Free Love Between the Lines by Kate Rothwell Page A

I really do have to work,” she said.
    They walked down the long block toward the two men who hadn ’t noticed them yet. Miss Drury’s chin lifted and she smiled when Oyster spotted them.
    He felt a wash of relief that she wouldn’t sulk. She probably never did, which was likely her downfall. Better to quietly brood than go into a rage and speak her mind when dealing with some people—like that father of hers.
    “ You should return to your boardinghouse and pack, now that you know you’ve decided to come with us. What a relief. I can return to my hotel and lead a proper life instead of trailing around after you, begging.”
    She actually grinned at him. “Yes, I must say it has given my self-esteem quite a boost, having one of England’s premier publishers panting at my heels.”
    The outrageous image of panting after her made Gideon smirk and raise his eyebrows, silently communicating the salacious possibilities of her words.
    She met his eyes and looked away quickly.
    He said, “I’m surprised. I thought you’d believe a little more panting would do me good. Would you have me add a grovel to the heavy breathing?”
    She still didn ’t look at him. “It’s getting late.” She took off at a trot toward Oyster, who was sauntering in their direction.
    Gideon lengthened his stride to catch up with her. The words had slipped out. He had no intention of taking on a flirtatious tone with Trudy Tildon. A real lady waited for him, the serene Lady Edith.
    The calm Lady Edith appealed to him. Even her not particularly graceful dancing was to his taste. Her slight wooden air when he touched her on the dance floor gave her an air of innocence. He didn’t want a lithe partner in marriage. Too much like the professional dancers in his past. He didn’t mind those agile women, not at all—generally speaking, he enjoyed them as people as well as partners. Yet they were connections from another age and station in life. Those ladies were from his shady past, not the brilliant future he’d planned.
    Miss Drury wouldn ’t fit his past nor his future and the present was too fleeting to matter—at least for someone determined to behave like a gentleman and he liked being a gentleman. The role fit better and better these days.
    But he was on holiday and would take on the familiar role of reporter for a while longer. He’d missed the excitement of tracking a story in person. As they set off to find a hansom cab, he asked, “I wonder if I might come to see your villainous Mr. Gottshield when the captain brings him in?”
    She looked horrified. “Oh no. I can’t. I promised any story about the kidnappings to Mr. Tooley. No matter what, I have to produce something for him. He’s a wonderful guy, and I don’t want to disappoint him.”
    He wondered if the hot discomfort in his stomach was jealousy.
    The story. Of course that was the issue. He’d buy the rights from the New York paper if he wanted that story so badly.
     
    When he bid Miss Drury good-bye, after arranging to meet at the docks, he took her hand and held it. Her eyes met his and narrowed. He waited. Yes. He cheered internally as her face reddened. It was as satisfying as a perfect tennis serve, smashing the ball over the net. Point scored easily against an opponent.
    He kissed her gloved knuckles and grinned at the faint scent of coffee. “I don’t mind you working on stories for other papers before we disembark, but try not to get kidnapped before we next meet, Miss Drury.”
    He watched with some amusement and amazement as Mr. Brinker took a formal leave, bowing over her hand, behaving as something more than a servant. Perhaps Miss Drury had managed to put a dent in the man ’s iron set of rules.
    “ Very appealing female,” Gideon said as they walked away.
    “ Also eccentric, sir,” was all Brinker said. Gideon wasn’t sure why that note of disapproval in his manservant’s voice cheered him.
     
    Up in her room, Lizzy felt as if she could breathe