Page 71 of House of Thorns
Chapter Nineteen
The Devil’s Tail
Nicholas arrived an hour early, stepping into the shop resplendent in gray breeches with a brocade waistcoat of a darker hue. His red silk cravat only made his eyes look all the more blue.
“Five shillings, Miss Park.” Olivia tossed Nicholas a smile and then handed the bundle of music to the young woman. “And thank you for coming.”
The young woman set the coins down. “Why, thankyou, Miss Mackenzie. The parson’s wife has been singing your praises. So modestly priced and for such a wonderful selection and quality.”
Olivia smiled again. “Thank you. I hope to see you again.”
“Most assuredly.” Miss Park took up her bundle and turned for the door.
Olivia nearly snorted aloud the way the young woman’s shoulders stiffened. She’d obviously caught sight of Nicholas.
In dry amusement, Olivia watched her bounce his way.
“Allow me.” With a polite dip of his chin, Nicholas opened the door and stood aside.
“Why, thank you, kind sir,” the young woman tittered.
Olivia folded her arms and leaned against the counter. The young woman began to fuss with her package and then paused to check her gloves. Then, it was the adjustment of the hat that prevented her from leaving. Olivia’s amusement deepened. Just how many ways could a woman slow her exit through a door? Now, it was back to the hat, adjusting the brim. Surely, the sun wasn’t that deadly?
Finally, Miss Park stepped forward, but no more than three inches from the threshold, she paused to bestow her most dazzling smile on the man still waiting patiently for her to leave.
Olivia faked a yawn.
Nicholas’s eyes latched onto hers with some amusement. Obviously, he was used to such antics.Good God, the woman was now checking her shoe?Did she think it had disappeared…ah, of course…she sought to provide him a flash of ankle.
Unfortunately, the effort was a wasted one. Nicholas was still smiling at Olivia and failed to notice.
“Miss Mackenzie,” he called across the shop with a wink, “my carriage awaits your pleasure.”
With a huff, Miss Park stepped outside.
When the door closed, Olivia laughed. “I’ll take it kindly if you don’t offend my customers, Lord Blair.”
“How so?” he asked with a chuckle.
Olivia watched him saunter to the counter. She couldn’t blame the poor lass. He was a handsome specimen. “You missed the ankle. She worked so hard to offer you a glimpse.”
Nicholas leaned down and crossed his arms on the counter, positioning his forearms so that their elbows touched.
Olivia drew a deep breath.
“It’s notherankle I wish to see,” he murmured. “As you well know.”
Olivia lifted her head as he tilted his, but he didn’t kiss her. Instead, he stayed there, peering down at her through half-closed eyes, only inches away. The simple act fired a longing deep inside her. She wanted him. Lord,howshe wanted the man.
Still, she couldn’t let him know just how much power he wielded. He thought to tease her? She could do the same.
With a smile, she removed her arms from the counter and stepped back. “You are early, Lord Blair.”
“Am I?”
“I have yet to dress for the evening.” She’d washed the ink out of her best dress just that morning. Hopefully, the summer heat had dried the thing.
“Then I shall wait.” He straightened. “Shall I mind the shop?”
