Curse of the Poppy: An enthralling historical Victorian mystery (A Penny Green Victorian Mystery Book 5) by Emily Organ

Author:Emily Organ [Organ, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Published: 2024-11-04T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTY-SEVEN

I stared at Francis’s shadowed face with no idea how to respond.

“I don’t expect you to love me in return,” he continued. “I may as well try to influence the passage of the stars. But I suspect that my affection is no secret to you, so you must surely have had some time to consider your feelings for me.”

“A little,” I replied. I sat there motionless, my mouth dry.

“I must admit that I thought all was lost when I saw Blakely dishonouring you in the hallway of your sister’s home. I could protect you from such advances, Penny. That man will break the heart of his wife and yours as well if you allowed him to.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t⁠—”

“There’s no need to defend him, Penny. While I respect his willingness to apologise for his misdemeanour he is clearly reckless when it comes to women’s hearts. I’m not like that, but I shan’t make a fool of myself and propose unless I can be sure that you love me in return. I’m encouraged, however, that you think me honourable, and that I might make someone a good husband one day.”

“Yes, I feel sure that you would.”

There was a pause, as if he were waiting for me to say more. Perhaps he hoped for an expression of affection in return. I felt a strong pang of guilt that I was unable to give him any sort of assurance.

Francis sighed. “I suppose we’ve really only known each other for a short while, haven’t we? Perhaps I have been rather too hasty in expressing my affections, and I realise that it may be inappropriate to do so, sitting shoulder to shoulder and unaccompanied in this cab. It’s not really the way I like to conduct myself. The very last thing I should want you to think of me, Penny, is that I’m taking advantage of this time alone with you.”

“Oh no, Francis, I would never think that.”

The hatch in the roof opened again and the cabman shouted down through it.

“You getting out here or what? Am I going to be sitting here all night waiting for you lovebirds to finish with your kissing and cuddling?”

“Just one moment, please,” said Francis tersely.

The hatch slammed shut again.

“I must admit that I feel rather unguarded now that I have expressed my true feelings for you, Penny,” he said. “In fact, I feel rather foolish.”

“No, you mustn’t!” I replied. “Please don’t feel foolish! I feel that your words have been extremely complimentary, and I am deeply flattered by the warmth of your affection.”

“Perhaps now that I have told you how I feel this will lead to further consideration on your part. Maybe my words will have altered your thoughts on the matter just a touch. For some reason, and I know not what it might be, I felt it appropriate to speak this evening. Perhaps I shall regret my actions in the morning.”

“I wouldn’t want you to regret it, Francis; there really is no need.” I wished I

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