Intensely aware of his warmth, his nearness, and the way his breath tickled the back of her ear as she bent to complete her task, Leonora struggled to keep from turning, from flinging her arms around him, and possibly climbing straight onto his lap. Because that would not be the least bit proper.
“I’d be happy to,” he said.
Happy to what?
Oh yes.
The marketing.
Her brain felt as if it had gone to sleep. So she finished the bow, which she had to admit looked rather perfect now, and added some appropriate distance in order to regain her ability to form logical thought. “It’s called Compton’s Produce at the moment, but perhaps another name would be better.”
His lips quirked. “I have no doubt that it would.”
She leaned back. “Are you laughing at me?”
“I would not dream of doing so.” He held his hands up as if in surrender.
“And yet you are! You think Compton’s Produce sounds ridiculous.”
“Well, it doesn’t exactly ring of elegance or quality or anything else that might compel wealthy clients to make a purchase.” The lip twitch transformed into a smile – the warm and sympathetic variety that told her he meant no insult by finding amusement in her practical name choice. “How about something along the lines of Compton’s Oasis, or since you may soon take a different name...” His hand found hers, his thumb stroking along her sensitized skin and causing her to shiver. “The Bond Street Oasis or Paradise Fruits and Flowers or, if you fancy a bit of French, Le Jardin Extraordinaire.”
Dear heaven above, the way he said that, with deep and smooth intonations, was almost too heady. Leonora swallowed and deliberately met his gaze from beneath her lashes. He’d not yet kissed her, but the opportunity to do so hadn’t been there either.
She glanced at the open doorway. Perhaps now would be a good time? Perhapsshecould kisshim? She leaned closer slowly and saw his eyes darken. Her gaze dropped to his lips, so near now it wouldn’t take more than a second for her to claim them.
“Ah! There you are,” Caroline said as she entered the room.
Leonora jolted backward, causing her chair to rock until she was perilously close to falling from her seat and onto the floor. Philip steadied her with the swiftness of a man whose reflexes were much to be admired. His one hand caught her chair while the other latched onto her wrist, bringing both her and the chair to an upright position.
“Are you all right?” he asked with serious concern. When she nodded, he scowled, and it occurred to Leonora then that he cared more about her than she would have thought. He did not approve of Caroline’s interruption or of the risk it had placed on Leonora’s wellbeing.
She hastened to smile. “No need to worry. I’m perfectly fine.”
His scowl eased into a frown before gradually fading, but his hand remained at her wrist, discreetly behind the back of the chair so Caroline wouldn’t see.
“This garland is incredible,” Caroline said as she came to admire their work. “I cannot wait to see what it looks like once it’s been hung.”
“It’s just the first of five we plan on making,” Leonora told her. “And once they’re all complete, we have in mind some paper cones for sweetmeats and nuts.”
“Will there be mistletoe too?” The mischief in Caroline’s eyes erased all remaining question about her hoping Leonora and Philip would soon form a match.
“We didn’t find any yet, but perhaps we should go and have another look.”
“Oh. Do,” Caroline insisted. “And don’t forget the baskets for the tenants. Cook has produced some preserves that can be added, along with some plum pudding, smoked ham, cheese, and chestnuts.”
“We’ll start working on it as soon we’re done here,” Leonora assured her. And then, just to tease her, she added, “I trust you’ll be helping?”
Caroline’s eyes widened. “Oh...um...I actually have to give Lucy a bath.”
“And then?” Leonora pressed while appreciating the warmth from Philip’s hand where it still circled her wrist.
“Then there is correspondence.”
“What about Lockwood?” Philip asked. “I haven’t seen him at all since dinner last night.”
“Ah...we...” Caroline cleared her throat. “He has been very busy with his ledgers, and once he is done with those, he will most likely want to help me.”
“With your correspondence,” Leonora said, just to be clear.
