A Love That Never Tires (Linley & Patrick Edwardian Adventures Book 1) by Allyson Jeleyne

Author:Allyson Jeleyne [Jeleyne, Allyson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fifty Forty Productions
Published: 2014-10-31T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Patrick stared wide-eyed as three elephants emerged from the jungle. On each of their necks, an Indian mahout sat with a large wooden staff in hand. Two were elderly men and one looked no older than twelve. They whispered something to their mounts, and the elephants raised their pink-speckled trunks and trumpeted.

Linley couldn’t stop grinning. “I told you there was only one way to travel!” she said, smacking him on the shoulder. “Do you think you’re up to it?”

He looked down at her. “I am if you are.”

The mahout called another command, and the elephant closest to them went down on one knee. Then, it sank down onto the ground. From the backs of the others, Sir Bedford and the rest of the team frowned. They sat perched in howdah baskets, loaded down with supplies.

Linley waved up at them and approached the elephant.

“Do you need a leg up?” Patrick asked her.

Seated beside Linley’s father, Archie scoffed and called down, “She doesn’t need your help! She can do it on her own.”

“Actually,” Linley said, batting her eyes at Patrick. “I could use a hand, if you would be so kind.”

He smiled down at her and placed his hands around her waist. “It would be my pleasure,” he said, lifting her onto the elephant’s back. With his help, Linley mounted with ease, but on his own, Patrick didn’t fare so well. He took a few steps backward, then got a running start, and leapt upon the great beast’s side, scrambling up onto its back.

Linley grabbed his hand and helped him into the howdah. “Not bad for a first try.”

Patrick settled himself in the basket, catching his breath. With another command from the mahout, the elephant shifted back onto its feet. The howdah lurched and swayed, and Patrick reached across the basket to steady himself. As he did so, his body brushed against Linley’s, making them both aware of the tight confines they would be traveling in together.

“You’re not wearing a corset,” he whispered.

“What’s the point? It is too hot, and no one here really cares.” She smiled and bumped him with her elbow. “Besides, I rather like the sensation of not wearing one.”

Patrick puffed out a breath and groaned. It was going to be a long journey.

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