Page 61 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
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Elliot pulled Charlotte closer to him. She fit perfectly against his side. A bit too perfectly. Although, the time had probably come for him to make up his mind.
Did he want to put aside his suspicions that Charlotte was hiding something, and jump in with both feet? Lying in bed in her house had given him thoughts not too easily dismissed. She’d nursed him diligently and had even visited him in the middle of the night in her nightclothes when his fever was high.
He’d been uneasy since his fever had ended, because now every time she came near him, he wanted to grab her by the waist, and haul her on top of his frustrated body.
The carriage paused just inside the gates to the park. Charlotte pulled away and fussed with her clothing. Bones opened the door, and Elliot stepped out, turning to help her out of the coach. A slight breeze picked up her skirts, giving him a glimpse of her half boots and part of her lovely leg.
Bloody hell. His heart rate sped up, and his traitorous cock grew. Perhaps if he counted blades of grass while they took their stroll, he could bring his body under control. Not likely with the alluring Mrs. Pennyworth walking alongside him. Nevertheless, he extended his good arm. “Shall we?”
The air was perfect for a stroll. However, he kept himself fully aware of their surroundings. He had his gun tucked in his pocket and without mentioning it to Charlotte had Bones strolling behind them with his own weapon.
It was a crisp late autumn day, with fallen leaves crunching under their shoes as they walked. They headed toward the Serpentine to find several other strollers out and about, even though it was not the fashionable time for the Upper Crust to be walking and driving.
Charlotte took a deep breath, drawing his eyes to her lovely bosom, that was, unfortunately, covered by her pelisse. “Don’t you just love the fresh air, after the sultry summer weather with all the smells from the Thames?”
“Personally, I would love to leave London during the summer each year. I may one day buy a house in the country where I can spend the warmer months.” He wasn’t sure where that notion had come from because he’d never thought about leaving London before. Hopefully, this desire to buy a home in the country had nothing to do with the woman by his side, and the thought that one day he might have her for a wife. A man with a family would do better away from the nastiness of the city.
“Would you come back for the holidays?” She sounded wistful, almost as if the idea of escaping appealed to her, as well. But then again, escaping might be precisely what she had in mind, due to the recent events plaguing her.
He shook his head and grinned. “No. I hadn’t thought about that. But you’re right. Once I retired to my country home, I would be reluctant to return at all. I might find the idea of lord of the manor quite appealing.” They made a slight turn to follow the winding river, nodding at passing strollers.
“Holidays in the country would be lovely.” She stepped over a small hole dug by some sort of critter. “I sometimes believe I am not a Town woman at all.”
“Do you miss the small village you grew up in, then?”
After a slight hesitation, she said, “No,” then shook her head, and pointed to a low-lying branch on the elm tree to their left. “Oh, look at the bird. Isn’t he a lovely color?”
Nice deflection, Mrs. Pennyworth.
“Yes, lovely, indeed.” The stroll continued with him no longer questioning her. Would she open up to him if he indicated an interest in offering her marriage?
“Do you have other clients whose work has been put on hold since your injury? I know this seems quite late to ask this, but the thought only just occurred to me.”
“I have no other investigation clients at present. I have not accepted any others since I began yours. However, as I told you before, I am also a licensed solicitor, and keep an active law practice. Most of that involves reading contracts and drawing up legal papers. None of that, however, has suffered. But I will need to get back to my rooms and take care of some matters as soon as possible.”
“I see. So, I can assume you will be moving back to your home, then?” Was that a pensive tone in her question?
“No. I had considered taking up residence in your home for the purpose of bringing this to a close. However, I hadn’t expected to have it happen quite the way it did. With your permission, I will have Thomas go with me to my rooms and gather the papers I need to continue with my work.” He covered her hand with his where it rested on his arm. “I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone in the house. I’m afraid things have gotten a bit too dangerous.”
* * *
Charlotte shivered at his words,although they were true. Twice now Elliot had suffered injuries due to his connection with her.
“Are you chilly? Do you wish to return to the carriage?”
“No.” She glanced at him sideways with a smirk. “Perhaps a walk is too much for you?”
Elliot scowled. “Madam, I assure you I could outwalk you, outrun you, and out…” He grinned. “Never mind.”
“What?”
He leaned in close. “Are you sure you want to know how I can outlast you?”
She drew herself up, her face flushing. Damn the heat that rose due to her reaction to his evocative words. “I assure you I have no idea what you are speaking of.”
“Yes. You do. And I know you feel it too, my dear.” Lowering his voice, he said, “Let’s be honest, Charlotte. I want you in my bed. I have enough experience to know you want the same thing. Whether we act upon this attraction or not, denying it is of no use.”
