Page 63 of Reforming Lord Neil

“Thank you for that respite,” Teresa said when she stepped out of the carriage. “I feel more myself now. I hope it was not too uncomfortable for you.”

“Not in the least.” Neil tucked her hand through his arm and took her into the inn. “I would gladly offer you such a service again, though I cannot see another occasion for it in our future.”

Our future. How he wanted one with her.

The innkeeper bowed to them when they entered. “Good afternoon, sir. What might you and your wife be needing?”

Neil’s heart skipped almost joyfully. He did not correct the man’s assumption. What did it matter? “A table, some sandwiches, and tea.”

“Of course.”

“In a private room, if you have one,” Teresa added, taking Neil aback. He raised his eyebrows at her, but she kept her gaze upon the innkeeper. “And food for our driver and groom, please.”

“Yes, we will certainly see to their needs.”

Neil took coins from his pocket before Teresa could offer up payment. She appeared surprised, but then smiled at him. They were shown upstairs, to a room with a table, chairs, and a large window. A small parlor, perfect for two.

When the man withdrew to see about their meal, Teresa took her gloves off and laid them upon her lap. She raised her dark eyebrows at him. “So are we Mr. and Mrs. Duncan for now?” She placed her hands upon the table, as though to smooth the tablecloth.

His heart leaped. Why not for always?

“I did not hear any objections downstairs.” He took off his own gloves and sat across the table from her. Then Neil held his hand out, palm up. Preparing to make a point. Not really to reach for her. When she slid her bare hand into his, Neil’s throat tightened. Her smile was sweet, happy, and lovely. It made his head feel light.

“Neil?” Her smile slowly turned into a frown. “Are you unwell?”

He shook his head and looked down to where he held her hand, running his thumb across her skin. “I am the most happy and content I have ever been. Because of you.” He laughed, though the sound was almost choked. “I am not a good man, Teresa. Though I have had a go at reforming myself for a little time now, there is much that needs improvement still.”

“I think we might all say the same.” She squeezed his hand. “From what you have said about your life before, even about your history with Lord and Lady Inglewood, I have a very difficult time imagining such a man. That man sounds like an absolute scoundrel. You, my wonderful friend, have only a little of the scoundrel in you.”

Neil ducked his head, looking down at their joined hands rather than her gentle gray eyes. “You tease me.”

“Yes.” She sounded amused. “Do you object?”

“No. I rather like it.”

A knock on the door meant releasing her, and he called for the person to enter. A maid came in, wearing a clean apron and bearing a tea tray. The innkeeper came behind her with sandwiches and cakes upon a platter. After the man assured Neil that the coachmen were attended to, he left, closing the door behind them.

“Why is it that traveling always makes one hungry?” Teresa asked, pouring tea for both of them. She prepared his cup perfectly, then passed it to him upon a saucer. “I feel I could eat all these cakes myself.”

With so simple an interruption, the entire tone of the conversation had changed. Leaving Neil to wonder if he had lost his chance. Or if he had ever had one to begin with.

Chapter Twenty-Six

September slipped into October, and Neil was no nearer an answer for his future than before. He had a routine that kept him busy. Every day for the last week, since returning from Ipswich, he woke up at dawn and fed the animals. He cleaned the barn. Listened to Caroline speak French while he worked and she played with Muse and the kitten. The dog had finally grown comfortable enough to bark in her play, and chase her tail from time to time to make Caroline giggle.

One evening, he sat at the table after Caroline had gone to bed. Mrs. Godwin and Teresa had a notebook between them.

“This coming winter will not be terrible, even if we did not have your funds,” Mrs. Godwin said to her daughter. “There are enough stores put aside for food, the roof is repaired, and Mr. Duncan has the barn nearly ready. We only need to purchase our hay and grains for Abigail and Dragon.” Caroline had finally named the horse, during Neil and her mother’s absence. He hadn’t objected to the naming at all, though it smarted him to think of removing the christened animal from the little girl’s sphere.

“The first payment will arrive next week, according to the letter from Lord Inglewood’s solicitor.” Teresa made a notation in her book. “But I agree. Winter is not so frightening as it was a few months ago.” She looked up at Neil, catching his eye and smiling warmly. “Thanks to our wonderful laborer.”

He chuckled and looked down into his cup of cider. “I am grateful my inexperienced work has been enough.”

“You have been a blessing,” Mrs. Godwin said firmly. “With winter coming, however, things must change. I spoke to Teresa of some rather important news this afternoon.” Mrs. Godwin looked to her daughter, and Neil saw Teresa’s smile broaden, almost unnaturally wide. Whatever the news was, Teresa was pretending more happiness about it than she felt.

“What needs to change?” Neil asked. Perhaps she spoke of his sleeping arrangements. The barn would not be too cold, though he would certainly need more blankets.

“Mother is to be married,” Teresa said, grasping her mother’s hand. She kept her eyes lowered to the table. “The vicar will read the banns himself, this coming Sunday.”