Mallory strolled down the walk in Bocka Morrow, entering shops at random as she attempted to keep her thoughts focused on things other than the sensual dreams that had plagued her during the night. She’d run into Felicity as she was leaving the laboratory, and while her friend was upset, the Duke of Wycliffe seemed to have the situation handled. She supposed her vision had been correct, after all, about the two of them growing closer.

The late-morning breeze off the ocean held a biting chill; however, Mallory barely noticed it, and Aunt Hettie had layered on two thick cloaks in preparation for their trip into. Thus far, she’d purchased a new scarf for her mother, an emerald necklace for Felicity, and a new stationery set for their housekeeper in Launceston, along with many other baubles for various servants at both Tetbery and Blenheim.

Frankly, she was running out of time and coin.

And Aunt Hettie would not believe she had anyone left to buy a gift for.

The streets were crowded with both local villagers and many smartly dressed men and women, likely in Cornwall for the wedding taking place tomorrow at the castle.

Oh, how Mallory wished to attend. She’d been invited, after all, and by the countess herself. Yet, when she’d shared the news with her aunt, the aging woman had only shaken her head and forbidden Mallory from attending. The only shining light…she hadn’t barred Mallory from the Yule ball. That Mallory had failed to mention the celebration could be the reason.

“Auntie,” Mallory cooed with a grin. “Look, a haberdashery. I am certain Tressa would adore a new set of ribbons for her hair.”

When Aunt Hettie waved her off, Mallory entered the shop and feigned interest in an ivory Scrimshaw sewing kit displayed in the window. She did her best to appear interested in the many essentials being sold by the haberdasher, but her stare kept straying out the window to the town beyond.

One more day. Mallory had convinced Aunt Hettie to remain at Tetbery Estate for one more day.

Mallory was determined to use it wisely. Even from this vantage point, she had a clear view of The Crown & Anchor. Lord Lichfield hadn’t so much as appeared in the several hours she and Aunt Hettie had wandered about town. Could it be the countess had offered him lodging at the castle and he no longer resided at the tavern?

Damnation. After the fright from the explosion in Felicity’s lab had subsided, all Mallory could think about was Lord Lichfield, Silas, his lips on hers, his arms holding her close, and the surprising way her body fit against his. Their kiss had sparked something deep within her, and now she was helpless to think of anything else.

Though if Felicity or Aunt Hettie had noticed her distracted nature that morning, neither had commented on it.

“Will you be buying that, miss?” Mallory glanced up to see the proprietor at her elbow gesturing to her hands. She’d removed the ivory sewing kit and now clutched it in her hands. “I can have it wrapped for you.”

“Oh, it is lovely, and I was going to purchase it for a friend; however, I only now remembered she does not enjoy sewing as a pastime.” Mallory returned the kit to its place in the window and smiled as the man moved on to another customer.

Glancing about the shop, Aunt Hettie was occupied, picking through a large bowl of pearl buttons while their footman had been sent back to the carriage a while ago with more packages to stow.

Staring out the window once more, Mallory searched the busy street for any sign of her betrothed. Certainly, he must leave the tavern soon, for there was absolutely no chance of Mallory convincing her aunt to dine in the public room at The Crown & Anchor. Perhaps she’d consider the notion if the establishment suggested was The Mermaid’s Kiss, the proper lodging house farther away from the dock area. However, Silas hadn’t secured a room there.

Maybe Mallory should give up on seeing Silas again before the spring.

But then, what if her vision came true and he didn’t make it until the spring?

It would be Mallory’s doing for not warning him.

“Are you ready, my girl?” Aunt Hettie shouted across the shop as she hefted a large box. “My feet will be in need of rest before long.”

“Yes, Aunt Hettie.” Mallory hurried over and took the box from her, tucking it under her arm. “You wanted to visit the apothecary shop before returning to Tetbery, correct?”

“Of course.” From her aunt’s shrill tone, Mallory suspected the woman had forgotten about needing her tonic that helped with the pain in her shoulders and knees. “I must stop at old Gustavo’s while here. There is little telling when we will be back in Bocka Morrow.”

When? Mallory was certain she meant if.

With the duke continuing to demand Felicity journey to London for a proper Season, they would not receive another invitation to stay at Tetbery.

She thought of Lord Lichfield and his family who lived at the castle not far from town. Perhaps after they wed, an invitation to visit the castle would be extended. Aunt Hettie could not even bring herself to exit the carriage at the old castle; it was highly unlikely she’d agree to lodge within.

With a sigh, Mallory followed her aunt from the shop and turned toward Gustavo’s Apothecary Shoppe, and nearly collided with the one man she’d been hoping to see since waking that very morning from a deliciously sweet night filled with improper dreams.

* * *

Silas wouldn’t have left Slade alone at the tavern if the need hadn’t been great. His coat had been utterly ruined by smoke the day before, and he doubted even a proper laundress could remove the smell from the garment. Which meant Silas had two options: procure a new overcoat or freeze in the blasted cold.

