“I suppose,” William’s mother said with a sigh. She met William’s gaze with sternness. “But I expect you to call on me at least once a week, hopefully more.”
“Of course, Mama. The house isn’t far so I plan on seeing you all as often as time will allow.” What he didn’t want to delve into right now was the part he intended Eloise to play in all this. His mother was too pleased to have her returned for him to stifle her good mood with the prospect of losing her cook for good.
But in light of the offer he meant to make Eloise, there was no doubt in his mind that she’d soon be packing her bags and relocating to his new home. The only issue now was getting her alone so they could talk privately. Seeking her out in the kitchen was obviously out.
But he knew she left the house around seven each morning in order to make it to market before getting started on breakfast. He could intercept her as he’d done by chance once before.
It was the best idea he could think of. So after finishing supper and sharing a drink with his father afterward, William retired for the evening just to make sure he wouldn’t sleep in. He was up at six the following morning, and half an hour later, he left the house and walked to the corner where he proceeded to wait.
As expected, Eloise exited through the servants’ entrance at precisely seven o’clock. Her hair was pulled back beneath the bonnet she wore. Her gown was a stark shade of midnight blue, her expression more somber than he’d ever seen it before.
William’s chest tightened. He didn’t approach but waited for her to reach him before he stepped away from the building and made her aware of his presence. She looked up, her gaze met his, and William’s soul wept in response to the pain he saw there.
Without even thinking, without so much as one word spoken between them, he pulled her into his arms and just held her. No one else was about. The chance of being seen was almost nonexistent. And the risk was certainly worth it.
She didn’t resist, and when she eventually pulled away, she looked a little bit more like herself. “I made it there in time, thanks to you. He didn’t wake up the next morning, so if I’d delayed, I would have missed out on saying goodbye.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Eloise, but I’m glad I was able to help in some way.”
She nodded and recommenced walking. He fell into step beside her and promptly offered to carry her basket. She didn’t argue as she’d done before, which lent a comfortable sense of closeness to their walk.
“It’s actually nice to be back,” Eloise said as if this was something that had just occurred to her right now. “Cooking for your family gives me a purpose and a sense of accomplishment while offering a much needed distraction.”
“There’s a chance for something more,” William told her. He took a deep breath when she glanced up at him, her eyes wide with wonder. “If you’ll allow, I’d like to show you something before we return to Townsbridge House. It won’t take long. I promise.”
A hint of uncertainty strained her features. “I really should get back as quickly as possible.”
“And I’ll make certain you do. As soon as I’ve shared my surprise with you.”
She smiled, just enough to reveal a hint of amusement. “All right. Let’s make haste then.”
Half an hour later, after purchasing a colorful variety of fresh produce, William led Eloise up the front steps of his new home and welcomed her into the foyer. The door closed, shutting out the rest of the world and offering them the sort of privacy he’d dreamed of sharing with her for so long.
Heart racing, he set the basket aside and took her hand. “What do you think?”
Confusion filled her gaze. “It looks like a nice house.”
He grinned. “It ismyhouse. I bought it while you were away. With my father’s help, I’ll admit, but I’ve recently acquired a job at the Home Office, so I’ll cover the necessary expenses myself. In time, I hope to repay him in full.”
“How wonderful for you.” She seemed to study the space with greater interest than before. “I must say I’m impressed with your desire to be self-reliant since I’m sure you don’t need to be.”
Her happiness on his behalf was so genuine he couldn’t resist. He pulled her into his arms and gazed into her upturned face. “You inspired me to figure out what I want for myself and work toward it.”
“I did?”
“Yes,” he murmured. “You did.” He flattened his palm against her back and drew her closer still. Her floral scent filled his nostrils, intoxicating his senses. A surge of desire swept through him, tightening every muscle and filling his heart with increased yearning.
The need to taste her was too insistent. He couldn’t ignore it any longer, especially not after dropping his gaze to her parted lips and catching a glimpse of her tongue.
His mouth met hers with a sigh of pure pleasure. God, how he’d longed for this moment and heaven above if it didn’t feel perfect. Her lips were like velvet and as he deepened the kiss, he was rewarded with a taste that could only be described as wholesome goodness.
A small whimper escaped her, vibrating through him until he forgot everything besides her. She was all that mattered; her softness pressed against his harder planes, her sweet surrender as she wound her arms around his neck and met his advance, the honesty of the caress.
“You’re everything I expected and more,” he murmured while kissing his way down the side of her throat.
“William,” she sighed, his name half plea and half benediction.
“Everything will work out, Eloise.” Her skin was perfection itself, her scent so alluring he wanted to bury his nose in it forever. Eager for more, he pulled at the sleeve of her gown until he revealed the gorgeous slope of her shoulder. He pressed his mouth to her skin before working his way along the edge of her bodice. “You’ll have your dream and more – we’ll both get what we wish for. I promise.”
