Lost Lover (Crime & Passion Book 4) by Mary Lancaster

Author:Mary Lancaster [Lancaster, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2023-10-09T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Everything had changed with a kiss. As though in some children’s fairytale, Elizabeth had been wakened in James’s embrace, not just to sweet, arousing sensation but to emotion. To unspecific hope and awareness of life. The man walking at her side this morning remained unattainable, but he was not distant. He was a symbol of what life could be.

They said little as they walked north along the canal side. Elizabeth didn’t mind. Although the weather was cloudy, the world seemed brighter. Birds sang above, and the men on the barges passing up and down the canal were cheerful. She didn’t pretend James was hers, but she wouldn’t have swapped these minutes for anything.

Only as they eventually turned into Grosvenor Place did he say, “Should I apologize for kissing you?”

Only if you want to break my heart. “I’m not offended, if that’s what you mean.” She stole a quick glance at him. “Nor do I make any silly presum—”

“I don’t regret it,” he interrupted.

“Then why apologize?” she retorted.

His lips quirked. “I didn’t. I would apologize for offense, but since you’ve taken none, I am happy.” He took her hand, drawing it into the crook of his elbow, and breathless warmth spread through her. It felt like contentment.

“People will find me an odd, poor creature to be on your arm,” she warned.

“No,” he said. “They’re more likely to think me an unsuitable creature to be near any lady. But I’m long past caring what people say or think on such matters.”

“But it bothers you to be going to your brother.”

He didn’t deny it, but there was a distinct pause before he said, “That’s different. I once cared for his opinion and didn’t realize it.”

“When did you last speak to him?”

“The day I was arrested. Saturday, the twenty-sixth day of August. And don’t lecture me. You haven’t seen your family in even longer. Are they still in London?”

She nodded. “I once mended bed linen for their neighbors. As I walked along the street, I saw my mother leave the house, and kept my head down. But she would never have noticed someone like me.”

“Does it strike you that you can end the lie now? You are in no danger from Jarman or anyone seeking the diamonds. You don’t need to live in such…obscurity.”

“No, but I can’t go home either. They won’t have me, and my father’s hypocrisy sickens me.”

“There are other options. More genteel professions. Griz has influence, you know, through her family and her charity connections. She can help find you teaching posts if that is what you’d prefer.”

“She has already done so much.” She shook her head.

“We are both lucky to have engaged the Tizsa interest.”

“I don’t think you are quite so lucky,” she said wryly. “I believe the plan is that you pay for it.”

“Funnily enough, I am happy to. My father’s house is along there in South Audley Street.”

My father’s house. Not my family home. They were both exiles, it seemed, but in James’s case, he was innocent, and his family had never acknowledged it.

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