“Would you like me to go through the satchel with you?”
“Yes.” Her hand snaked out and clutched his tightly. “Having you here with me brings a touch of solace to my heart, and right now, that’s what I desperately need.”
“Let’s wait to go through the satchel until we are back in the buggy.”
She nodded, but her gaze never left his.
Suddenly, his throat dried, and the only thought in his head was taking her in his arms and kissing her passionately. He dropped his gaze to her mouth, and her lips parted. Her breath remained uneven, but it quickened, just as his had done.
Although desire for this woman pumped through him like a pulsing drum beating a rapid rhythm, part of his brain still functioned and reminded him that they were out in public. When he kissed her for the first time, he wanted it to be in private. Very private, in fact.
The expression on her face had changed. It was softer, more emotional. She wanted him just as much as he did her. Excitement shot through him, but he still kept it under control. This certainly wasn’t the time or the place. But he’d find someplace they could go that would indeed give them the privacy they needed. Never had he felt this urgent need to express his feelings, and never had he desired a woman this strongly.
Guilt tried to sneak into his mind, telling him again that she was Rebecca’s daughter. But he forced the emotion aside. He didn’t want to think that way any longer. Rebecca was dead, and her daughter was very much alive and making his heart hammer faster than it’d ever done before. He wasn’t about to ignore this feeling now.
WHY WAS HER HEARTBEAT knocking against her ribs with such anticipation—and why did she like it so much? It had nothing to do with receiving the satchel. For a few moments, she’d forgotten it was in her hands.
Once they made it to the buggy, Cole helped her inside and climbed up next to her. The way he gazed upon her was vastly different than she’d seen him do before, especially when he continued to look at her mouth.
Her throat tightened and she swallowed hard. She had the incredible urge to kiss him, but there was no way she could make the first move. He had to do it. She’d happily accept his kiss, even if he had been married to her mother at one time. For some reason, knowing that didn’t bother her as much anymore. In fact, at this particular moment as a little more color filled his cheeks and his eyes flashed with desire, she highly doubted he was thinking about her mother—or even the servant woman, Adora.
Had Vicky been wrong about his feelings for Adora? She certainly hoped so.
“Well?” he nodded to the satchel? “Do you want to look inside the bag now?”
“No, not yet.” She shook her head. The truth was she didn’t want this moment between them to end. She enjoyed gazing dreamily into his eyes, and she especially liked the closeness they shared.
“Would you rather I take you someplace private?”
His voice had lowered when he ended the sentence, and her heart leapt inside her chest. He wanted to be alone with her! She wouldn’t pass up on the chance. “Yes, please.”
The expression on his face relaxed as his smile widened. Without saying a word, he shifted in his seat and gripped the reins, urging the horse into a trot.
She tried to watch the road, truly she did, but she couldn’t stop her gaze from studying his handsome profile. His chin was so strong, his cheeks tinted slightly with a pink color, and his lips... Quickly, she looked back at the road. She mustn’t think of his lips. Not yet. But what else could she think about at a time like this?
She dropped her gaze to the satchel still sitting on her lap. Oh yes, she’d almost forgotten about this—again. What she’d told Cole was true. She was afraid to look inside. What if she had been a bad person? What if her memories poured through the flood gates and she remembered things about her life that she wouldn’t like? Hopefully, nothing would change between her and Cole. She wouldn’t be able to handle that.
Silence stretched between them as he guided the horse toward a grassy meadow. The town disappeared slowly, and the only way they’d become interrupted here was if there were a passing buggy. And yet, trees surrounded the meadow. She was certain they’d be able to find some spot that was more private.
Yellow and purple wildflowers nearly covered the meadow, and a small stream trickled alongside the trees. This was such a romantic place, and even when her memories finally returned, she would always think of this spot and how her heart sang with gladness.
He pulled the horse to a stop before jumping down. He reached a hand to assist her. As she slipped her palm against his, excitement climbed inside of her chest. She placed the satchel on the seat before he helped her down.
When she took a step away from the buggy, he paused, glancing back at the vehicle. “Were you going to look inside the satchel?”
Inwardly, she scolded herself. She’d forgotten about that again. It was quite obvious what was more important to her at this moment. “Oh, yes. Of course.”
He lifted it off the seat and together they walked toward a large tree. The branches reached out wide, giving them a very shadowed—and secluded—spot. He shrugged off his coat and laid it on the ground and then motioned for her to sit. What a gentleman.
“You know,” she said sitting on his coat, “I feel as though I’ve never met a man as kind as you.”
He smiled as he sat beside her. “You really feel that way?”
“Yes. My heart tells me.”
“I hope when your memories finally return, you’ll still think that way about me.”
“I’m sure I will.”
His gaze left hers and dropped to the satchel. “Are you ready to look inside?”
Drat! She’d forgotten about that. Again. She’d better get it over and done with before it slipped her mind once more. “Uh, I think so.”
Her hands shook as she opened the bag. Immediately, she noticed pink material, and as her fingers breezed over the top of them, she knew it was silk. Slowly, she pulled out the first garment. A scarf. That didn’t look familiar at all.
