Her jest did not bring the desired result.
His mouth remained a taut line. “You don’t want me to stay?”
Oh, this man could break hearts. One look at his doleful expression, and she almost surrendered. “Theo, this isn’t about what I want.” She wanted more than he could give. “I need time to process what I’ve learned today. And it will be better for us if we spend some time apart.”
The conversation went back and forth before he said, “But what will you eat? Gibbs returned with half a pig.”
That accounted for the delicious smell wafting from the kitchen.
She chuckled. “I shall find something in the larder.”
He stayed for another hour while Mr Gibbs showed his arsenal of weapons and made a blood oath to protect her until he heaved his last breath.
The sun was setting as Theo lingered in the doorway, a towering silhouette against a mellow orange sky.
“I would kiss you goodnight, but I can feel Franklin’s gaze burning a hole in my back.” His mouth curled into a slow smile. “Your kisses are worth dying for, but I’ll sacrifice one in the hope of gaining more tomorrow.”
She might have joked or lied but delivered a resounding truth instead. “I shall miss your company tonight. I shall miss you.”
“It’s not too late to reconsider.”
A vision of his sweat-soaked body burst into her mind. He was the forbidden fruit. The thought of making love to him would tempt anyone to sin. But a small sacrifice now meant less pain later.
“Goodnight, Theo. Shall I see you promptly at ten?”
“More like noon. We have a family meeting at ten every day. If I’m at home, I’m required to attend.”
She imagined the scene—a loving gathering around the dining table. “I shall be waiting. Come when you’re ready.”
“Don’t open the door to anyone,” he urged her.
“If you hadn’t noticed, Mr Gibbs is watching me like a hawk.”
He nodded, though looked ill at ease. “Goodnight.”
He bid her farewell three times as she closed the door. She turned her back to him before her resolve faltered.
Mr Gibbs had made a pork and apple stew for supper. Eleanor shocked him by asking him to sit with her at the small kitchen table.
“I beg your pardon, but I ain’t got a gentleman’s manners, miss.” Mr Gibbs swamped the small wooden chair and held his cutlery like they were weapons to disable intruders.
“I’m not a gentleman’s daughter, though my father rapped my hand with his bible if I slouched.”
“He sounds like a brute.” Mr Gibbs shovelled a spoonful of stew into his mouth and swallowed with little chewing. “I’ve met a fair few of them in my time.”
Lost in thought, Eleanor took time to eat her next mouthful. Had her father insisted she forge a career in dressmaking so she wouldn’t make her mother’s mistakes? Were the endless hours of sewing a way of keeping her out of the gossips’ way. Or did Emily have a reason to lie?
Mr Gibbs mistook her quietude for worry. He wiped his mouth with his hand and offered every reassurance. “No one will hurt you on my watch, miss. I’ll not sleep tonight. I give you my word.”
Eleanor wouldn’t sleep either, not when her bedsheets smelled of Theodore Chance. “Do you know how to play piquet or whist?”
“Know how to play?” he scoffed. “I’ve ruined every devil who’s played against me at the Grapes tavern.”
A game of cards would be the perfect distraction.
Theo had been gone an hour, yet it felt like a lifetime. Thoughts of him would have her tossing and turning all night. Love’s ache was like a sickness, a nausea his presence kept at bay.
“Well?” Mr Gibbs asked, whipping a pack of cards from his pocket and shuffling them so fast they merged into one. “Have you the courage to wager with a champion? If you want to play, I’ll take no prisoners.”
Eleanor smiled. “I’ve courage abound, Mr Gibbs, though perhaps we should play for buttons.”
Chapter Sixteen
Fortune’s Den
Aldgate Street
Theo sat at the dining table with his brothers, discussing the Den’s accounts, their new clients, and those Aaron had barred from the club this week. Aramis was to pursue Lord Blakemore for the two thousand pounds he owed to the house.
“Take Christian with you,” Aaron said, closing his ledger. “I’m told Blakemore hired three thugs for protection. They’re Crawford’s men, so shouldn’t pose a problem.”
Aramis rubbed his hands together and grinned. “The reprobate has run out of excuses. I shall take pleasure in reminding Blakemore there’s a punishment for testing our patience.”
“Escort him to the pawnbrokers if necessary. Remind him he does not want a midnight visit from me.”
Theo stole a glance at the mantel clock. Fifteen minutes, and he could leave to visit Eleanor. They had a busy day ahead of them—a solicitor to question, Daventry to appease and more kisses to claim. And they should check on Emily.
