“Catherine the Great.” He spoke with intention. “Patroness of the arts, philanthropist. Decisive, strong, a powerful leader in history—”
“I’m nothing of the sort.” She all but snorted as she regarded him playfully.
“Oh?” he inquired. “You’re providing the funds for the theater to continue, you’re setting up an orphanage, and I know of few people who would dare cross you.”
“You have no such problem,” she returned.
“I know you quite well, and I can remember several times I’ve had my own setdowns from your mouth,” he reminded her.
She twisted her lips. “You give me too much credit.”
“You perhaps do not give yourself enough.”
She gave an inarticulate groan. “Well, I do not have several lovers, nor have I been married to an emperor.”
“Perhaps that isn’t a similarity you need to replicate,” Quin corrected. “You were engaged to a duke.” As he spoke, he realized the words didn’t bring the pain they once had. It was a portion of her past and a portion of his. Nothing could change that, nor should it. Wes was loved by them both, and while a jealous part of Quin wanted all of Catherine’s affection for himself, he also realized it was quite poetic that they had both lost and found love together.
Catherine’s scrutiny softened. “It was a lifetime ago.” She then boldly reached across the carriage and touched his hand. “And it led me to you.”
Propriety be damned, Quin wanted nothing more than to pull her forward by that delicate hand and kiss her senseless in the carriage before God and the devil (Mrs. Burke), but at that moment, the carriage came to a stop in front of the Greatheart residence. Reluctantly, Quin gave a disappointed half smile to Catherine, and rather than kiss her with his lips, he chose to do it with his words. “Indeed, it did, and I’m ever so thankful.”
Mrs. Burke grumbled something as the footman opened the door.
Quin released Catherine’s hand and alighted from the carriage, then held out his hand to assist her.
“Are you engaged for the remainder of the afternoon?” he asked as Catherine stepped from the carriage.
She turned to answer him. “What did you have in mind?”
Quin could think of several things, but none of them could be done under the watchful eye of Mrs. Burke.Pity, that.If only he could find a way to get Catherine away from the old crone.
“Why don’t you pay a call at Wesley House? My mother would certainly love to see you.”
Catherine inclined her head, clearly catching on to his ploy. “When?”
Quin shrugged. “Now?”
“Impatient, are you?”
“I blame you.”
At this, she rolled her eyes, earning a huff of disapproval from Mrs. Burke, who was waiting beside her. Catherine ignored her and nodded. Quin said, “We can take my curricle. It’s proper enough since it’s open and will fit the two of us perfectly.”
Catherine turned to Mrs. Burke. “You’re dismissed.”
With a haughty look, the dour chaperone disappeared into the house.
Catherine’s amusement broke through and Quin released his pent-up humor as well, joining in her mirth. The curricle was soon brought forth, and he held out his hand to help Catherine step into the large-wheeled, two-seated frame. She moved over to the right on the bench seat, and he followed her in, then settled beside her.
Her leg pressed tightly against his, following the length with her own, the heat from her kindling to the flame already burning bright within him. The footman handed up the ribbons, and Quin gripped them in hand as he gave a snap across the horses’ backs, commanding the matched bays to move.
The curricle rolled forward, and as they passed through the gate onto the street, Catherine relaxed her tense shoulders.
“It’s like tasting freedom.” She leaned into the slight breeze.
“She is rather like a tyrant,” Quin agreed, referring to Mrs. Burke. “At least I can give you a respite from her watchful eyes by trading it for the curious observation of all of London’s speculation as we ride through the streets together.” He waved a hand as they passed a few ladies on a stroll, punctuating his point.
“I’m thankful.” Catherine closed her eyes as she raised her face to the sunshine. “And thank you for coming today.”