She reached in and withdrew the second garment. A woman’s Spencer jacket. The brown woolen material wasn’t as coarse as Vicky first thought it would be. Instead, it was quite soft. But still, it didn’t seem familiar.
The next thing she pulled out was a beige day dress. The material didn’t seem as fancy or silky as the one Vicky’s mother had worn, but it was nice, nonetheless. But then, according to Cole, Vicky’s husband hadn’t had much money.
There was still something in the satchel that weighed it down. She slid her hand back inside to see what was at the bottom. When her fingers touched something steel, she froze. Her heartbeat changed rhythm, and fear slowly grew inside of her.
“Vicky? What’s amiss?” He touched her arm. “Your face lost color. Have you remembered something?”
“No.” Her voice squeaked. Slowly, she pulled out the pistol.
When he recognized what was in her hand, he hissed a quick breath. “I didn’t expect that to be in your satchel.”
“Me, neither. I wonder why I felt the need to bring it with me on the trip.”
He shrugged. “You still don’t remember anything?”
“Nothing.” She frowned and stared at the weapon in her hand. “And yet, when I see this pistol, I’m frightened. Something deep inside of me tells me to be afraid.”
Carefully, he took the pistol from her. “My first instinct is to assure you that I shall protect you, but...”
She raised her gaze to his. “But, what?”
“I wonder what’s in your past that makes you so fearful.”
“I wish I knew.”
He returned the pistol back into the satchel before she stuffed the articles of clothing inside. Her heart was heavy with disappointment, and yet, eagerness to become closer to this kind man pumped through her faster.
“What would you like to do now?” he asked.
Her heart quickened from his deep voice. Dare she be so bold as to tell him
what she truly wanted? Part of her wanted to do just that, but she held back the emotions wanting to jump out of her. Had she been a bold woman before? Is that why she felt this way?
“I wouldn’t mind taking a stroll along the stream.” She smiled.
“Yes, that does sound like a pleasant way to pass the afternoon.”
He stood and reached for her hand. This time when she slid her fingers against his, she held on tightly, even after she rose to her feet. He didn’t move, but then, neither did she. Their gazes locked. Her breathing grew rapid, and she wondered if he was experiencing the same fluttering in his stomach as she was having.
His grip softened around her fingers, and soon his gentle touch stroked warmth into her hand, making her breathless. She swallowed hard, trying to moisten her dry throat and mouth. He tenderly cupped the side of her face, and she couldn’t keep herself from cuddling against his palm.
“Vicky—” His voice cracked, so he cleared his throat. “Vicky, I hope...uh, I mean, I feel...” He licked his lips. “What I’m trying to say—”
She placed a finger to his lips and smiled. “I believe you’re as tongue-tied as I feel.”
He nodded.
“I feel,” she continued, “as if my heart is going to jump right out of my chest. Every time I’m near you, my stomach flutters with excitement. Although it might be wrong—”
“It’s not wrong,” he muttered against her finger before covering his fingers over hers, keeping them by his mouth.
When he placed tiny kisses on her finger, she sighed from pleasure. A shiver of delight passed through her.
“I feel the exact same way.” He released her, only to slide his arms around her waist and pull her closer. “For the past several days, I’ve been fighting my feelings for you, Vicky, but I’m weary of this struggle. I’m tired of trying to convince myself that wanting you is wrong, especially when my heart tells me its right.”
Excitement shook through her. She slid her hands up his hard chest and hooked her fingers around his neck as she leaned into him. “It is right, Cole.”
When he placed his mouth over hers, she immediately melted against him. His lips were so soft as they moved with hers. Tingles ran a race with the butterflies in her stomach. And although she couldn’t quite catch her breath, and she feared she’d swoon because of her fast heartbeat, she didn’t want to end this blissful torture.
His incredibly strong arms bundled her body against his. When her bosom pressed to his rock-hard chest, she released an audible moan. At that point, the mood between them shifted. Either that or he did. Nevertheless, the kiss switched from tender to urgent...and very passionate. His hands wandered all over her back, and then moved up to her neck before bracing his hands on her head, holding her in place as his mouth practically devoured her. She wasn’t complaining in the least. In fact, she tried to keep up with him.
Everything around her grew silent, and all she could hear were his fast and heavy breaths, and the occasional groan coming from his throat. Her mind drifted as though she was floating on a cloud. If she listened closely, she was sure she’d hear angel’s singing, too. His kiss was the most glorious thing she’d ever experienced. Could there be anything more wonderful? She doubted it.
She didn’t know if she had kissed other men, but her heart and body told her that Cole was the man who could set her on fire. He was the man to replace any other male that had been in her memory.
Vicky wasn’t certain how long their mouths were fused together, or how long her heart hammered with pleasure, but soon Cole broke the kiss. Dreamily, she blinked her eyes open and met his intense gaze. Tenderness shone in his eyes.
Gently, he stroked his knuckled down the side of her face. “That was...incredible.”
The butterflies flipped again. “I feel the same.”
