“I was already awake, staring at the ceiling. I couldn’t sleep.” Though he didn’t offer an explanation as to why that was. “Then I heard you cry out in your sleep. By the time I had pulled some clothes on and opened our adjoining door, you were gone, so I came looking for you.”
“You did? You were concerned for me?” She halted by her door, turning to face him.
“Perhaps. Just a little.” He conceded with a small smile. “I’m not used to all of this…” He waved a hand in the air.
“All of what?” she asked.
“I’m used to this house being empty. To not having to feel… very much at all.” He seemed to be speaking more to himself than to her, staring past her, though she hung on his every word regardless. “Since you’ve been here, I’ve felt concern. I’ve felt sadness. I’ve certainly felt irritation.”
“Sounds like you’re not enjoying having me here very much,” she teased him, relieved to see when he smiled a little.
“It’s certainly an experience having you here.”
“Based on your smile, I’m going to take that as a compliment and go back to bed now before either of us say anything to ruin it.”
He laughed softly as she turned into her bedchamber. His laughter was infectious, and it made her smile broaden.
If only he would laugh like that more often.
There was something exhilarating about it, especially when it was just the two of them, and she was the only one around to hear it.
“Wait.” At his plea, she halted, turning back to face him in the doorway.
She offered his hand out toward her, curious, she gave him her hand, jumping at their fingers connected. Despite the cold outside, his hand was warm. It offered that comfort she had been craving from his touch when they had stood out on the balcony.
“Goodnight, Maggie.” He raised her hand to his lips.
Margaret held her breath. He had kissed her hand just once before, the day that he had proposed, yet this time, it wasdifferent. He turned her hand over and lightly placed his lips to the inside of her wrist. He lingered there too. She wouldn’t have blamed him if he had pulled back quickly. She even expected him to retreat fast, but he hovered a little longer.
The only thing she wished for was for him to look her in the eye, but he did not. He looked down as he released her hand and the warmth of his lips on her skin vanished.
“Until tomorrow.”
“Goodnight,” she whispered, but he was gone all too fast, disappearing into the room next door.
Margaret stared at the empty space he had left behind for what had to be a full minute.
What did he mean by that kiss?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“So, what shall you do today?” Margaret asked as she finished her breakfast.
Beside her, Theodore folded up the newspaper. Once more, they had talked through the stories of the day, much to her amusement.
She found the more she knew Theodore, he actually had a keen interest in politics and the way it affected both business and his tenants. He also had great wit and insight, though he only offered the occasional comment to her that made her wonder for how long he had sat in this house without sharing such thoughts with others.
“Today, I shall make a visit to some business acquaintances. I have some overseas trade and investments in produce I wish to begin. I’m hoping the extra income will mean I can assist the tenants more.”
“That is good.” She smiled. He talked much about the tenants at breakfast, which was a hint to how much he cared about them and how seriously he took his responsibilities towards those who depended on him for their livelihoods.
“And you? What shall you do today?”
“I shall go to call on my sisters.” She sat tall with determination. “With a little luck, my father will not be in the house, and I can talk to them alone. Louisa will be preparing for her debut soon, so I wish to talk to her without Father present.”
“I hope they are well.” Theodore drummed his fingers on the table in thought. “I imagine Gabriel and Evelina have offered to be the ones to hold Louisa’s debut ball already, but we can offer, too.”
“You would do that?” Margaret stiffened in surprise. She hadn’t heard Theodore mention anything about a ball or a soiree before. From her conversation with Mrs. Lancaster, she understood that Theodore had little liking for hosting such events.
