He washed quickly then dressed. Was Tessa already awake? Perhaps she was waiting for him downstairs. Surely she was an early riser.
As he neared the dining room, the quiet murmur of voices had him slowing his steps. Of course. Tessa’s aunt would be awake as well. He did his best to school his features when what he truly wanted was to take Tessa into his arms and kiss her senseless.
With a scowl, he entered the room.
Tessa raised a brow at his expression but said nothing as she and her aunt rose.
“Good morning, my lord,” Mrs. Davison greeted him with a smile and a curtsy.
It annoyed him to no end when Tessa did the same.
“Good morning,” he said, pushing back his dark mood. “I hope both of you ladies slept well.”
“I did indeed,” Mrs. Davison said. “You have a lovely home. It’s kind of you to take us in for a few days.”
The reminder of how very temporary this situation was did nothing to improve his mood.
“As it is in part my doing that your safety is of concern, it’s the least I could do.” He held Tessa’s gaze, unable to read her green eyes.
The ladies took their seats, and Samuel appeared at his elbow to pour coffee for him. The newssheet sat to the side, awaiting his perusal. He realized he took such things for granted. What were their mornings like compared to his?
He shook off his thoughts. That didn’t matter. Certainly they came from a different world than he. But he could already tell how well Tessa would fit into his.
Inviting her to become his mistress was asking much of her, he knew. It was incredibly selfish of him to consider it. But he wanted her in his life—needed her in his life—and having her as a mistress was as much as he could offer. She was an honorable, intelligent woman who threatened more than his peace of mind.
Then why didn’t it seem like a satisfactory arrangement?
His thoughts continued to circle, but the only solution that made sense was this one. Allowing her any closer held too much risk. If he was with her every day—The thought didn’t bear completing.
While it was true he hadn’t ventured to London in the past year or two, that didn’t mean he couldn’t visit on a regular basis. If he wanted to expand his business interests here, he needed to pay more attention to them. The train made the trip quicker than ever before. He could easily come every other month without a problem.
Would she agree to his suggestion? He watched as she ate her toast across the table. Even that simple act caused his desire for her to stir. Perhaps a gift to show his appreciation was in order. Something that would prove to her how generous he could be.
Yes, that was just what he would do to convince her to agree. He needed to pay another call on his man of business, and while he was out, he’d venture to the jeweler’s.
Pleased with his plan for the day, he joined in the ladies’ conversation.
Tessa spent the morning writing a letter to Molly to warn her of the dangers of the ploy she may have heard and offering to explain in person. Then she penned several messages to the ladies who were expecting to receive their altered gowns in the next two days to advise them of the delay. Some of the mending had been sent home with the girls who were capable of completing it on their own. They had been grateful for the chance to prove themselves and continue to earn money despite the temporary closing of the shop.
After a footman had taken those to be delivered, she and Aunt Betty were given a tour of Marcus’s home by the housekeeper. The woman was quite friendly and seemed pleased to have guests after the length of time the house had been empty. Tessa was disappointed to learn how rarely Marcus came to London. Not that it mattered, she told herself. After the problem with the girls was solved and the men involved had been apprehended, she doubted she would ever see him again.
Her heart ached at the thought. Last night had been unbelievable. The way Marcus made her feel, so cherished, had her hoping for what she never thought she wanted—a family. But he was an earl and her only a seamstress. Such things weren’t done.
If only her heart would believe that.
With her duties complete and Aunt Betty happily doing needlework, she decided to take a closer look at the books in Marcus’s library. It had been a long time since she’d read for pleasure.
The masculine room suited Marcus with its large desk and red leather chairs. A small sitting area with winged chairs stood before the fireplace. Two walls held books from floor to ceiling. How would she ever choose?
After spending well over an hour perusing the collection, which included books on land management, crop rotation, coal mining, poems, and several children’s stories, she finally settled on The Earthly Paradise by William Morris. The epic poem told of medieval wanderers who searched for a place of everlasting life.
She settled into a chair in the library with the hope of learning a little more about medieval times. Obviously, the tapestry in Marcus’s room, as well as the story of his grandparents, had more of an effect on her than she realized.
The poem was quite enjoyable, but she decided it would be best savored in parts. In truth, she had trouble staying focused. All she could think about was Marcus’s return. She listened to every sound outside, but the house was well built, and she heard little of the street noises compared to where she and her aunt lived.
The library windows beckoned, and she moved to look outside. This side of the house faced a small garden rather than the street. As she turned away, her gaze caught on his desk, curious as to the few items on it. A frame held a small painting of a lovely, smiling woman. Somehow the artist made you want to smile with her. She must be someone special to Marcus if he kept the image on his desk where he’d see it each day when he was here.
Her heart squeezed painfully as she remembered his hesitation when she’d asked if he was married. Surely he wouldn’t have brought her and her aunt to his home if that were true.
With a sigh, she reminded herself to keep her balance while enjoying this brief time with him. This was all temporary no matter how much she wished otherwise.
