I glanced at him, not sure what he was up to. Moments before he could hardly be bothered to acknowledge my presence. Now he’d made arrangements for us to ride alone together. Lucy was so busy counting the trunks and ordering Beth around that she didn’t raise a single protest to his suggestion. I straightened my shoulders and set my chin, prepared to give him a piece of my mind once we were out of the public eye.
Two exquisite black and gold carriages were parked in tandem, one directly across from us, the other some twenty paces behind. At least eight powdered footmen stood at perfect attention, clad in black breeches and coats with gold trim to match. Henry raised his arm to shoulder height and flicked his wrist, sending a rush of footmen in our direction.
“See to the trunks,” he said to the first man who approached.
“Yes, my lord,” the man said, bowing.
Henry placed a light hand on my elbow, not enough to really touch me, but more as a token of politeness. “This way, Miss Kilbrid.” Nora released my other arm without any further protest.
Another footman opened the carriage door, placing a wooden step on the ground beneath it. Henry took my hand to help me onto the step and into the carriage. Sitting on the padded leather bench, I waited for him, my temper seething. He climbed into the carriage and sat on the bench opposite me, his expression unchanged from our first encounter. He stared at me in silence, his face so devoid of emotion I had to bite my lip to keep from yelling. The window shades were drawn against the daylight, plunging us in heavy shadow once the door was closed. The coachman flipped the reins and I swayed when the horses lurched forward.
I took a deep breath to steady my voice. “Henry, I don’t know what you’re playing at, but if you think I came all the way to England—”
His dim outline stirred, shifting in one fluid motion to the seat beside me. His hands found my waist and he pulled me close, pressing me hard against him. The next thing I knew his mouth had found mine and he was kissing me. Startled by the sudden change, I sat dumbfounded, my mind still reeling from his earlier behavior.
My body was experiencing something entirely different as what remained of my power began to stir deep inside me. I ignored it, temporarily blinded by my anger and the need to tell him just why I had come to England. Attempting to push him away, I felt his grip tighten on my waist.
“Please don’t, Selah,” he said, his deep voice making my skin tingle. “Let me kiss you. I’ll go mad if I have to wait any longer.” His mouth reclaimed mine, silencing my next words with a hunger that refused to be denied.
I willingly submitted this time, my need for him erasing all traces of anger. This is exactly why I came all the way to England, what I have been dreaming of for the past fifteen weeks. My power came roaring to life, filling my chest and racing along my arms into my fingertips. The warmth played eagerly on the surface as though begging permission to spill over and bare my soul. Reaching up, I put my hands behind his neck, pulling him closer and returning his passion measure for measure. My power flowed into him and he groaned softly, his arms tightening around me.
“I love you, Selah.” His warm breath brushed my cheek. “It was a mistake to leave the Colonies without you. Upon my soul, I shall never be such a fool again.”
His words made my heart soar. “Oh, Henry,” I said, my face wet with tears. “Your behavior had me so confused. Too much more, and I would have thought you no longer cared for me.” That maybe I had been only a diversion.
“Forgive me, Selah. The last thing I wanted was to hurt you, but there were too many eyes watching. I had to remain completely constrained or risk revealing everything in my heart.”
“And what in your heart is so dreadful that it has to be concealed?”
He buried his face in my neck and I felt the wetness on his own cheek. “Until an hour ago, I feared you were dead.” His voice broke with pure emotion. “Your ship was almost a month overdue and rumors were flying through London of treacherous storms and ships lost at sea. For weeks, I’ve had men stationed at every customs house within ten miles of London, waiting for news of the Callisto. When I saw you come up onto the street, it was all I could do not to run over and take you in my arms. Never in my entire life have I been so sorely tested.”
“Then why did you resist?” I laughed. “You’ve kissed me in public before. I know it isn’t ladylike to admit outright, but I would have welcomed your affections.”
Henry settled into the corner of the carriage and pulled me onto his lap. He put his arms around me and I snuggled closer, nestling my head against his chest. “The moment I left you in Philadelphia, I have dreamed of little else than holding you again.” He tightened his arms around me and brushed a light kiss on my cheek. “I had to wait today because I was not the only one with men stationed at the docks. Since I revealed my intentions to marry you, my father and the king have also been awaiting your arrival. The Callisto has been the most anticipated ship in London this fall.”