Page 72 of My Kind of Scoundel
Theo frowned. “No. I’ve not spoken to him, but I believe he saw me carrying you to the carriage. My sister-in-law helped to tidy the shop. Perhaps Franklin questioned her while I was out.”
“Yes, that’s probably it.”
And yet the gnawing sense of unease did not abate. Had Miss Franklin entered the shop and started snooping upstairs? If so, where did she get the key? Was she a thief? Had she taken the villain’s book and Eleanor’s diary? Had she pushed Eleanor down the stairs?
The notion seemed ridiculous.
The firm shove in the back had been deliberate. Miss Franklin was as fragile as a fledgling sparrow. And if she did have a mean streak, what was her motive? Eleanor had not exchanged a cross word with her these last five years.
Not wanting to worry Theo, she forced a smile. “It’s probably better you return to Fortune’s Den. Miss Franklin couldn’t take her eyes off you. She’ll find an excuse to visit if she thinks you’re here.”
Theo glanced over his shoulder before capturing her hand. “I’m yours until you tire of me.” He held her gaze and pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles. “Let me assure you, I’ll never tire of you.”
“You seem keen to pay another forfeit.”
He took umbrage at her comment. “After all you’ve been through, do you think I would lie?”
Her heart clenched. He must be confusing lust with something more permanent. “I’m not used to men saying nice things.”
“This man has plenty of nice things to say about you,Eleanor Darrow.” He gave a cheeky wink. “And some he wishes to keep to himself, as they’re too scandalous to repeat aloud.”
“Perhaps you might whisper them in the carriage tomorrow. We must visit the solicitor as part of our ongoing investigation.”
“Perhaps I’ll whisper them tonight,” he teased. “Will you not consider returning with me to Fortune’s Den? I can’t leave you here.”
It was a tempting offer, but she could not escape her problems. And she was safe in Mr Gibbs’ care.
“I cannot live with you indefinitely.” Yet the thought roused an ache in her chest, a deep and persistent longing. “I must get used to staying here alone. I must solve the mystery and return to work before I find myself in the Marshalsea.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched and his eyes conveyed an inner torment. “Then let me stay here tonight. Aaron can manage without me. He’ll understand the importance of me remaining with you.”
After a quick tussle between her head and her heart, she said, “I’m not sure he would. Besides, we both need a good night’s sleep. I shall see you in the morning. If you can rise before noon.”
Her jest did not bring the desired result.
His mouth remained a taut line. “You don’t want me to stay?”
Oh, this man could break hearts. One look at his doleful expression, and she almost surrendered. “Theo, this isn’t about what I want.” She wanted more than he could give. “I need time to process what I’ve learned today. And it will be better for us if we spend some time apart.”
The conversation went back and forth before he said, “But what will you eat? Gibbs returned with half a pig.”
That accounted for the delicious smell wafting from the kitchen.
She chuckled. “I shall find something in the larder.”
He stayed for another hour while Mr Gibbs showed his arsenal of weapons and made a blood oath to protect her until he heaved his last breath.
The sun was setting as Theo lingered in the doorway, a towering silhouette against a mellow orange sky.
“I would kiss you goodnight, but I can feel Franklin’s gaze burning a hole in my back.” His mouth curled into a slow smile. “Your kisses are worth dying for, but I’ll sacrifice one in the hope of gaining more tomorrow.”
She might have joked or lied but delivered a resounding truth instead. “I shall miss your company tonight. I shall miss you.”
“It’s not too late to reconsider.”
A vision of his sweat-soaked body burst into her mind. He was the forbidden fruit. The thought of making love to him would tempt anyone to sin. But a small sacrifice now meant less pain later.
“Goodnight, Theo. Shall I see you promptly at ten?”