Book in hand, she left the library and found her aunt in the drawing room still working on her embroidery.
“I’m surprised you don’t prefer to do something else today,” Tessa commented as she gave her aunt’s shoulder a squeeze and took a seat nearby.
“It’s different when it’s for my pleasure rather than someone else’s.”
“I suppose that’s true.” Although Tessa wasn’t certain she’d miss it if she never picked up a needle and thread again. Guilt filled her at the thought.
The remainder of the afternoon passed slowly until at last Marcus arrived home.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” he greeted them. “Did I arrive in time for tea?”
Tessa’s heart lightened at the sight of him. His smile caused her heart pound, and his kind words to Aunt Betty pleased her. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word.
The cook outdid herself with sandwiches and biscuits. Some appeared so elegant that Tessa hated to take a bite. Marcus had no such hesitation and ate several. Aunt Betty was in heaven.
“It has been some time since I’ve had tea like this.” She had two cups plus sampled many of the items.
Tessa wished she could make certain her aunt had tea like this every day. But no matter how much she’d plotted and worked, their income hadn’t changed overmuch. Some days it seemed rather hopeless. After all, it was the girls who mattered. Not what they ate with their tea.
“What do you ladies have planned for this evening?” Marcus asked.
Tessa looked at him in surprise. “We don’t have plans.” Did that mean he would be going out? Disappointment filled her at the thought.
“I thought we might venture to a play if both of you feel up to it.”
Aunt Betty’s eyes lit up at the suggestion then all too quickly dimmed. “We don’t have the appropriate attire for such an outing.”
Marcus smiled. “This is nothing fancy.
Only a performance at a small theater not far from here. It is my understanding that all sorts of people attend, and therefore no specific dress is required.”
Aunt Betty turned to Tessa. “What do you think, dear?”
“It sounds lovely.” After seeing how excited her aunt was at the prospect, Tessa would’ve agreed to nearly anything.
“We’ll return here for a late supper.”
Aunt Betty clapped her hands together. “How exciting. I believe I’ll soon retire to my room to rest.”
They finished tea and as promised, Aunt Betty left them in the drawing room. Tessa couldn’t help but frown as her aunt closed the door.
“What is it?” Marcus asked.
“She’s been resting so much. I must say, it concerns me. Perhaps she’s been working too hard of late.”
“Or perhaps she’s simply giving us some privacy.” Marcus shifted to sit beside her.
Tessa had to chuckle. Why hadn’t she thought of that? “I suppose you’re right. How did your meeting with your man of business proceed?”
Marcus scowled. “Less than satisfactory. The man’s viewpoint doesn’t align with mine. I have no choice but to employ someone else for the position. He believes that increasing workers’ wages will only lead them to want more.”
“I hardly think that providing them with a reasonable living makes them greedy,” Tessa protested.
“Exactly. I brought up the matter casually, to try to gain a sense of his opinion. Most of what he said angered me. How can he walk through the streets and not see how many need help?”
“Perhaps he doesn’t venture to those areas.”
“I can’t believe that. He insists the recent articles by Josephine Butler and others are merely ploys to sell more papers.”
Tessa gasped in outrage. “How can he believe that? They clearly state the facts.”
Marcus took her hand in his. “That is one of the many things I like about you, Tessa. Your concern for others is admirable.”
The sincere way he spoke touched her. “Someone has to take action on these issues, but no one will if they aren’t informed.”
“I agree. Once the men involved in this situation with my ship are caught, I intend to see what else can be done. Where there’s one group, there must be more.”
“I’m afraid you’re right.” She ran a finger along the back of his hand. “Your concern is admirable as well.” She smiled up at him, pleased they had this in common. It helped to make amends for all the other differences separating them.
Heat lit his eyes, and he leaned forward until he was mere inches from her face. “Shall I tell you what else I admire about you?”
His suggestive tone made her smile all the more. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing the door remained firmly shut, and turned back to him. “Such as?”
“Such as the small gold flecks in your beautiful green eyes.” He leaned forward to kiss the corner of her eye. “Such as the pert tip to your nose.” He kissed it. “The curve of your upper lip.” Again, he kissed her, longer this time. “The lovely line of your jaw.” His lips moved along her jaw, causing her heart to pound.
“You had better stop there,” she said breathlessly.
“I would rather continue. There’s so much more.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “You, my lord, are incorrigible.”
“So I’ve been told.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “Perhaps you might need a rest before the evening as well?”
“I’m not tired,” she protested. She had no desire to remain in her room now that he had finally come home.
“What if I joined you for that rest?” he suggested, lifting a brow.
“Oh.” She would never have guessed that such a thing was possible. “As long as I’m with you.” She rested her hand along his cheek, still amazed that she might take such liberties with him. And that he welcomed them.
“That is exactly how I feel.” His lips took hers, stirring the passion that always seemed to smolder just below the surface.
But now there was an extra intensity, an extra depth to what she felt. She feared this truly was love.
