Page 38 of Love with a Notorious Rake

Aidan had tasted the proof. “His name? And where can I find him? Again, this is to stay between us.”

“Of course, sir. He is William Michaels, over High Street way. Has a small shop. Can’t miss it.”

Aidan gave Mrs. Atwood an elegant bow. “My thanks, dear, dear lady.”

She tittered and giggled as she headed to her kitchen. As for Aidan, he had to think how he was going to approach this disgusting pieman—if at all, for he couldn’t tip his hand. Meanwhile, he would include this new information in his first report. Eventually he might use Rokesmith as a messenger, but he needed to build trust first.

Building it between him and Cristyn would not go amiss. But how, when he had to keep his identity and his operation secret?

* * * *

In the ten days since Cristyn had last seen Aidan, she’d sufficient time to reflect on their conversation. She admonished herself for the way she had handled it, and decided amends had to be made.

Was she asking too much of him? As he’d stated, he had barely moved beyond his recovery. How unfair of her to demand he admit his feelings, when, by his own admission, they were unknown and confused. She more than anyone understood the harrowing experience he had suffered. Though she was not aware of the circumstances that led him to be admitted at the Standon Sanatorium, Cristyn was sure it was worse than anything she could imagine. Being a nurse, she should have shown compassion and understanding.

Her core concerns remained: What about his past, and the horrible events that led to his stay at the sanatorium? Why wouldn’t he discuss his background and family? And something about his explanation for being in Earl Shilton wasn’t resonating. He obviously wasn’t here because of her. The only one who could have told Aidan of her plans was her father, and since he believed they shouldn’t be together, that scenario was rejected outright.

Regardless of her statement that they should ignore each other, Cristyn had to apologize. Hopefully she would be better able to keep her errant emotions under tight rein.

There was no better opportunity than today. Back at Morris Mill for another appointment with the orphan children, she and Paris followed the same routine as their previous visit. Along with the apples and bread, they brought slices of cheese. Paris had told her Mr. McRae would only allow them to care for the children if he abandoned all talk of a wheel, or any other concerns about the running of the mill and the health of the workers. Paris had reluctantly agreed.

As they concluded the examinations, Cristyn motioned toward young Rokesmith. Once he stood before her, she pulled him around the corner of the cotton warehouse.

“You know who Mr. Black is?”

He cocked an eyebrow at her, a cautious expression on his face. “Aye, he be the head overlooker.”

She slipped a note into Carter’s hand. “I need you to give this to Mr. Black. Can you manage it? Will you do this for me?”

“Aye. Only ’cause you and the doc be kind, with the food and the like.”

“Dr. Middlemiss is an honorable man. Perhaps we can alert the authorities about your care. It is shocking how you all are—”

“Nay. Don’t,” Carter whispered fiercely. “Things would go worse. You’ll do naught but muck it up. We’d all be separated. Or worse besides.” He held up the note. “If ye wish me to deliver the note to the toff overlooker, keep yer nose out. And ye can tell that toff doctor and all.”

Cristyn could see real fear and anger in the young lad’s eyes. They burned with an intensity she’d never seen in one so young. “Very well. We will hold off. For now.”

“Good. I’ll slip the overlooker the note, never fear.” The boy turned on his heel and marched away.

In the note she’d asked Aidan to meet her in the gardening shed at half past seven this evening. Her insides fluttered at the prospect of seeing him again. Yes, she yearned for him. But it would be prudent to keep her desires in check. But how, when the slightest brush of his fingers sent ripples of heated awareness through her entire body? When her heart ached for him to kiss her again? When his innate sadness and vulnerability touched her soul? Not that she thought him weak—far from it. One doesn’t recover from an addiction unless they have discipline and courage. She had seen both in Aidan. If only he could see it.

By early evening, her quivering insides had abated enough for her to school her features into polite indifference. As she hurried toward the rear yard of the inn, she reviewed in her mind how she would handle this. Apologize, but be firm in her conviction they must act as strangers if their paths should cross in the village. As for the future, that would be up for discussion after they had both departed from Earl Shilton and her inquires were satisfactorily addressed. Excellent. It would take no more than five minutes to say her piece, and she would be back in her room before dark.

She opened the door and slipped into the shed, only to find Aidan already there. At the sight of him, her heart skipped a beat. The subtle scent of his cologne filled her senses. Lord, he was a incredibly handsome man, with the most glorious cheekbones.

He stepped before her, his masculine presence making it hard for her to concentrate. “You wished to see me?” His voice was low, husky. Sensual.

Remain calm. “Yes. I wish to apologize for my fit of temper the last couple of times we’ve spoken. I did everything but stamp my foot. Though the feelings I relayed to you were honest and just, I allowed my hurt to steer the conversation.”

“I have apologized, but allow me to say once again that I’m sorry for riding away without a word. Though it is no excuse, I believed you would be better off without becoming involved in my wreckage.” He took her hand; neither of them wore gloves. The contact was searing. “Nigh on eight weeks later? I’m not sure what to think. Not when you stand this close to me.”

Oh, blast him! Stay focused. “I believe we—”

“Shh,” he whispered urgently.

Men’s voices were drifting closer.

“Get the hoes from the shed, Stan, along with the bone meal,” one of them said.