My Kind of Earl by Vivienne Lorret

Author:Vivienne Lorret
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2020-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Raven didn’t know how long he’d been sitting inside the carriage, peering past the window shade at the town house. But it was long enough that the driver banged his fist on the hood.

“In circumstances such as this,” Jane said with a teasing tone from the other bench, “one usually walks up to the door and knocks. After all, if there is a housekeeper or caretaker inside, it is highly doubtful that he or she is privy to our thoughts and hopes of entering the house.”

He slid her an unamused look. “I’m taking note of the surroundings. It’s important to keep a watchful eye no matter where you are.”

She nodded thoughtfully and pursed her lips. “I see what you mean. That scullery maid who just passed by, carrying the market basket, is clearly about to make turnips today, and that is a dreadful crime. No one likes turnips.”

At the sight of her disarming grin, he instantly felt more at ease. He also felt like a fool for admitting to her earlier that he was nervous, but he could tell that she had known it anyway. Jane had an uncanny ability to see right through him. And for some reason that thought helped him breathe easier. The roiling sea inside his stomach faded to a gentle lapping wave.

Exiting the carriage, he handed her down and paid the driver, bidding the man once more to wait. But as he reflexively reached for Jane’s hand, she withdrew and shook her head, moving further away.

He frowned and advanced to her side.

“It wouldn’t be proper in this circumstance. Additionally,” she added, “you cannot call me Jane. When in the presence of others, you must refer to me as Miss Pickerington. Using my given name suggests an intimacy of close acquaintances, an understanding between us, or—in your vernacular—that you have claimed me.”

“I think I would have remembered that,” he said, flashing a devilish grin.

When he faced forward, he saw that they were already at the steps. She’d done it again, distracting him just long enough to keep him from second-guessing, or wondering what he was going to say if someone opened the door.

Climbing the short rise of stone stairs, he felt her warm gaze on his profile and heard the tender smile on her lips when she whispered, “You’ll do splendidly.”

Straightening his shoulders, he drew in a deep breath and rapped his knuckles on the door.

It opened almost instantly. Unexpectedly. And by the very same woman who’d crashed into him on the street the other day.

“Dear me! I’m supposin’ you’re real after all,” she said, though her doubtful expression and shake of her head seemed to contradict her statement. “Well then, you’d best come inside before there’s a spectacle. Rumors’ll be flyin’ across chimney tops by day’s end.”

Confused, Raven looked over his shoulder toward the street but saw nothing amiss. Then again, this woman seemed to have a few dice missing from her cup.

“Are you the housekeeper?” he asked as they entered.

She bustled around them in a flurry to close the door.

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