“But—”
“This opportunity you’ve been given to further your career is too important for you to pass up.”
Marcus’s insides twisted in protest. “Louise, I can always go later.”
“What I propose is for us to go together. We’re already headed for Dover, so why not continue our journey and marry in Germany with Hannah and Von Gräfe as witnesses?
A grin pulled at his lips. “I think that would be a fantastic idea.”
“Then it’s settled?”
“Yes,” he told her as he urged the horse into a faster pace. “It’s settled.”
It was impossible for Louise to recall a time when she’d been happier. She’d been rescued by the man she loved and was now engaged to be married to him. The world seemed brighter for it - especially now that he’d helped her purchase a new pair of spectacles. They weren’t as good as her previous pair since the lenses were of equal thickness and therefore did little to help her left eye, on which her vision had still not improved, but at least she could see with her right one now.
Sitting at the table they’d acquired in the busy Goose and Gander taproom after arriving in Dover, Louise sipped her wine while waiting for Marcus to join her. It had been an eventful day. What she needed most of all right now was a bath. The desire to wash away every lingering trace of her ordeal with Mitch and Oswald nearly compelled her to scratch at her skin. According to the constable and magistrate, Marcus would not face charges for killing Mitch in self-defense while Oswald would be locked away until his sentencing.
Still, Louise had plenty of reason to worry. Hannah wasn’t here and after the ordeal Louise had been through, she worried her maid might have suffered a similar fate, though Marcus had said it was unlikely. Rather, he’d suggested the carriage Hannah was on had been delayed on account of the rain, in which case it would have stopped for the night somewhere along the road. Louise prayed this was the case and it eased her mind when Marcus assured her they’d ride out in search of Hannah’s carriage in the morning if she still hadn’t shown up by then.
“I’ve booked two rooms and asked for baths to be readied,” Marcus said when he returned. He slid into the seat opposite hers and drank his ale. “One of the supper rooms has been reserved for eight o’clock, so we’ll eat once we’ve gotten cleaned up.”
“Oh.” She clutched her glass and did her best to relax. There was nothing she could do about Hannah’s absence at present.
He tilted his head and gave her a studious look. “You don’t sound as pleased as I’d expected. Something you disagree with?”
“No, no. Everything’s fine. Thank you for making these arrangements. I’m grateful. Truly.”
He frowned, then reached for her hand. “Would you like me to ride out and search for Hannah so you can be assured of her safety? Would that help?”
His willingness to suffer discomfort and possibly risk life and limb on a dark country road on her account was equally comforting and alarming. She shook her head. “No. I’m sure it’s as you suggest. The likelihood of two accidents happening on the same road a few hours apart is slim. Isn’t it?”
“I think so.” The edge of his mouth quirked. Long steady fingers wove between hers. “The bath followed by supper will help you feel more like yourself.”
She managed an uncertain nod. “I’m sure you’re right.”
“There’s something else. Isn’t there?”
“No.” How could she possibly tell him what she needed most?
A frown stole across his brow. He looked less than convinced. “Louise, I want you to be honest with me at all times. If you prefer to eat in your room after your bath or you’d rather take a bath later because you’re hungry right now, then all you need do is tell me.”
“It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?” He studied her with deep curiosity.
Louise’s cheeks began warming with shy awareness. More wine. That’s what she needed. She took another sip - a larger one this time. She did not want to lie to him or push him away, she wanted to tell him how she felt, but hadn’t a clue how to start.
Finally, when she could bear the expectant silence between them no more, she tried. “I was actually hoping we...um...”
God help her, she sounded an absolute ninny.
Eyes sparkling with humor yet soft with a deep sense of sympathy, Marcus smiled at her with infinite fondness. “Yes?”
Louise cleared her throat and took a deep breath. “In light of our new agreement, our betrothal, that is, I thought we might…”
“What?” he asked when she waved one hand in the hope of not having to actually speak her mind in full.
“Share a room,” she finally whispered. Honestly, the very idea of being parted from him again for any length of time, even with him in the same building, put her in a state of panic. Especially after today. She needed to be with him more than ever – craved the connection she sensed they would share as they came together as one.
