Page 30 of The Last Chance
The flash of amusement in his eyes was gone before he tookthe next breath. “Intelligence and physical strength are equally important when fighting for one’s place in this world.”
“How fortunate you have both in abundance.”
He held her gaze for a little longer than necessary, long enough to rouse butterflies in her stomach, for warmth to fill her chest, the gentle glow lighting her from within.
“Fetch your pelisse and the hat I bought you.”
She grinned. “I told Mrs Shaw to send me the bill.”
“I paid while you were trying it on, and for another in midnight blue. It should be ready to collect on Monday.”
She swallowed past the rising lump in her throat. No one had ever treated her so kindly. But it was more than that. It mattered becausehehad bought them, and she had an awakening desire to have him lavish her with gifts.
“For a cold-hearted devil, you can be quite charming.”
“It was a logical decision based on necessity.”
Mr Chance had a Norseman’s skill for defending his position.
She gave a playful shrug. “You thought of me, even for a few seconds. That sets you apart from any other man of my acquaintance. Though take heed, a gentleman makes such purchases for his wife or lover. Now there is evidence to suggest we are more than colleagues, Mr Chance.”
He arched a brow. “I shall record the purchases as work apparel.” Every hand he played trumped hers. “It was a business decision, not a personal one.”
She laughed at his absurd response. “You really are quite funny.” Why would someone so strong and capable have to maintain a facade? “When did you develop such a dry sense of humour?”
In a fit of giggles, she laughed again. To an observer, these were not the actions of a suspected murderer.
Mr Chance watched her, his mouth drawn into a thin line, his jaw rigid, yet his compelling eyes turned traitor. From behind hismask of annoyance, his pupils dilated, betraying a fascination he failed to hide.
Wishing to unnerve him a little more, Joanna clutched her abdomen and touched his upper arm. Her fingers rested on his bulging bicep. “Don’t be cross. If I don’t laugh, I shall probably cry.”
“There’s nothing to fear. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
Now she did feel like crying. Crying because he said the nicest things without realising. Crying because the wall he’d built around himself was strong enough to keep an army of marauders out.
She made a mental note to begin work on a siege tower.
“I’m confident this will all be resolved within the week,” she said. Though her fingers itched to learn every hard contour, she released his arm. “Time is of the essence. We should go. I’ll fetch my pelisse.”
“I’ll wait in the carriage.”
She was climbing the stairs when he called out to her. “I’ve asked Baptiste to prepare an extra course tonight. We’ll be gone most of the day and won’t have time to eat.”
Would she be eating in her room again? Would they spend the evening in separate parts of the house? Would the loneliness feel even more profound?
“Can we not take a basket?”
He glanced at her mouth. “I can tolerate most things, madam. Your soft sighs of pleasure are not one of them.”
Chapter Seven
Thomas Parker owned a townhouse on Dean Street near Soho Square. He supplemented his income by gambling and placing ludicrous wagers. “When would Captain Monroe trim his wild moustache?” was one such bet. “Who would be the first debutante to fall foul of the season’s most notable rake?” was another. He was a tedious bore, an average card player and suspected cheat.
Although Parker was in bed when they arrived, Aaron refused to let the arrogant butler turn them away. With his temper prowling like a caged animal, the first person to test his patience would pay.
“Summon Parker now,” Aaron yelled, barging into the hall and beckoning Miss Lovelace to follow. “We’ll wait in the drawing room. Don’t force me to mount the stairs and drag the devil from his bed.”
The drawing room was in a shambles. They stepped over dirty plates and discarded newspapers. Thick dust coated every surface. Stale smoke and the sharp odour of neglect filled the air.
