Page 69 of Temptress in Disguise
“There’s nothing temporary about what’s happening here.” He downed his coffee, wishing it was brandy so it might numb his senses. “Do you think I make a habit of discussing my thoughts and feelings? Do you think this is in any way normal for me?”
“How would I know if you don’t tell me?”
“You’re an intelligent woman. When one considers the concessions I’ve made, it’s obvious I’m in no rush for this to end.” Was it not there in his desire to hold her close? Was it not evident when he lay beside her, stroking her hair? “We make love, Naomi. For the first time in my life, I understand the difference.”
Her curious gaze swept over him. “I lack your experience and have no means to compare. Surely you made love to Melissa.”
The sound of the woman’s name grated like grinding metal. His wife had made an assumption. One he was quick to correct.
“I never had sex with Melissa.”
Naomi’s eyes grew wide in disbelief. “Never?”
It sounded so ludicrous, he’d not told another soul. Not even Aaron. Melissa had no interest in a young man ten years her junior. She’d permitted certain liberties. She’d used him, manipulated him, messed with his mind. He’d wanted to believe someone could love him. Instead, he’d been left with a scar as hideous as the man he was inside. A permanent reminder of his mistake.
“Never,” he reiterated. “I’ve made love to no one but you.”
Water filled her eyes. “And I’ve made love to no one but you.”
Their gazes remained locked.
If one look could tell a story, theirs was a tale of hope.
Emotion bubbled in his chest, but a loud knock on the door brought an end to their intimate conversation.
The ageing innkeeper, Mr Talbot, entered the parlour. “Beggin’ your pardon, sir, but you asked me to tell your coachman to be ready to leave at midday. Only he never arrived last night. There ain’t no sign of your man or your coach.”
Aramis sat bolt upright. “You’re certain?” Disturbing questions flooded his mind. Had Maddock absconded? Had Edwin Budworth caught up with them on the road and silenced his lackey?
“I’ve been out to the yard and coach house myself.”
Gibbs could be trusted and would not leave them stranded. “I suspect he’s delayed in town.” He didn’t want to worry Naomi, but surely Daventry would have sent an agent to inform them of any problems. “We’ll finish our breakfast and consider our options while we wait.”
Their options were limited. Did they send for Aaron and entertain themselves in the meantime? Did they hire horses or take the mail coach to London?
“I’ll send word as soon as he arrives.” Mr Talbot lingered at the door, keen to relay other news. “About the gentleman you mentioned last night. The one you thought lived around here.”
“Edwin Budworth?” Naomi said, her interest piqued.
Mr Talbot nodded. “My wife thinks the man living at the old Croft Manor makes regular trips to London. He ain’t no gentleman. He’s been the caretaker there since Mr Holland went to visit his sister in Madras last year.”
“What makes you think his name is Budworth?” Aramis said.
“It ain’t. He goes by the name Edward Worth. Seems like an odd coincidence if you ask me. I ain’t never spoken to him myself. He’s not one for social gatherings. No one has seen the housekeeper, Mrs Fisher, for nigh on six months.”
“Is it far to the manor?” Naomi asked, clearly hoping to make a house call.
“A mile north on the road to Ruislip.” Talbot pointed to the dirty window. “Left at the first crossroads. It’s a fine day. I can have Mrs Talbot make you a basket.”
Despite every effort, Aramis could not envisage sitting beneath an oak tree with his wife, sharing more than a picnic. Every muscle in his body tensed. A warning they should wait for Gibbs before venturing to Croft Manor.
“Don’t trouble your wife. We’ll wait for our coachman.”
“As you wish. I’ll be in the taproom if you change your mind.”
The instant Talbot left, Naomi questioned the decision. “Should we not visit Croft Manor and establish if Edward Worth is the man we seek?”
“Indeed. Though we have a slight problem.”
