Page 12 of Grave Expectations
"I wondered how long it would be before you mocked me."
I straightened and squared up to him. His lips quirked but did not break into a smile. "If only the others knew what a good sport you were."
"They wouldn't believe you. Besides, I wouldn't allow anyone but you to mock me."
"I feel so fortunate."
"Goodnight, Charlie."
I caught his hand as he walked off and he stopped, brows raised, that mischievous smile still playing on his lips. He'd never looked more handsome. Relaxation suited him. "Idofeel fortunate, Lincoln. I am the luckiest girl in the world."
Chapter 3
Seth, Gus and Cook were pleased to see us. At least, they were pleased to seeme. They embraced me, in turn, with brotherly hugs and broad grins. They merely nodded at Lincoln, or muttered a half-hearted "Welcome back, sir." Despite knowing him for longer, they did not yet feel altogether comfortable with their leader. My fiancé.
"We are engaged," I blurted out before we'd even reached the front steps of Lichfield Towers. I thrust out my hand to prove it.
"Blimey," Gus muttered, inspecting the diamond from all angles. "That'd be worth a sum."
Seth jabbed him in the ribs. "A gentleman never discusses money. It is quite impressive, Charlie, but I think you could have held out for a larger one." We were out of earshot of Lincoln who was assisting the driver to remove our luggage, but Seth leaned closer to me anyway. "He would have given you Everest if you'd asked for it."
"She ain't that kind of lass," Cook snapped, putting his meaty arm around my shoulders and kissing the top of my head. "I be pleased for you, Charlie. But…" He glanced over his shoulder at Lincoln. "Are you sure? He be difficult."
"I know that as well as anyone, but I love him anyway." I kissed his soft cheek. "Thank you for your concern."
We all looked to Lincoln. The hackney that had brought us from the station drove off, leaving him glaring at his men, the bags at his feet.
"I think he wants your assistance," I whispered.
Gus trotted back down the steps, but the other two walked with me into the house.
Seth took my cloak and hung it on the coat stand. "One of us ought to pull Fitzroy aside and havethatdiscussion with him."
"What discussion?" I asked, unpinning my hat.
"The one where we threaten him if he doesn't treat you well."
I laughed. "I'd like to see that discussion."
"Ain't be me," Cook said, folding his arms.
Seth shot a glance through the open door, where Gus and Lincoln were climbing the steps, cases under each arm and in each hand. "I nominate Gus."
"For what?" Gus said, edging sideways through the door.
"Later," Seth muttered through a clenched-teeth smile for Lincoln's benefit. "Congratulations, sir. Charlie is a fine choice for you."
I slapped my gloves into his chest, forcing him to take them. "I am not a horse, nor am I for sale."
"Take Charlie's luggage upstairs," Lincoln said coolly. "Cook, prepare tea to be served in the parlor. We're having a meeting."
"All of us?" Cook asked.
"All of us."
I followed Gus up to my rooms and pulled out my new clothes once he'd gone. After freshening up and changing into a smart dark green day dress and a matching fitted jacket with brass epaulettes on the shoulders, I returned to the parlor where the four men in my life waited for me. Three of them smiled at me. Lincoln did not, but his sharp gaze followed me until I sat on the sofa. He had not smiled since leaving France. I'd not seen him at all on the boat as he battled seasickness, but even when we'd touched land, he continued to look a little ill and had been quiet. When I'd asked him on the train back to London what was the matter, he'd simply said he was being vigilant. It took a moment for me to realize he was worried about someone attacking me.
Lincoln handed me a cup of tea and a slice of cake then sat beside me. "Eat. Drink. It's been a long day."
