Page 47 of Forgotten No More

Ruby didn’t know if the questions were meant for her or if he was examining his own life out loud, but she wanted to keep him talking. Despite doing everything she could to push him away, she couldn’t deny her physical draw to the man. The street became less crowded as they neared the Haversham townhouse, straying farther from the busy section of town.

“That is much easier said than done,” she said.

“How so?”

“We have friends and family—responsibilities—that tie us to this place at this time.” It would be an overwhelming sense of relief to let everything go; not care who her father was, be away from her mother’s dictating hand, and start anew.

Harold patted her hand. “Yes, we do, but what a shame.”

“You would leave behind Lord Haversham?”

“Brock and I have a friendship that has never been location dependent. It would endure a period of separation—it has before. You would not leave Lady Haversham, even with the promise of a brighter future, knowing your paths would cross again one day?”

“I do not think anyone’s future can be guaranteed,” she said. “And how dull would that be, if it were?”

“Oh, nothing with either of us will ever be dull. We could leave now, travel to the country—maybe toward Dover—and settle in a small cottage of our own.” The excitement in his voice sent a thrill through her as well.

When had they moved from discussing their separate lives, to imagining a future together? Fighting herself every step of the way, Ruby had to admit the picture he painted sounded heavenly. In Dover, it wouldn’t matter that she was a bastard, that her mother had betrayed the man she’d adored, or that anyone could find out about any of it.

“We could raise sheep or learn to farm.”

“Oh, you could handle a flock of sheep?” She glanced at him in surprise. “And crops?”

“Of course. We can travel to London a few times a year to hock our wares. Visit with Brock and Lady Haversham, and then return to the children.”

“You do not think the children would also like to visit with the Haversham offspring?” Again, they built a life—imaginary as it was—together.

“Ah, very true.” He looked down at her then, his eyes filled with mischief. “But I would enjoy time alone with my wife, as well.”

Her cheeks warmed at his heated gaze, and she quickly looked away. “Fantasy is fine for children,” she said, already regretting the words. “We are adults, with adult responsibilities. Adult problems. Plus, we have arrived home. I’m sorry, Harold, but this is the only house we will share.”

“As you wish.” He still held her arm firmly as they climbed the steps to the house and the butler swung the door open.

They entered the main foyer and stopped, facing each other. She didn’t know what to say, still under the spell of their conversation.

“Mr. Jakeston, Lord Haversham awaits you in his study.”

“Thank you.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips and whispered, “I do hope your wishes change at some point. Have a wonderful afternoon.”

He stood straight, bowed, and headed to the study.

Meanwhile, Ruby was left open-mouthed, imagining a whole new future—if only she could let go of the past.

“Miss?” a servant asked at her side.

“Oh, yes?”

“Lady Haversham requests your attendance in her bedchamber.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes, I do believe she is being fitted for new gowns.”

Ruby pushed the thought of what could be from her mind and focused on the here and now.

Chapter 19

Harold watched her across the table, pushing her food from one side of her plate to the other, refusing to make eye contact with him. Perhaps she was preoccupied with her own thoughts. Perhaps, certain thoughts he’d put in her head only hours before.