Three Little Words by Samantha Grace

Author:Samantha Grace
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HOLO Publishing

Six

The next four days of travel were surprisingly pleasant. When Victoria had set out from London, she had been anticipating a tedious journey with nothing to keep her occupied besides her thoughts. Her expectations were far exceeded, courtesy of her traveling companions.

She, Gavin, and Fanny entertained each other with made-up games, songs, and stories during the day, but evenings were reserved for Gavin and Victoria alone. After supper each night, they lingered at the table, the conversations growing more intimate in nature. They delved deeper into their hopes and fears, and recalled childhood memories. Sometimes the memories were poignant, more often, they involved the retelling of antics involving their siblings. Victoria laughed often, commiserated when needed, and snuggled deeper into the cocoon of comfort they were forming together.

At the conclusion of their second meal together, their parting had been laced with reluctance. Neither had wanted to be the first to say good-bye. When they at last let each other go, Gavin’s fingers had accidentally brushed the sensitive place above her glove, close to the inner bend of her elbow. She had climbed into bed that night with pleasant tingles blanketing her body, reliving their evening word for word until exhaustion had overtaken her.

On subsequent evenings, his touch became intentional. His hand would rest on the small of her back to guide her above stairs, as if it were the most natural place for it to be. She had grown bolder, too.

Last night in the corridor as they said goodnight, she had allowed herself to pretend that he belonged to her and plucked a piece of lint from his jacket before smoothing her hands over his lapels. His smoldering silver-blue eyes had become heavy-lidded, his head lowering a fraction toward her upturned face. He hadn’t kissed her though she had wanted it desperately. Her heart was left racing long after he took his leave, her head filled with possibilities.

This morning they had continued their journey as if nothing had changed between them. Victoria had been foolish to think a man who didn’t believe in true love and shunned marriage might change his mind. Regardless, her heart dared to hope.

They passed time by playing their games and singing the childhood songs Fanny had taught them two days earlier. Victoria had found the lessons too amusing by half, especially when Gavin had caught her eye and flashed his crooked grin. Fanny seemed oblivious to the scandalous lyrics she enjoyed belting out with vigor, and neither Victoria nor Gavin had chosen to enlighten her. Their favorite song was about a beehive and bunnies, and they were singing it gamely when Danby village came into view.

Victoria fell silent. Gavin and Fanny’s singing trailed off; he turned his body to peer through the window. “We have arrived,” he murmured.

A somber mood settled over Victoria and her companions as the dots on the horizon became buildings and their little party entered the village. When the carriage rolled to a stop at the inn, Gavin exited first and assisted Victoria and Fanny on the steps.

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