“You’re determined to air your dirty laundry,” she said.
“It’s late, I’m bored, and you’re too polite to stomp off in a huff. It’s easy to unburden myself.”
“I might stomp off—if you grow too verbose. There are many things about you I don’t care to know.”
“I wish it wasn’t so dark. I’d like to check your eyes for veracity, for I’m positive that’s not true. My family’s foibles are like a bad theatrical play, and every person in a hundred-mile radius is cognizant of the rumors. You must be too. There’s likely not a single story you haven’t heard a thousand times.”
“Maybe I haven’t listened to any of them.”
“I doubt that very much. Who could resist the juicy tales that are told about us?”
“I like to imagine I’m above lurid babbling.”
“I shall remain skeptical about your high motives until we are better acquainted and I can assess more accurately whether you’re that noble or not.”
“My face is an open book. It’s impossible for me to lie and get away with it.”
“You and I should gamble then. I’ll be able to fleece you blind.”
“I don’t have much to lose, so it would be a quick walk to penury.”
“Everyone has something to lose.”
“Not me.”
That wasn’t necessarily correct. She had her cottage and her work. She had Clara and Mutt. She had the neighbors who sent for her when they were feeling poorly. If she had to relinquish any of it, but most particularly her small house, she would be devastated.
She was relishing their conversation more than she should, and she said, “I should be going.”
“We’ve only just begun to chat.”
“My niece is waiting for me. She’ll be fretting.”
“I suppose I must offer to escort you. I can’t let you traipse off on your own. If you suffered a mishap, I’d blame myself forever.”
“What mishap could I suffer?”
“You could trip over a tree root and sprain your ankle. You could be eaten by wolves. You could be attacked by brigands.”
She chuckled. “Other than the prospect of tripping, I can guarantee those other fates will not befall me.”
“You’re awfully certain.”
“I’m always certain.”
There was mischief approaching on the horizon, but it wouldn’t occur yet, and she wasn’t entirely convinced it would happen to her. She couldn’t ever totally predict an outcome with complete confidence, but she could definitely stagger home without worrying. She didn’t explain why she was so certain though. He’d never understand.
He leaned in so close that the tips of his boots slipped under the hem of her skirt. Those pesky sparks ignited again, and she perceived every little detail about him. She was drawn to him on an elemental level, as if every pore in her body was on fire.
She could smell the soap with which he’d bathed, could sense the heat emanating from his skin. There were other odors too, manly ones of tobacco, fresh air, and horses. An even slighter aroma was detectable, and it was extremely tantalizing. She couldn’t describe what it was, but it made her want to rub herself against him like a contented cat.
It was a heady, exhilarating moment, and she felt special and exotic. She was being bowled over as she shouldn’t let herself be.
The women in her family never had suitors; they never married. They never considered it. They were busy and powerful, and men interfered in ways that couldn’t be tolerated. She’d never loafed with a beau, had never stood with a handsome man and reveled in his potent scrutiny.
“Don’t leave.” His voice was low and intimate, as if they were sharing secrets.
“I think I’d better.”
“I’ll see you to your door.”
“I don’t think you’d better.”
“You are a hard nut to crack, Miss James.”
“I’ve heard that my whole life.”
“If I get sick while I’m home, will you tend me?”
“To the best of my ability.”
“Then I shall hope to become ill, so I can have the pleasure of your company again very soon.”
“Are you a flirt, Captain Ralston?”
“Not usually, but you’re the sort of female who brings out the worst in a fellow. I won’t be able to resist misbehaving around you.”
“I will force you to mind your manners.”
“What fun would that be?”
The moon had been hidden behind a cloud, and suddenly, it burst free, its silver light shining down. He was staring at her so intently, and it was very strange, but Time seemed to stop, as if the universe was marking the encounter.
She would mark it too. Over the coming days and weeks, she’d revisit every single word they’d uttered.
“Goodnight, Captain.”
“I’m walking you, Miss James. Don’t let’s argue about it.”
“You’re drunk.”
“I am not,” he huffed.
“Well, you’ve been drinking then. Go inside and take to your bed. Or check on your sister. It would make her happy.”
“I’m barely acquainted with my sister. Why would I be the person who could make her happy?”
“If that’s even remotely true, then I must advise you to work on your relationship with her.” She stepped away so the sparks could settle. “And I’d appreciate it if you’d cease telling me things I shouldn’t discover. You’ll regret it in the morning.”
“No, I won’t,” he said. “I’ve never regretted any conduct I’ve ever perpetrated.”
She smirked. “Why does that not surprise me?”
She skirted by him, wishing he’d reach for her, but being relieved when he didn’t. She hurried away, but she could feel him watching her, his gaze like daggers in her back. She’d suspected he’d follow her, despite her demand that he not, and when he stayed put, she couldn’t decide if she was glad or not.
Eventually, just when she would have flitted out of his sight, he called, “Miss James?”
She halted and glanced over at him. “Yes, Captain?”
“Will I see you tomorrow? I’m afraid I have to insist on it.”
“You should know a very important fact about me.”
“What is it?”
“I
