Page 36 of The Baron Takes a Bet
The word “wife” seemed to catch everyone by surprise. Holly glared at him but refused to speak. Katrina, who had appeared hopeful that a conversation might evolve, looked defeated as Gavin sat back. She settled back in her seat and stared out the window as the skies turned darker. Two hours later, the driver was calling out, and Gavin peered out the window.
“We’re here,” he said, glancing up at the building. Fat droplets rained down, distorting the warm, cheerful glow of the inn. The number of carriages and horses Gavin saw outside the building made him wonder if they weren’t the only ones wishing to reach London early. “And the storm hasn’t let up.” He turned to Holly. “Best cover your heads with your shawls.”
Holly nodded tightly and turned to her sister and Violet, who were rearranging their coverings. As quickly as they could, Gavin hopped out of the carriage, helped all three ladies down, and hurried them across the courtyard to the safety of the overhanging roof. Gavin followed but slipped and fell flat onto his front on the muddy ground.
“Oh dear!” he heard Holly say as he cursed silently. Standing back up, he tried to wipe his muddy hands onto his jacket, but it proved a poor idea as the entire front of his body was covered in mud.
Holly gave him a sorrowful grimace, but she turned back towards the door, and they all stepped into the cozy tavern room.
The interior was abuzz with the lively conversation and noises of any well-run inn. Silverware clanged together, and plates and glassware rattled and clanked against rough wood tabletops as patrons were served their meals. The soft yellow hues of the oil lamps set the room in a cheerful glow. The scent of roast chicken, potatoes, and herbs filled the air as they walked along the edge of the room. Several travelers stopped mid-conversation to watch them walk by. Two men, in particular, watched the ladies far too intently for Gavin’s liking.
Glaring at the men, Gavin escorted Holly, Katrina, and Violet to the barman.
“Rooms, sir?” the white-haired man asked cheerfully. “I’m sorry, but I cannot fit another tonight.”
“I’ve reservations,” Gavin said, earning him a surprised glance from Holly. “Bairnsdale. And I’ll require a bath brought up to my room, obviously.”
“Hmm, of course, sir,” the short man said, staring at the mess that was Gavin’s outfit before leafing through the pages of his leather-bound ledger. “Aye, here we are. Two rooms, one night.” He cupped his hand around his mouth. “Molly! Show these guests to rooms one and two.” He faced Gavin once more. “My wife will show you upstairs.”
“Thank you,” Gavin nodded as he raised his hands, effectively herding Holly, her sister, and Violet through the busy tavern again.
Their driver had come in from the rain, carrying two valises under his arms and another two in each hand. He met them at the bottom of the steps leading up to the second floor, where the innkeeper’s short, plump wife stood, waiting for them with a wide smile.
“This way, my lord,” she said, gripping her skirts as she climbed the wooden staircase.
Upon reaching the top landing, the woman reached for the first door on her left.
“Here’s the lord and lady’s room,” she said before taking another step to open the next door. The driver placed Gavin and Holly’s bags in their room. “And one for the young ladies.”
Gavin noticed that Holly’s back went rigid as Katrina and Violet moved toward the second room. He had intended for Holly and her sister to share. They had kept separate rooms in Kingston House, and it hadn’t even occurred to Gavin that they would require more than two rooms since Violet had joined theircompany. If possible, he would have secured another room at that moment. But the innkeeper had just explained that no more rooms were available.
His jaw clenched. They would just have to push through it. It was only one night, after all.
“Thank you,” Gavin said stiffly to the innkeeper’s wife. “Might we have some trays of food brought up?”
“Of course, my lord,” the woman said before turning and rushing off.
Holly looked at Katrina. “You will be alright?”
“Yes. Good night,” she said, with an exaggerated yawn, just as their driver came out of the room and followed the innkeeper’s wife down the staircase.
“Yes, good night,” Holly said, entering the first room.
Gavin followed, closing the door behind him.
At first, neither moved, seeming unsure how to go on, but after a moment of breathing to steady his erratic pulse, Gavin walked towards the fireplace, taking off his jacket as he did.
“What are you doing?” Holly asked suddenly.
He paused and turned to face her.
“Undressing.”
“Why?”
“I don’t suppose you think I should be dressed for my bath.”
“You’re planning to bathe? In here?”