She drew back, startled at the thought.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Nothing. I just—” She bit her lip. No. Now was not the time to make such a proclamation. She had yet to understand exactly what this relationship was. It was still so new. For now, she needed to simply enjoy it. “I truly like spending time with you, Marcus.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners with his smile. “As do I. I would enjoy it even more with the promise of privacy. Why don’t you precede me? I’ll come to you shortly.”
Her heartbeat sped at the idea of him joining her in her room. “Very well.” She rose, well aware her cheeks heated with her thoughts.
He stood as well and took her hand, kissing the back of it. “I will see you soon.”
It was all she could do to walk sedately out of the room and up the stairs when she wanted to hurry so she might have more time with Marcus.
Marcus poured Tessa and himself a drink late that night, pleased with the events of the day. Laughter and tenderness and passion had filled their afternoon. The evening could not have gone better. Mrs. Davison and Tessa had thoroughly enjoyed the theater, as had he. They shared a delightful supper together with clever conversation. And Mrs. Davison had just said her goodnights.
Now he and Tessa were alone again. What more could a man ask for?
Granted, he had yet to resolve the problem with the girls and his ship, but he had made progress in that direction this day as well. With luck, the morrow would bring further progress. He had to hope the police were making inroads as well with Culbert in their custody.
But tonight was his and Tessa’s.
He’d already placed the emerald necklace he’d purchased for her in his pocket. Now he need only find the right moment and the right words to present it to her. Yet he hesitated, feeling like a selfish bastard for asking her.
“Here you are,” he said as he handed her the glass and took a seat beside her.
“Thank you.” She took a sip and set it down. “I can’t thank you enough for such a lovely evening. Aunt Betty truly enjoyed herself. I haven’t seen her that happy for a long while.”
“I’m glad.” Nerves shadowed him, causing him to have qualms about his request.
“What is it?” she asked.
It amazed him how attuned she was to his moods. That was one more thing he appreciated about her. He drew a deep breath. Now was his chance. Why was he dithering?
“Tessa?” He took her hand in his. “I think I’ve made it clear how much I appreciate your company. And I don’t want our association to end when I leave London.”
Her eyes went wide. “I enjoy spending time with you as well.”
He drew the small box from his pocket and handed it to her. “I would like you to have this, as a token of my appreciation.”
She frowned at the box but didn’t open it. “You don’t need to buy me gifts.”
“I wanted some way to show you how special you are to me.” He gestured to the box. “Please. I would like you to have this.”
She held his gaze for a moment and almost reluctantly opened the lid. The emerald sparkled in the light, the diamonds shimmering around it. “It’s beautiful.”
There was a tightness in her voice he didn’t care for. Still, he pressed forward. “As are you. I thought it would match your eyes.”
“I don’t think—”
“Wait.” He tried to think of how best to say this but struggled to find the right words. “I want to see you again when this situation is over. To spend time with you when I come to London.”
She watched him warily. Where he’d hoped she’d be excited, she seemed anything but.
“I would like to buy you and your aunt a house in which to live. One where you would be safe and live comfortably. You could pass the shop onto one of the older girls who might continue what you started. Your expe
nses would be paid for along with a monthly allowance that—”
Tessa snapped the lid closed. “You want me to be your mistress?”
He nodded, trying to understand her reaction.
“How often would you visit? From what I understand, you rarely come to London.” The coolness in her expression did not bode well.
“I would obviously come more often now that I have you here.”
She nodded, but it wasn’t in agreement. “And in exchange for this…life of luxury you’re offering, I would need to do what, exactly?”
“Nothing. I—I would merely like to spend time with you when I come to London.”
“So a week or two a year? Or would it be more often?”
He frowned, feeling as though she was setting some sort of trap for him, but for the life of him, he couldn’t see it. “I would prefer it to be more often. Though Northumberland is some distance away, of course.”
“No, thank you.” She handed the box back to him and rose.
He could only stare at her, perplexed as to why she would refuse. “I thought we were of the same mind.”
“As did I. But apparently I was wrong.” She blinked as tears filled her eyes. “Surely you can understand why I am not willing to put my welfare in the hands of a man.”
“You would remain independent.”
“Would I? It sounds as if I’d be required to render certain services at your convenience. Do I have it right?”
Marcus rose as anger filled him. “I thought you liked to spend time in my company as much as I do yours. Obviously, I was wrong.”
“It’s not your company to which I object. It’s this…arrangement you’re proposing.”
“Because I want to make your life easier?”
Tessa shook her head. “I don’t want an easier life. I want a better life.”
“I don’t understand the difference.” To him, it sounded the same. “Wouldn’t a life with me be better than what you have now?”
“Not when I am simply another worker in your employ.” She swallowed hard. “I think it would be best if my aunt and I returned to our shop in the morning. Good night.” She hurried out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Regency Wolfe: A de Wolfe Pack Connected World collection of Victorian and Regency Tales Page 13
