Page 87 of No One's Bride
“Is there another entrance?” Mr Daventry asked. “One used by delivery persons, perhaps?”
Sebastian shrugged. “We’ll add it to our list of enquiries.”
Heavens above!
The entire business proved tiresome. Though she shouldn’t feel aggrieved. The longer the blackguard roamed free, the longer she spent with Sebastian.
“I’ll investigate the Alien Office.” Daventry closed his portfolio, much to her relief. “You have a list of tasks. Report back with your findings.”
Ailsa noted the time on the mantel clock. If they left now, they would arrive at the auction house at five. And they had assured Aaron Chance they would return to Fortune’s Den before seven.
“We’ll do what we can today and finish the tasks tomorrow.” Guilt sat like a heavy weight in her chest. She would suggest beginning their enquiries at first light. Nothing mattered more than stealing an hour alone with Sebastian.
Mr Daventry stood. His curious gaze moved between them, but he merely smiled and wished them a pleasant evening.
Once outside, Sebastian checked his pocket watch. “I imagine Murden will be working until seven now Hibbet isn’t there to secure the premises.”
If not, they could visit him at home, question him about the owner of the grimoire and retrieve the coded letter.
“We could deal with the tasks tomorrow,” she said, though her conscience begged to differ. Lives were at stake, and she could not spend the hour in Sebastian’s arms while there was work to be done. “That said, Broad Street is a few minutes away. Best we deal with the matter today.”
“It shouldn’t take long.”
Was that a veiled way of saying they had time for kissing? “I must visit Pall Mall and check on the servants before we return to Fortune’s Den.” If Mr Smith’s men had caused a disturbance, she needed to know all was well.
“Do you mean to go alone?” Sebastian looked at her lips. “I would have to advise against venturing anywhere without me.”
“Ye would?” She bit back a smile.
“Aye,” he teased.
“What do ye plan to do when I journey to the wilds of Scotland? Will ye accompany me then?” He would love the Highlands. Love the freedom one found in the heart of the pine forests or wading on the banks of vast lochs.
“Sadly, I have responsibilities here.” His deep sigh reflected a boy’s shattered dreams. “You know I cannot leave England. My time is best spent between London and Thornborough. People’s livelihoods depend on the good management of my estate.”
He made duty sound like a burden.
It didn’t have to be that way.
“So many titled men idle away their days. The ability to do what is right is an attractive quality.” Something she admired. Still, she longed to see him free of his shackles, roaming over hill and glen.
“Yet I’m plagued by thoughts of wickedness.”
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Tell me about these sinful thoughts. I might help ye overcome them.”
A sensual smile tugged at his lips. “There’s only one way to master my addiction.”
“Yer addiction to sinful thoughts?”
“My addiction to you.”
Her pulse thumped a rapid beat in her throat. Arousal stoked a fire in her blood. “Then let us be on our way. The carriage should afford us a modicum of privacy. A secluded place for an in-depth conversation.”
“I share your impatience.” He cupped her elbow and led her to where Gibbs sat atop the box of Daventry’s carriage. “Gibbs, we need to call at the auction house. Then to Miss MacTavish’s home on Pall Mall. In between times, I must collect something from Grosvenor Street.”
Did he wish to prolong the journey?
Did he hope she might join him beneath the cherry tree before checking on Monroe and the rest of her staff?
