Acorn by Shelley Adina

Author:Shelley Adina [Adina, Shelley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Moonshell Books, Inc.

Chapter 6

Lewis,” Philomena breathed against his lips.

He released her. “I am sorry. I took advantage of you—which only goes to show how close to the surface the street sparrow is under the façade of the gentleman.”

She could not bear to see him run himself down. “If all you have done for me is because you were a street sparrow, then I wish I had been one, too.” Her throat closed. “I may get my wish sooner than I think.”

He shook his head and offered her his arm. “You have friends about you now. Phil—are you certain I haven’t offended you?”

For answer, she cupped his cheek, reached up on tiptoe, and kissed him back. Immediately it was as though their first kiss had not been broken, and the world seemed to swirl around her in a carousel of happiness. This time when they drew apart, it was to catch their breath.

“I think we should return to the inn,” Lewis said at last. Its lights were about a quarter mile behind them, glimmering in the dusk. “I would not want Mariah to worry.”

“About my virtue?” she teased.

“Indeed not. It is safe as houses, tempting as it is to try the door.”

She laughed, and it was like drinking a sparkling tonic.

“I have arranged a room for you in the inn, while I stay aboard Aster.”

Her laughter faded as the reason they were here rushed back in. “Do you really think it necessary that we stay here overnight? By morning my father may certainly have called in the Peelers, but Maggie seemed certain they would not be able to find me if I were at Carrick Field.”

“Snouts may have information for us. Shall we check?”

It was an excuse to stay with him. Back aboard Aster, as he had predicted, a pigeon waited in the communications cage.

A contingent of Peelers fanned out from Belgravia this afternoon, so the hue and cry has been raised. Our Sophie, being acquainted with the young housemaid at the residence in question, says his lordship is in a fine rage. He will depart in the morning for Hollys Park, since that is where he believes the young lady has gone. Be assured Hollys Park is ready for the onslaught.

He cannot return before Friday, since he has had to take the train and hire horses from the nearest station. Apparently his steam landau has had some mechanical difficulty that cannot be repaired immediately. He will undoubtedly go on to Oakmond, thinking to flush his quarry there, giving us an extra day.

Our best love to Mariah and her family.

S.M.

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