Chapter Eleven
Though William put forth the grin that had earned him more than a few blushes from Francesca since they’d met, inside, he was a seething mass of annoyance and anger. Knowing that Lord Wainwright had abandoned her without recourse incensed him, but the fact she continued to encourage his courtship after what he—William—and she had done the day before pushed him against the edge of becoming enraged.
So much so that the hand resting on his thigh curled into a fist. To combat those feelings, he brushed the fingers of his other hand along her nape and wished he weren’t wearing gloves so he could remind himself what that silky skin felt like. Forcing himself to swallow his ire, he said, “Did you enjoy your outing with Wainwright?”
How could she still encourage that pup after what they’d shared, after coming together like dual storms in mutual need and desire? He’d enjoyed himself heartily, and there’d been a certain level of satisfaction to claim her, but guilt trailed after him, and that physical act hadn’t cleared his head as he’d hoped.
Instead, he thought more about her now than he had before, yet apparently, she didn’t share the sentiment.
Bloody, bloody hell.
“Yes and no.” The blush on her cheeks deepened. From being in the viscount’s presence or from him touching her right now? “When I wasn’t woolgathering for most of the tour, I took the opportunity to ask Lord Wainwright about his relationships with the two dead women.”
“There are three now, but that’s beside the point. The last one appeared to be a maid, no doubt on her day off. I doubt her death is connected.” William frowned. I hope. Too early to tell.
One of her eyebrows rose. “Regardless, I wasn’t able to ascertain much information from him. He swears he didn’t know them well. Only danced with them and chatted within the bounds of society events.” When she shrugged, her shoulder brushed his chest and set off renewed awareness of her.
“Do you believe him?”
“I’m not sure. His responses matched what he’d told you, but I wanted to try and help the investigation along.”
His chest tightened with gratitude. “I appreciate that, and knew you were a good choice for a partner.” But did he want her to remain as such, or did he want her continued companionship outside working cases? His body certainly had shown its druthers. “Uh, how is your article coming? Or your interview of me?” That alone would prolong the hours they spent in each other’s company.
“I’ve found myself distracted of late regarding the interview.” Her words sounded breathless, so he continued to stroke his fingers along her nape, daring to dip them around to trace a clavicle bone through the layers of clothing.
“Understandable.” What would she do if he pressed a tiny row of kisses to her neck? He couldn’t dislodge that idea from his mind. “If you’d like, you may ask me questions during the ride.” But he couldn’t promise he’d answer them.
“Truly?” She half-turned toward him, and her leg knocked against his. Heat emanated from the point of contact, but it was the pleasure sparkling in the arctic blue depths of her eyes that held him captive. “That would be lovely.”
“I never say anything I don’t mean.” Though the anger and annoyance still mixed within his chest, and he nearly bit his tongue in two to keep from asking which one of them she’d ultimately choose, he wanted to see her succeed in her chosen dream.
Yet, what the devil did she think after he’d taken complete advantage of her in his cousin’s study? Coupled with her, stolen her virginity without finesse or class against a damned wall? He remained silent for fear she’d reject him for his trespass even if she’d been an active and willing participant…
“When we were all in Derbyshire for Christmastide, you were anxious and angry about your family.” She raised those gorgeous eyes to his once more, and this time, curiosity gleamed there. “Has that further resolved since?”
“Straight for the jugular, eh? You’ll make a fair journalist yet.” His respect for her rose, but he didn’t withdraw his touch. Couldn’t. For whatever reason, he craved the connection between them, and the very act of breathing in her apple blossom scent filled him with peace. “My cousin Andrew and I have come to an understanding. We are working on building a friendship together.” He paused, thinking over his next words carefully. “More and more I find myself coming to him for advice when my mind is conflicted.”
“About?”
He shrugged. “Anything.”
“Has the rift between your families been repaired?”
“Do you know what it was?” When she shook her head, he sighed. “Years ago, when my sister Caroline was a young girl, my father sent her away to a mental asylum. Her mind isn’t right. That action infuriated my uncle—Andrew’s father—and he wanted Caroline to remain within the family fold. That’s when the break happened, and it remained there until Andrew found out.” Again, his hand curled into a fist, but Francesca covered it with hers and he relaxed.
“Andrew did what no one other Storme would do, and that angered you.” Her succinct surmise was as good as any explanation.
“Yes.” He clung to her fingers, borrowing from her quiet strength. It was odd, this sharing and closeness, yet he couldn’t have enough of it at the same time. “Why couldn’t I have done what he did, have the courage to break the cycle put forth by my father? For my own sister’s good?” He shook his head. “Caroline resides with Andrew for the time being, and I haven’t opposed, for I do think it’s best. I certainly can’t look after her like she needs.”
“No one blames you, William.”
“I hope you’re right because I blame myself enough.” Never had he admitted that to anyone. “If I could have but seen…”
“You were but a young man yourself when Caroline was sent away. No doubt you were at school. It wasn’t your decision.” She squeezed his fingers. “Someday you’ll need to give yourself the same forgiveness you gave Andrew… that you gave your father posthumously.”
“I know.” For long moments he remained silent, half-holding her. “Once my schooling completed, that’s when I started with Bow Street. There were too many unanswered questions about my family’s history. It propelled me to solve mysteries for other families. No one should have to wonder about their past, to blame themselves for so many years without answers.”
“Now that is a wonderful nugget about you.” A soft smile curved her lips. “I shall be certain to include it in the interview.”