Page 85 of A Winter Scandal

“I am so sorry.”

Gabriel sighed and sank down into the nearest chair. “Either she is too well hidden for me to find or she is not here.”

“What will you do now?”

“I have to keep looking for her. I gave up too easily before. It occurred to me that perhaps Jocelyn is not here. What if she left the baby here, then went to one of the other villages near here? Maybe she only sent Hannah over here the other day to see what she could find out about the baby. For all I know, Jocelyn has been in some other town this whole time, and she just sent Hannah to Chesley with the baby. Maybe Jocelyn was never at the ruins. That would seem more like the girl I knew.”

“Do you think she could be waiting to see how you receive Matthew before she comes here herself?”

“I would like to think she will come home, but I cannot count on it. In any case, I must explore farther afield.”

“Perhaps I could drive with you to Nyebourne, as we did to Bynford.”

He turned to her, his eyes heating. “I thought about it. I even considered borrowing Lady Wofford’s closed carriage, so you and I could ride together inside, closed off from all eyes.”

“Gabriel!” Thea could not help but smile even as her voice registered shock. Just the thought of what could happen inside a closed vehicle with Gabriel was enough to start a coil of warmth deep in her abdomen.

“What?” He widened his eyes innocently. “Surely you don’t think I meant to propose anything shocking or improper? Miss Bainbridge, I do believe it was your mind that immediately went to the possibility of something lewd transpiring in Lady Wofford’s carriage.”

“Me?” Thea laughed. “It was you! I could see what you intended in your eyes.”

“Miss Bainbridge, really …” He assumed a pious face. “You are imputing your own wicked thoughts to me. Whatever did you think we might do in a carriage, all alone?”

He reached out and took her hands, pulling her up and over onto his lap.

“Gabriel!” Thea cried out in protest as she wriggled and twisted, shoving halfheartedly at the arm he clamped across her waist to hold her down. “Someone might come in.”

“You just said your brother was not here.” He interspersed his words with kisses up the side of her neck. “And I’ll warrant it’s too late for Mrs. Brewster to still be about.” He seemed fascinated now by her ear, kissing and nibbling at it while his hand began to roam over her breasts.

“But … um …” Thea lost the train of her thoughts as his fingers began to circle her nipple in a most interesting way. “Oh, Gabriel.”

She could feel his breath on her skin as he chuckled, and it sent more shivers through her. His tongue traced the curves of her ear, and his hand slipped down to bunch up her skirts and slide beneath them, his fingers trailing up the inside of her thigh. He let out a low sound as he found the hot secret center of her, already damp with desire.

“Thea …” He breathed her name, burying his face in the juncture of her neck and shoulder. “I would like so much to take you with me. I dare swear we would have no rest the entire trip. And we could partake of a long lunch at the inn.”

His fingers stroked her gently, almost lazily, as he talked, sending shudders of unabashed hunger through her. Thea moved instinctively against him, and she felt him harden beneath her. She thought about turning and sitting astride him, imagining his reaction if she did.

From upstairs came the sound of footsteps, and Thea let out a groan of frustration.

“Lolly. Lolly is here with Matthew. And, of course, Peter, the footman you sent over.”

“Blast. We could lock the door.”

“It doesn’t lock,” Thea said regretfully. “Not to mention that it would be quite scandalous.”

Reluctantly, Gabriel released her. Thea stood up and moved away, making sure her clothes were straight and giving her cheeks time enough to cool.

“We cannot do it. Go together to Nyebourne, I mean.” Gabriel’s voice was clipped as he stood and went over to the fireplace, poking at the fire rather harder than was necessary. “Much as I would enjoy a trip with you, I cannot take the time for a leisurely journey. I need to cover as much ground as possible.”

“Of course,” Thea agreed colorlessly.

“I plan to go to all the towns around Chesley one after another. ’Twill be faster not to return home each day.”

“Oh.” Thea’s heart sank lower. “Then you will be gone several days.”

“I fear so.” The expression of regret and frustration on his face picked up Thea’s spirits a bit.

“Are you planning to return?”