He waved his fork and the roasted garlic wafted. If I had a small piece, would Moomoo know?
“Cecilia, I’m not leaving this inn unless I’m sure you’re on the coach. But you could ride with me. Plenty of room.”
Room sounded nice, and Moomoo was no respecter of personal space or redingotes. “May I answer in the morning?”
A wicked smile appeared on his lips. “Yes. Are you sure you don’t want this final piece?” He waved an inch-cut chunk on his fork. “Beefsteak is your favorite. I know you, Cecilia.”
Though the cod was good, my flesh was weak. Sorry, Moomoo. I opened my mouth and Felton stretched and put the beef to my tongue. Taking my time, I chewed heaven. “Thank you. Don’t tell my cow.”
“I won’t, my dear. Our secret.”
“Felton, thank you for the meal, but I’m so tired. The sooner I sleep, the better company I will be.”
He smiled and finished his drink. “Do you still hog the sheets? I found that an unusual thing when we wed, but the first thing I missed.”
It was the only way to stay warm in English winters. Felton was fire. I missed that too. “My lord, you’ll not have to fight for blankets once you end this marriage.”
“It was a battle worth winning.”
A frown overtook his face. He poured more claret.
“Felton?”
“We’re adults. I ceded to you that we will end our marriage. But I give no grounds on desiring you.”
My fork hit hard on my plate. The look in his eyes mirrored the one he had when I finally let him stop posing, put down the torch and knife, and come to me.
“I miss you. Miss your body like a treasure map. You were made for me to behold, to caress and discover.”
My mind was too tired to run from these memories. I should ask if we could snuggle first, get a few hours of sleep before my corsair pirate hung the Jolly Roger flag and claimed his territory.
“Watson said he was making arrangements. I wish he’d hurry.”
“He should be, Cilia.” He downed his glass and poured another. “What shall we tell the girls?”
“They know I’m coming?”
“They haven’t lost hope that I’d find you. They still think I can fix anything.”
“Felton, you were confident that I’d come with you?”
“You’re loyal to Tramel. The bond you two have formed is very strong. I knew Tramel would get his last wish.”
“His last wish would be for you two to reconcile.”
“A little hard to do that when we battle for the same thing. Only one man can win.”
Everything shone in Felton’s face—hate, love, frustration.
“Is it assured that he’ll die? No chance of recovery?” My voice sounded small, but it needed to hide when I was the cause of Felton’s pain.
“The palsy seems very bad this time.” His saddened gaze went beyond me, probably to those wishes of things being different that seemed out of reach.
This time I lifted from my seat. My arms reached for him before I could change my mind. He always had my heart when he unveiled himself.
He swallowed hard as he stood, taking me with him. “You do smell like cow.”
His laugh sounded forced, but he held on to me. “My offer to share my carriage still remains. I hear a pig may join you on the next leg. Pigs make terrible traveling companions.”