Certainly an hour away from The Crown & Anchor wasn’t time enough for Slade to find trouble—or worse, run up a sizable debt in the card room.

With his head down to protect his uncovered face and neck from the cold, he stepped around a woman who’d rudely taken to walking down the middle of the walkway, leaving not enough room for a grown man to pass on either side unless they turned sideways.

“Lord Lichfield?” Poised and properly attired, Lady Mallory stood before him—her gown of the lightest blue he’d ever seen, high-waisted with a bodice laced with small pearls that reflected the sun from above. Her hair was brushed and gathered at her shoulder with a small, unadorned hat perched securely atop her head. The large, wrapped package under her arm slipped slightly.

…and she smiled up at him.

“Lady Mallory.” He turned slightly, not the least bit shocked it was Lady Hettie Hughes who took up a large portion of the walkway. “Lady Hettie. It is nice to see you both. I thought you’d be safely on your way to Blenheim Park by now.”

Lady Hettie snorted. “Thought so myself, but Mallory desired another day at Tetbery, though I cannot see how she can handle this bone-chilling coastal air.”

She glanced up at him from under hooded lids. “We are finishing a bit of holiday gift shopping before we return home.”

Her cheeks blossomed with color, and there was little doubt she was picturing their embrace from the day before.

“Allow me to hold your package, my lady.”

“It is not so heavy,” she said. “We are to visit only one last shop and then return to our carriage.”

“I am afraid I must insist.” He reached for the box, and she gladly handed it over. “I can deliver it to your carriage while you continue shopping.”

“Certainly kind of you, Lichfield,” Lady Hettie said, her brow rising with suspicion.

“I will walk with him, Auntie, while you speak with Gustavo. If that is agreeable.” He noted she kept her stare on Lady Hettie, not risking a glance in his direction. “We will deliver the package, and I shall return quickly to help you.”

The old woman straightened her stooped shoulders to glare up at Silas. He gave her his most reassuring smile.

But when Lady Hettie’s eyes darkened, he suspected she’d found no reassurance in his open grin.

“Very well, but do not dilly-dally, and come straight back.”

Mallory leaned close and placed a quick kiss to her aunt’s cheek. “Certainly, Aunt Hettie.”

She waved them off and started for the apothecary shop down the walk.

“It is this way, my lord,” Mallory said, gesturing in the opposite direction her aunt had started off in. “The carriage is only around the corner there.”

He held out his arm to her, and she set her fingers lightly at the crook of his elbow.

“I hope all is well with Miss Felicity and her laboratory.” Bloody hell. The last thing he wanted to speak of was another woman while Mallory was on his arm, but propriety demanded he ask after her friend. “Nothing was ruined in her lab, I hope.”

She kept her gaze trained ahead of them, giving Silas the opportunity to admire her flawless, porcelain complexion and rounded button nose. “She had left the lab a few moments before. Turns out, no one in the manor heard the explosion but us. Nothing was damaged, and Felicity is free to continue her work.”

“Very good,” he mumbled.

“What of your evening, my lord,” she inquired. “How did you fare?”

Yes, a much safer topic for discussion—on the surface, at least. “My brother arrived at sunset, and I have been getting him settled in Bocka Morrow. My aunt has insisted we attend the Yule ball at the castle tomorrow evening, and thus, I will be remaining in town a few more days.”

“It must be nice to have your brother near.”

“Well, it is better for all he is close where I can keep watch on him.”

“You take much responsibility for your younger siblings,” she commented. “Sometimes, I long to have a sibling—any sibling—close and underfoot.”

“What of your brother, the Earl of Bristol? He is unwed, and a bit of a notorious gentleman about town, or so I’ve heard.” It was all Silas could think of to distract her from conversation about his family. While his aunt had unknowingly exposed part of his secret, there was much more he didn’t want her to know. “Does he not visit Blenheim often?”

They kept a slow pace as they walked, each knowing once their task was complete, he’d need return her to Lady Hettie without delay…and he would have no other cause to remain in her presence.

“I do not often see Adam or my father.” She paused, adjusting her hold on his arm. “I see my mother frequently when my father can spare her accompaniment in London. However, it is normally only Aunt Hettie I have for company.”

“A pity, Lady Mallory, I have come to enjoy your company.” Not that they’d shared much time together, but she’d helped save him from the man outside the public house and kissed him with much vigor. Certainly, those two instances qualified as moments when he enjoyed her company. “Why not travel to London to be closer to family?”

She shook her head, her dark curls flowing over her shoulder to brush his arm. He only wished he could feel their soft, velvety strands through his linen shirt.

“There would be no one to keep Aunt Hettie company if I went to town; besides, my father is a very busy man with Parliament and would not have much time anyways. I am happy at Blenheim.” Her listless tone spoke to the contrary.

Silas longed to ask her more, but they’d arrived at the Tetbery carriage where a footman took the box from him and stored it in the boot.

As they turned back toward the apothecary, he wondered if Lady Mallory didn’t need this marriage as much as he did. Could they both be struggling to find something that had been missing thus far in their lives?