A is for Arson: A Langley & Porter Mystery by A. N. Horton

Author:A. N. Horton [Horton, A. N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-05T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

THE DRIVER HIT a rough patch of road and the carriage bumped. Unintentionally, I slid right onto Mr. Langley's lap. His face was inches from mine, his expression a mask of some unreadable emotion. I felt my skin warming, my heart racing.

"Charlotte," his voice was a throaty whisper.

His utterance of my name shocked me back to reality. I cleared my throat, a bit too loudly in the crowded carriage, and jumped off of him, effectively hitting my head on the low ceiling above. I winced as I plopped, ungracefully, back into my seat. That strange expression was gone, that breathy whisper replaced entirely by a tone of concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, moving forward to take a look at my head. I flinched away from him and he drew back as if I had stung him.

"I'm fine," I answered. "I- thank you. I'm quite alright."

He nodded but made no move to assist me though I could tell he wanted to. It was not in his nature to see a woman in need of help and not assist her. He opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it and looked away. Silence filled the carriage once more and my mind began racing with the events that had just unfolded. Perhaps I had had too much wine. I had never had it before. Maybe it was stronger than the liquor I was used to. Maybe it affected my decision making faculties more than others. Or perhaps I was just a foolish girl caught up in the adrenaline of the evening and the attractiveness of my boss.

"I'm so sorry," I said then and his head snapped up in my direction.

"Sorry?" he asked. The genuine confusion on his face would have made me laugh if I did not fear for my job.

"I didn't mean to- the carriage bumped and I—“

He smiled then and the action stunned me into silence.

"Were you worried that I thought you had intentionally sat on my lap?" he asked and I felt my cheeks grow hot. He chuckled. "It's quite alright, Miss Porter. I have witnessed your methods of flirtation, remember? I imagine if you truly intended to seduce me, I wouldn't stand a chance."

He winked to indicate the joke and I laughed along with him but there was confusion behind my laughter as well. Had I imagined that rippling current between us? Of course I had. Mr. Langley was a gentleman with a manor, a successful business, servants, and a dazzling family. I was a shopgirl with a gambling addicted father. And I would do well to remember that. The easy banter and comfort that I had been surprised to find with the Langley's would serve to make my employment in their household much more enjoyable but I had to remember that I was an employee. Nothing more. No matter how friendly this family was.

The carriage suddenly stopped and I saw the dark outline of my sister's house beyond. My face fell. I knew that she would be furious with me.

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