Page 72 of The Detective and the Baroness

“Excuse my personal question, but has something developed between you?” Drew gave them a knowing smile.

“I think it has always been there,” Corrine smiled in return. “We love each other. Is that wrong, considering Travis’s recent burial?”

Drew shook his head. “I do not know much about love, only what I have witnessed within my family. I am of the opinion that when it happens—embrace it. As a doctor, and you, Corrine, as a nurse, know that life is far too short. Revel in your feelings. The American poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau said it best. ‘There is no remedy for love but to love more.’ Love more, my friends.”

Corrine ran to Drew and threw her arms about his neck, kissing his cheek affectionately. “You are the dearest of friends. Thank you. Let’s celebrate Danaher’s arrest. And love and all that entails. Let’s take supper at The Crowing Cock, the three of us.”

“I agree. But let me examine Mitchell’s leg before we go. Are you still in pain?” Drew asked, concern in his voice.

“Yes, it aches more than usual, but I can stand on it. Still, it wouldn’t hurt for you to have a look at it before we leave.”

“I will go and change,” Corrine said. “I have a gray gown I can wear to show half-mourning, and I do not care if I am whispered about—blast society. In a little over a year, it will be a new century. I am eager to get on with my life. And that life includes Mitchell.”

Mitchell remained silent. Had she overstepped, bringing their mutual feelings out into the open when they hardly had time to acknowledge them? Her emotions could no longer be contained. Corrine wanted the world to know how much she loved Mitchell. How she yearned for him—utterly ached.

A smile crept across his handsome face. “Yes. Celebrate. I could not agree more.”

Corrine squealed with happiness, then jumped to her feet, ran to Mitchell, and threw her arms about his neck. He laughed, and the sound of his joyous laughter caused her heart to swell to near bursting. Mitchell slipped an arm about her waist and spun her about the room.

“But your leg!” Corrine cried worriedly.

“I don’t feel any pain, not while you are in my arms.”

Drew stood. “On that note, I will go change for dinner.”

Corrine and Mitchell laughed. Then Mitchell slowly lowered her until her slippered feet touched the floor.

Corrine stood on the tips of her toes and whispered in his ear, “Come to me tonight after supper. I want you.”

“God, yes.” Mitchell kissed her passionately. Deeply. “You had best change for supper or I will be making love to you on this sofa.”

The thought of it thrilled her to her toes. “Is the door unlocked?” she murmured.

Mitchell reached into his pocket and tossed her the key.

She caught it. “The key to your heart?”

“Oh, my darling,” Mitchell replied huskily. “You had that weeks ago.”

Corrine chuckled as she hurried down the hallway. She could not wait for tonight.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The supper was delicious, and the company was enjoyable. Liam Hallahan came to see them briefly and offered his best wishes for their upcoming marriage. When they returned home, Drew went inside, stating he had research to do. Corrine slipped Mitchell her key before heading upstairs.

How long to wait? Thirty minutes? An hour? Mitchell was nervous as hell. He hadn’t been with a woman in more than five years, and he had certainly never been with one he loved more than his life. His few previous encounters were brief—sex, not making love. To Mitchell’s mind, there was a difference. He had no doubts about his lovemaking ability, even with his leg still not up to snuff, but was unsure he could adequately show how much he loved her.

And he did. Oh, God, how I love her.

Thirty-five minutes later, Mitchell slipped the key in the lock and entered the darkened flat. “Corrine?”

She glided toward him, a luscious silken and lace silhouette in the moonlight. Corrine took his cane from him and tossed it aside. Then she removed his wool and suit coats and dropped them to the floor. Her evocative scent of roses and vanilla inundated his senses, making him dizzy with passion. He pulled her close, burying his face in her neck, draping kisses down her slender neck and across her collarbone. She had her hair down, and Mitchell reveled in the feel of it.

Corrine sighed softly as his hands traveled over the curve of her hips until he cupped her rear, bringing her against his aching erection. “I do not have much experience, darling,” he whispered as he ground his hips against her. “And it has been five years since the last of my four encounters.”

Corrine curled her tongue about his earlobe, wrenching a moan from him. “I have once, many years ago. I was lonely, and it happened so quickly, it barely left any impression on me.”

Mitchell smiled as he kissed her cheek. “Then we start with a fresh slate.”