Declan lets her go but doesn’t apologize.
“I think we are confusing things, Declan.” She stares at him with wide eyes full of confusion, “Our contract…”
“Is safe, but I can’t seem to keep from wishing it was null and void,” Declan smiles at her jolt of surprise. “Let’s go to town. I’d love to show you around.”
“Are you certain that’s a good idea,” she asks as he grips her hand gently in his.
“Absolutely, I promise to keep my hands to myself, but I give you permission to kiss me as often as you wish.”
“Declan!” she gapes at him and narrows her eyes, “that’s not going to happen.”
“We’ll see,” he says confidently and pulls her along through the garden. “I’ve been told I’m irresistible.”
Chapter 23
“How did it work?” Declan asks about her business as they ride into town in the carriage.
“It was easier in New York because I could study the ticker tapes and use the information to invest my earnings. The first year I invested small amounts, but in the past two years, I've had to be bolder with my investments.”
“Why?” he asks.
“It was becoming stifling living with the Hubbard’s. Tessa is aggressive and territorial.” London’s eyes whip to his, “in fact, she was quite besotted with you.”
Declan grunts, “That’s just mean, London.”
She giggles, and he laughs with her. “In truth, she was besotted with anyone with money.”
“You’ve saved me from sharks, Lady Sheridan. Now that I’m married, I won’t be chased by every mother in New York looking to match their daughters.”
“You’re welcome,” she laughs and straightens her dress. His eyes trail over her light blonde hair and he longs to thread his fingers through it.
“How will I ever thank you for everything you’ve done for me?” he asks in all seriousness.
“You’ve saved me from a dangerous living situation and offered me your understanding and friendship. I can’t think of a better thank you, Declan.”
“Friendship is a good place to start, though I don’t kiss my friends,” he teases. She blushes and looks away from him. He decides to give her a reprieve.
“Is it hard to find the information you need in the paper? I can’t see how you decipher it.”
London nods, “It is harder to use the paper, but I don’t have access to a ticker tape, so I make do.”
“I see. I have some shopping to do in town. I need supplies for the workshop. Is it alright if I leave you?”
“Of course, I will need to go to the post office and send a few telegrams. It should take about a half-hour. I want to mail a letter to Elliot and Dillon as well.”
“Perfect. Take this,” he offers her a roll of cash, and she stares at it with surprise.
“It doesn’t feel right taking money from you, Declan,” she frowns.
“Well, considering I’ve taken all of your money, it’s the least I can do. Now take it, Wife, and wait here for me. I’ll be quick.”
Wife, the word strikes her heart, and she wishes for a moment that it was true, but she'd never allowed herself to dream so big. Tucking the money into her small drawstring bag, she climbs down.
The driver drops London off, and Declan watches her walk away with a frown. She's very independent, he thinks, but that's what he wanted, wasn't it? An intelligent woman with a compassionate heart, and that's London.
He has to figure out how to keep her. Life with London would never be dull or boring. Together they would make an incredible team. Now to make her see it.
London watches the carriage pull off, and she hurries inside to send her telegrams. Declan is nothing like she expected. He accepts her quirks and doesn't diminish her talents or skills to make himself feel good. That is a rare gift.
“Kiss him indeed,” she mutters to herself with a small smile as she waits in line to send her messages.
He’s very cocky, she thinks and remembers his mouth on hers. Keeping her hands to herself could be harder than she thought. The last boyfriend she had was a sixteen-year-old boy, not a man like Declan. Husband, her heart reminds her, not boyfriend. In paper only, London! She argues with herself.
“Next!” the clerk calls.
London sends her telegrams and mails her letter then settles down to wait for her husband to return. The Western Union is across the street. It would be better to have the most current information on the market, and they have a ticker tape, she frowns. “I can be done before he returns,” she whispers and dashes from the shop.
Fresh air lifts a stray strand of hair, and she savors the freedom of the moment. Walking along as herself is liberating, and she is smiling as she enters the Western union.
“Hello,” she greets the clerk. “I'm Lady Sheridan, my husband wants me to take a look at today's ticker tapes.” Guilt causes her cheeks to flush. One day she hopes to be free to trade as herself.
“Yes, of course,” the clerk suggests she follow her. She takes her to a private room where the tape is running. The continuous sound that London has come to love fills the room. It’s a significant tick, as the numbers and letters are transmitted.
“If I could glance at them, I could write down what he needs,” London suggests.
“Of course. I’ll wait at the door.”
“It shouldn't take long,” she murmurs and glances through the tape. It's in alphabetical order, she scans and finds the S for Sheridan and glances in shock at the numbers beside it.
“Oh!” She scribbles some numbers and begins flipping the tape back, looking for yesterday's number and the day before. “Do
