—another reason to avoid getting married. He couldn’t seem to stop himself from being curious. “Have you ever explored the cave beyond this point?” he asked, deciding to change the subject for now.
Her expression relaxed, as did her posture. “No. I did not think that it would be wise to do so alone.”
He almost laughed, stopping himself at the last moment. “I see,” he said as he went to fetch his lantern. Returning with it, he passed the spot where she stood and swung the light around. “There appears to be a small decline over here that continues down toward another level deeper underground.” The adventurer inside him called out and he turned back to face her. “Is there any chance that you might like to explore it with me tomorrow afternoon?”
“I would have to find a reasonable excuse to be absent from Thorncliff.”
“Perhaps after dinner then? You could feign a headache.” He held his breath, realizing how eager he was for her to say yes.
She nodded once. “I think I would enjoy that.” Her tone held a great deal of thought to it and then her eyes lit with excitement. “Perhaps we will find something wonderful.”
“Like skeletons and pirate treasure?”
She scrunched her nose in the most adorable way. “The treasure would not be so bad, but skeletons?” A visible shudder raked along her spine.
“They will not hurt you, you know.”
She gave him a look of distinct displeasure. “That certainly is a comforting thought.”
“You need not worry,” he said as he moved toward her, bathing her in the light of his lantern. “I will be there to protect you.”
“Another comforting thought,” she said, her words dancing through the darkness, carrying with them a secret confession that immediately stirred his blood.
Reaching out, he trailed his thumb along her jawline, his breath escaping him as she swayed toward him, eyes closing on a sigh of pleasure. “Mary.” He spoke her name with reverence, foregoing the honorific without even thinking; loving the way it curled over his tongue.
Unrest churned around his stomach, like a storm rising upon the horizon, drawing nearer with every aching beat of his heart. His thumb continued across the soft ridge of her cheekbone, toward her ear where a strand of hair had come undone. Tucking it back in place, he noted her shallow breaths and became conscious of his own.If only...There were a million ways in which he might finish that wish. “It is late,” he said, dropping his hand to his side. “I should get you back to the house.”
“It is unlikely that anyone will notice my absence.”
“Nevertheless, I insist. We can come back tomorrow at a more reasonable hour. As we discussed.” He offered her his arm, which she thankfully accepted after a brief hesitation. But when he moved to escort her out of the cave, she failed to follow, effectively halting his progress. He looked down at her. “What is it?”
“It is just...” She bit her lip and looked away, took a breath and tried again by saying, “Forgive me, but I am having trouble expressing myself correctly.”
“Take your time.” He placed his hand over her arm, hoping to offer support and courage—curious about what she might say.
Hesitantly, she met his gaze, concern and sincerity blending in her eyes like a pair of puddles flowing together. The effect was one of complete vulnerability, tightening his chest until he felt his heart squeeze. “Am I imagining it, or is there more between us than just a cordial acquaintanceship?”
He stilled, fearing the fragility of the moment. “You wish to know if I am attracted to you.” His pulse leapt with anticipation the moment she nodded her response.
“Are you?”
God yes!
“I enjoy your company a great deal,” he said, afraid of where his honesty might lead.
She winced. “That does not tell me much, considering how little company you have had for the past few years. I daresay any conversation would be welcome.”
“You may be correct.” Her face fell. “But I doubt that anyone else would be able to sing as well as you.” Fear stopped him from mentioning her looks, how beautiful he found her or how desperately he wanted to kiss her.
“Is that all?” Hope clung to her voice.
“No. But it must suffice for now.”
She stared back at him. “I am sorry to hear you say that.”
“Why?” He could not help but ask—could not help but hope, just as he’d done from the very first moment he’d seen her—in spite of everything. The odds against them were enough to discourage the most determined of men.
A crease appeared upon her brow. “Because although we have known each other for only a brief time, I rather imagined that you were tempted to kiss me before.”
