Courting Temptation: The House of Devon by Mariel Amanda & Devon House

Author:Mariel, Amanda & Devon, House
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
Published: 2020-09-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Tabby gathered up the dirty bed linens then carried them into the hall on her way below stairs. As she approached the servant stairway, Thomas rounded the corner, startling her. “Oh,” she exclaimed as the bed linens fell from her hands.

Then her heart sped up for an entirely different reason as she realized Thomas was the one who had startled her. Her gaze met his, and her body warmed all over. She tried to pretend that he did not affect her, so as she said, “Hello, Thomas,” her tone nonchalant despite her thunderous pulse.

“What a pleasant surprise, Tabby. Allow me to help,” Thomas said.

The warmth of his voice and the kindness he bestowed on her sent a pang of regret straight to her heart. How she wished things were different. How she longed to accept his courtship. To allow them to be more than friends.

But she could not.

Tabby pulled her gaze from his and bent to retrieve the bed linens from the floor. Thomas scooped up the bundle before she could. Smiling, she straightened and reached for them. “Thank you.”

“Think nothing of it.” He smiled back. “Friends help friends.”

He placed the bed linens into her outstretched arms, and his hand brushed hers. The contact sent a trail of pleasant tingles clear up her arm, and she fought the urge to take his hand. “I have to go.”

“Let me help you,” Thomas said, his own hand still helping balance the bundle.

Tabby pulled the linens closer to her and wrapped her arms tighter around the burden. “No.” She shook her head, then rushed away, descending the stairs faster than she should. Her heart pounded fiercely as she made her way down, all the while hoping he would not follow as she wished he would.

They spent the following fortnight in much the same way. Every time they crossed paths, Thomas offered assistance. Every time they sat down to a meal, he danced attention on her, and more than once, he intercepted her during her free time.

And each time they met made her want him more. She detested the boundaries and awkwardness that now hung between them, and half despised herself for drawing the line at friendship.

Her heart hurt. She could see that he struggled too.

To make matters worse, she could scarcely sleep for her regrets and longings. Ellen noticed straight away that something troubled Tabby, and it did not take her long to ferret the problem out. Neither did her knowing help, for Ellen thought Tabby a fool and made no bones about telling her as much.

Over the days that passed, Tabby’s resolve weakened. She questioned her motives and wondered if she was indeed a fool. Once, she even sought Thomas out to tell him she was wrong. To ask if he still wanted to court her.

Ellen had told Tabby that Thomas went to the stables. Tabby set out, hoping to meet him somewhere between the house and stables for a private word. It had been a brisk night, and the sky had shone with stars.

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