Page 28 of Bound By The Christmastide Moon

Staring out the window once more, Mallory searched the busy street for any sign of her betrothed. Certainly, he must leave the tavern soon, for there was absolutely no chance of Mallory convincing her aunt to dine in the public room at The Crown & Anchor. Perhaps she’d consider the notion if the establishment suggested was The Mermaid’s Kiss, the proper lodging house farther away from the dock area. However, Silas hadn’t secured a room there.

Maybe Mallory should give up on seeing Silas again before the spring.

But then, what if her vision came true and he didn’t make it until the spring?

It would be Mallory’s doing for not warning him.

“Are you ready, my girl?” Aunt Hettie shouted across the shop as she hefted a large box. “My feet will be in need of rest before long.”

“Yes, Aunt Hettie.” Mallory hurried over and took the box from her, tucking it under her arm. “You wanted to visit the apothecary shop before returning to Tetbery, correct?”

“Of course.” From her aunt’s shrill tone, Mallory suspected the woman had forgotten about needing her tonic that helped with the pain in her shoulders and knees. “I must stop at old Gustavo’s while here. There is little telling when we will be back in Bocka Morrow.”

When? Mallory was certain she meant if.

With the duke continuing to demand Felicity journey to London for a proper Season, they would not receive another invitation to stay at Tetbery.

She thought of Lord Lichfield and his family who lived at the castle not far from town. Perhaps after they wed, an invitation to visit the castle would be extended. Aunt Hettie could not even bring herself to exit the carriage at the old castle; it was highly unlikely she’d agree to lodge within.

With a sigh, Mallory followed her aunt from the shop and turned toward Gustavo’s Apothecary Shoppe, and nearly collided with the one man she’d been hoping to see since waking that very morning from a deliciously sweet night filled with improper dreams.

* * *

Silas wouldn’t have left Slade alone at the tavern if the need hadn’t been great. His coat had been utterly ruined by smoke the day before, and he doubted even a proper laundress could remove the smell from the garment. Which meant Silas had two options: procure a new overcoat or freeze in the blasted cold.

Certainly an hour away from The Crown & Anchor wasn’t time enough for Slade to find trouble—or worse, run up a sizable debt in the card room.

With his head down to protect his uncovered face and neck from the cold, he stepped around a woman who’d rudely taken to walking down the middle of the walkway, leaving not enough room for a grown man to pass on either side unless they turned sideways.

“Lord Lichfield?” Poised and properly attired, Lady Mallory stood before him—her gown of the lightest blue he’d ever seen, high-waisted with a bodice laced with small pearls that reflected the sun from above. Her hair was brushed and gathered at her shoulder with a small, unadorned hat perched securely atop her head. The large, wrapped package under her arm slipped slightly.

…and she smiled up at him.

“Lady Mallory.” He turned slightly, not the least bit shocked it was Lady Hettie Hughes who took up a large portion of the walkway. “Lady Hettie. It is nice to see you both. I thought you’d be safely on your way to Blenheim Park by now.”

Lady Hettie snorted. “Thought so myself, but Mallory desired another day at Tetbery, though I cannot see how she can handle this bone-chilling coastal air.”

She glanced up at him from under hooded lids. “We are finishing a bit of holiday gift shopping before we return home.”

Her cheeks blossomed with color, and there was little doubt she was picturing their embrace from the day before.

“Allow me to hold your package, my lady.”

“It is not so heavy,” she said. “We are to visit only one last shop and then return to our carriage.”

“I am afraid I must insist.” He reached for the box, and she gladly handed it over. “I can deliver it to your carriage while you continue shopping.”

“Certainly kind of you, Lichfield,” Lady Hettie said, her brow rising with suspicion.

“I will walk with him, Auntie, while you speak with Gustavo. If that is agreeable.” He noted she kept her stare on Lady Hettie, not risking a glance in his direction. “We will deliver the package, and I shall return quickly to help you.”

The old woman straightened her stooped shoulders to glare up at Silas. He gave her his most reassuring smile.

But when Lady Hettie’s eyes darkened, he suspected she’d found no reassurance in his open grin.

“Very well, but do not dilly-dally, and come straight back.”

Mallory leaned close and placed a quick kiss to her aunt’s cheek. “Certainly, Aunt Hettie.”