The English Lily (Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll) by Wheeler Kae Elle

Author:Wheeler, Kae Elle [Wheeler, Kae Elle]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Regency
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2013-01-23T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Night had fallen into black by the time Joseph pulled into the stable yard of Northallerton’s one inn. He hopped down and peered in the door of the carriage. Kendra was sleeping soundly. Handing off the horses with instructions to the stable boy to wait, he shook his defiant little wife awake.

“I’m sorry to wake you, my dear. But I dare not leave you alone whilst I secure us a room. I’ll not go chasing across the country for a runaway bride.” He spoke softly, teasing her.

He wished he could say the words she longed to hear, but somehow it seemed wrong to lie about love above everything else. She sat up slowly, her flaxen hair awry, blinking in confusion. She held Mr. Thomas’s books close to her chest.

Joseph held out his hand. She looked at it, then him. After a moment, she pulled her gloves from her pocket and slipped them on before placing her hand in his. Joseph let out a small sigh of relief. All would be right.

He handed her down. “Would you see to my valise?” she said to the stable boy with a smile so bright it lit up the stars and turned the lad’s face bright red.

The heavy weight that had pressed on Joseph’s shoulders all day suddenly abated. He grinned and reached inside for her bag. “I’ll do the honors, Lady Lawrie.”

****

Joseph was able to secure a snug chamber. Innkeeper Harper and his wife tripped over their feet to serve them. The first provision consisted of a tub of warm water that went far in washing off the travel stains, and soon thereafter they were treated with steaming bowls of hearty stew accompanied by chunks of warm crusty bread.

While Kendra’s exuberance remained somewhat subdued, she at least made attempts at civility. It spoke well of her upbringing. They were married, and she would make the best of the situation, he realized. It wasn’t perfect, by any means, but Joseph would count experience and opportunity on his side. She was lovely, and he would treat her well.

The doll was propped against the pillows, its painted eyes boring into him. On the floor next to the hearth was Kendra’s open valise. The tub had been removed. The fire, stoked, emanated warmth. ’Twas a fairly pleasant atmosphere, in his estimation. He could have done without the strange doll’s omnipresence. A ridiculous thought, perhaps, but it had saved their lives, hadn’t it?

“And what other topics engaged your attentions at these so-called lectures?” He twirled his wineglass before lifting it for a sip.

He hid a grin at her raised brow. Apparently, she didn’t care for the reference of “so-called lectures.” Joseph cleared his throat. “What I meant was—”

“I know what you meant,” she countered mildly.

He’d prefer to have riled her, but she was as cool as an English rain shower in spring. French blood running through her veins would have done much for encouragement. But patience would have to work in his favor. Once he began teasing her with kisses, she would be begging him for more.

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