Page 157 of A Story of Love

“Where are you taking me?” he asked as Lori’s feet naturally turned in the direction of her favorite walk.

“There is a small wilderness near a lake—although it is in truth more of a pond—and some lovely old growth trees.”

They strolled in companionable silence before Lori said something that had been weighing on her mind since Fast’s arrival.

“I know it is not precisely on the way, but I would like to stop in London to check on Freddie before we head to Grandon Castle.”

“Of course we have time to do that. Are you really so worried about her?”

“Freddie never goes anywhere, so this is sudden trip is extremely unusual.”

“But the two of you have friends all over, don’t you—the other teachers—maybe she went to visit one of them?”

“Maybe.”

“You sound doubtful.”

“It just isn’t like her. It sounds like she left not long after I did, but she never mentioned taking a trip anywhere.”

“We shall certainly check on her so that we can put your mind at ease. We can stay a few nights at Severn House, and you can go speak to W.H. Newcastle and sign your contract. Or did you forget about that in the excitement of the wedding?”

“No, I have most certainly not forgotten.”

“I thought as much. A mere husband cannot hold a candle to a book contract,” Fast said with exaggerated self-pity.

“Well, to be fair, I have been seeking a book contract for years. Now a husband, on the other hand…”

He clutched his heart. “Ooof!”

Lori laughed. “Poor, poor Severn.” She paused a moment. “You, er, want to stay at Severn House?” she asked, not sure how to raise the subject on her mind.

“Why not?”

“Won’t it have been closed up for the summer if your grandfather has gone?”

“There will still be plenty of servants in residence to see to our needs.”

“Yes, of course.”

They walked in silence as she squirmed and tried to come up with a subtle way to remind him about his threat about the Queen’s Chambers.

The sound of a low masculine laugh made her turn. “Why are you snickering in that odious way?”

He grinned. “Because it is both amusing, and charming, to watch you try to conceive of a subtle way to say that you want to go back to the brothel and do unspeakably naughty things with me.”

She bumped him with her shoulder, but it was like bumping a warm brick wall and he didn’t budge. “I was not thinking that!”

“Were so.”

Lori laughed. “Oh, very well. So, I am curious. Is that really so dreadful?”

He stopped, turned to her, and slid his arms around her. “It’s not dreadful at all. It’s delightful. Wonderful. Lovely. Kiss me.”

“Here?”

“Yes. Here.”

Lori looked about, but they were alone except for the birds, insects, and summer sunshine. She slid her arms around his neck and stood up on her toes while pulling him lower.