“I suppose I should do the gentlemanly thing and—”
“But you won’t,” she quickly added.
He grinned more from one side of his mouth. “You don’t want me to be a gentleman?”
“Well, not really. I don’t want you to think this is wrong.”
His expression relaxed. “Then I won’t.” He pulled away and took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. “However, I would like to go on our walk, if you don’t mind.”
She glanced around them, realizing they hadn’t moved. She chuckled. “Yes, that’s a good thing to do. But, should we leave the satchel here?”
“Yes. We’ll leave that and my coat. It’s nice weather. I won’t need it.”
Although they were holding hands, he still cuddled her arm against his body, pinning it with his arm as they began their stroll. She enjoyed the coziness between them. This had been a magical afternoon, and she didn’t want it to end. But nothing lasted forever, unfortunately.
He sneaked peeks at her and smiled. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his, so hopefully, he didn’t walk her into a tree or into the nearby stream.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
“Do you really want to know?”
She nodded. “I don’t have my memories to keep me company, so I’d rather carry on a conversation and start new memories.”
His thumb rubbed gently across her knuckles. “There’s so much I want to know about you. I find you so fascinating, and I want to know you better.”
She laughed. “I would like to know myself better, as well. So, since I can’t offer you any information about myself, we shall just have to content ourselves with talking about you.”
“I don’t want you to become ill from hearing about my boring life.”
“Nothing of the sort. I eagerly look forward to hearing more.” She smiled.
“Is there anything specific you’d like to know?”
There had been a question nagging at her since they’d met. She’d actually asked him already, but he never did answer. Dare she ask him such a personal question right now when the mood between them was so romantic?
But she had to know. “Actually, there is something specific I’d like you to tell me.”
“What is it?”
“Did...you ever love my mother?”
NINE
That woman has stolen my identity!
Anger welled within Tori Hampton and she balled her hands into fists. Misfortune had greeted her once again. Ever since she’d stepped off the ship to this part of England, nothing had gone her way.
Not too long ago, she’d seen Major Baldwin with another woman. Of course, she didn’t think her mother’s husband would mourn for his deceased wife for very long since he never loved her anyway, but it shocked Tori to see the pair together.
Gradually, she’d been gaining her strength after nearly dying in the accident on the docks when she’d first arrived. Thankfully, the kind older couple had nursed her back to health, because Tori wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. The gash on the back of her head was almost healed, and soon she could continue on her pathway to obtaining what was hers...and kicking Major Baldwin out of her mother’s house.
But now there was an obstacle in her way. How dare this woman taken on Tori’s identity! She didn’t care if the woman didn’t have a memory or not. What the imposter was doing was not right.
When Tori was on the docks earlier asking people about the accident, she noticed her mother’s husband right away. Out of curiosity, she followed and listened to their conversation. A few times she thought they’d noticed her, so she quickly turned and pretended she wasn’t watching them.
It appalled her that the woman would take Tori’s satchel. That’s the very item she’d come to the docks to find. Misfortune certainly wasn’t being kind to her of late. Now she needed to find another weapon. Soon! Major Baldwin wouldn’t turn over her mother’s money and land quietly, Tori was certain, and she needed to have reassurance that she’d get what was owed to her.
Once Major Baldwin and the imposter had left, Tori grumbled and headed back toward Charles and Hazel Watkins’ home where she’d been cooped
up since the accident. It irritated her that she had to think of a different way to approach Major Baldwin. She must make Major Baldwin realize that the woman he was with was not Mrs. Hampton. The only way she could do that was to meet with him in person...and alone. She’d answer any question he had in regards to her mother. Hopefully, that would prove her identity. And of course, while she was there, she’d take over Grand View, and become their new mistress. She didn’t know how much more she could take of the bad luck that had been following her.
Her mother’s money would give her the means to fix the manor and lands the way Tori wanted. During the brief time she’d been married to Mr. Hampton, she’d dreamed of the moment her mother would share some of her wealth. Tori had always wanted a fine home and immaculate gardens. She’d be proud to have parties and soirées at her grand home. And of course, word of her beautiful lands would get back to the king and queen, and they would want to visit. Tori would wear the latest fashion, and she’d be the envy of all the women for miles around.
Her dreams were put on hold, but she was determined to make them come true.
On her way back to Charles and Hazel, she passed a blacksmith stable that also sold items for horses. Two men stood with the owner, bickering over a price of their saddles. She didn’t care what was being discussed, until she heard a familiar name. Immediately, she stopped and paid closer attention to the conversation.
“Major Baldwin ordered five of your finest saddles.” The farm hand pointed to the merchandise that sat in the back of a wagon. “These are for certain, not your finest.”
“Oh, but they are.” The middle-aged man with a pocked face shook his head. “Your master knew what he was ordering, I assure you. These saddles are exactly what he ordered.”
The tall, thin man yanked off his hat, displaying his bald head. “I beg to differ. My master would be upset at me if I brought back these unfit saddles.” He shook his head. “I won’t do it. I just won’t.” He lifted his chin. “We shall purchase our equipment for Major Baldwin’s stud farm elsewhere.”
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