Page 45 of Love with a Notorious Rake

Cristyn pulled her hand from his, flustered. “I have.”

“Do take a seat, Mr. Black, and I will fetch the tea tray.” Mrs. Trubshaw scurried from the room, leaving them alone.

Aidan did not hesitate. He swept Cristyn up in his arms and kissed her. Push him away? No. Never. She took the opportunity to clasp the sides of his head, meeting his tongue with hers, aggressively plundering his mouth as he had hers last night. Her fingers dove into his thick midnight-black hair, and Aidan growled in response, pulling her tight against him.

His hand moved to her breast, and a squeak of surprise escaped her lips. His thumb stroked her erect nipple, sending shocking waves of pleasure along her spine, settling in her feminine core.

The sound of footsteps broke them apart, and Aidan opened the door wider for the landlady. “Allow me to assist you, Mrs. Trubshaw.” He took the large tray from her. “Where would you like it?”

“There, on that table will be fine, sir.”

Once seated, Mrs. Trubshaw poured the tea and passed a cup and saucer to each of them. A knock sounded at the door. “Oh, one moment.”

Aidan gave Cristyn a questioning look, and she shrugged.

“Why, Dr. Middlemiss! I was not expecting you tonight. Come in. We have company, but you’re more than welcome to join us.”

Aidan frowned. Cristyn was truly puzzled, for she had made it clear she would handle this situation—perhaps Paris had come for an entirely different reason.

Aidan stood when Paris entered the room. “Dr. Middlemiss, this is Mr. Aidan Black, head overseer at Morris Mill.”

Paris pulled off his gloves and held out his hand. “Ah, the hero himself. Come to cover yourself in glory?”

Aidan’s mouth twitched in annoyance—Cristyn knew the guarded expression intimately. “Well, tea and biscuits, at any rate.” Aidan gripped Paris’s hand and gave it a brief shake before retaking his seat.

Paris handed his cloak and gloves to the landlady. “Morris Mill. Is it to be a permanent position?” Paris knew it wasn’t; what was he playing at? “I’ve never seen such a speedy exit. Mr. Hanson, wife, and children, all bundled into a wagon and disappeared in the dead of night. It was mysterious, to be sure. Then you arrive.”

Aidan calmly sipped his tea. “I assure you the position is indeed temporary. Hence the reason I am staying at the inn. I’ve no plans to settle in this village of misery. No offense, Mrs. Trubshaw.”

Paris crossed his legs and took the cup and saucer offered. “But I am sure Mrs. Trubshaw is offended, Mr. Black. After all, this is her home. Many villagers have fallen on hard times, the situation exacerbated by the cruelty of the masters who run the mill and rent out the stocking frames at exorbitant prices. But, as you say, your residence is a temporary one. Not long enough to impact anyone’s lives. Or assist those in need.”

Mrs. Trubshaw looked from one man to the other. “I’m not offended, truly—”

“There is a Mr. Muggeridge who frequents this village. He’s here as agent for Queen Victoria, and due to arrive within two weeks to conclude his report. I can introduce you,” Paris continued, his voice haughty. “The dire poverty here has reached the queen’s ear; I’m sure you can fill in the agent on the doings at the mill.”

“This village and its occupants hold no interest for me. I do not wish to become involved. I will do as I was hired, then, when the term is at an end, I will leave, and think on this place no more.”

Cristyn gasped. Is this how Aidan truly felt? The ice-blue coldness of his eyes shocked her, as did the indifferent tone of his voice. Perhaps she did not know him at all.

“Well, not all of us are unaffected by the desolation. Isn’t that correct, Cristyn?”

She murmured in agreement, not sure what to say.

“I would like to come tomorrow morning and visit the children.” Paris turned toward Mrs. Trubshaw. “If you were not aware, Mr. McRae has allowed me to treat them. Gratis, of course. It was the only terms he would agree to. I have the smallpox vaccine, and would like to inoculate the children. Will you agree to such?”

“Why ask me?” Aidan said.

“You are the head overseer. Are you not permitted to make such decisions?”

“I find it prudent not to overstep my bounds as far as Mr. McRae is concerned. I suggest you take it up with him.”

“I will. Now, as to why you are here.”

“Dr. Middlemiss!” Cristyn exclaimed. What was Paris doing? The tension in the room was palpable.

“I am looking out for your interests, my dear, as I promised your father.” Then he said to Aidan in a firm voice, his jaw determinedly set, “Miss Bevan is not available to be courted.”

Mrs. Trubshaw cleared her throat, evidently uncomfortable by the icy tone of the conversation.