Page 27
“She is a very accomplished steward,” he said diplomatically.
“She is also a woman. Something I understand you weren’t aware of. You are untroubled by that?”
Rafe stifled his snort. Untroubled? He was bloody elated. Miss Dawson was a gift to get him through this visit; one he probably didn’t deserve. But he wasn’t asking questions; he was taking the boon when given. “I learned long ago not to underestimate women, Your Grace. They are capable of far more than men will ever give them credit for. Far more capable than men in many instances.” When that came to good…and evil.
Abigail hummed as she lifted her cup of tea to her mouth. She didn’t say anything more about Miss Dawson. But Rafe didn’t like that hum.
He couldn’t deny he liked the company much more than he’d thought he would. After a half hour more of conversation and another glass of whisky, Rafe made his way back to his room to gather his things. Time for another great night’s rest on cold stone. He glanced around his bedchamber until his attention settled on the warm hearth. His throat tightened, gooseflesh dotting his skin. He’d be anything but warm here. Perhaps at some point he’d manage to sleep in his chambers, but tonight wasn’t going to be that night.
He needed the one place he felt safe.
His cave.
Her cave.
Friend
His feet pounded the earth as he sprinted like the devil was after him.
Which he was.
He didn’t stop until he reached the rock wall. He hurled himself onto the first jut, quickly scurrying across the ledge. To his safe space. Where no one could find him. He slid all the way to the fall and into the cave, just like he’d done a hundred times before.
And stopped in his tracks.
Large eyes blinked up at him. Then round cheeks bunched, and a smile spread across the young girl’s face. Golden waves escaped her two plaits. Her dress was wet and stained with dirt. “I didn’t know anyone else knew about this place.”
Her smile faded, and her brows pinched together. “Are you well? You’re shaking.” She popped up, and before he knew what was happening, she was tugging him to sit against the back of the cave. The back of her hand went to his forehead, gaze scrutinizing him. “You don’t feel feverish.”
He shook his head slowly. “I’m not ill.” Just terrified. But he couldn’t admit that. Men didn’t admit that. He swallowed hard. “Just cold.”
She scooted closer until her shoulder and hip pressed against his, her smile soft and encouraging. She took his hands and lifted them to her mouth, letting her breath wrap around them. “It’s not much, but it’s something.”
“Th-thank you.”
Her eyes were so large. Curious and open. He couldn’t make out their color in the shadowed cave. She had a dimple on her right cheek. He liked it. Made her appear friendly.
“I’m Tessa.” She leaned forward. “I live on the Duke’s estate,” she whispered. “But don’t let anyone know I sneak here. I’m sure it’s not allowed.”
“I’m Charlie.” The name slipped out before he even realized what he was doing. But the last thing he wanted to do was scare her away. Something pulled at him, deep in his chest. He needed to be near her, even though his eight-year-old brain didn’t understand why.
She beamed at him. “A pleasure to meet you, Charlie. I’m happy to share my cave with you. It can be our little secret.”
He tentatively returned her smile, his muscles struggling with the foreign movement. “I’d like that.”
Her smile somehow grew even larger. “I think we’re going to be good friends, Charlie.”
Friend.
He thought he’d like that quite a bit too.
12
Theo
“Have you thought any more about your Grand Tour?” Theo asked Bash as she placed a five of spades on the pile, following the lead suit Sarah had thrown down just before her.
Theo, Bash, Sarah Waters, and Leo Turner were gathered around her worktable playing a game of whist.
