Page 46 of To Desire

Chapter 22

“This is a beautiful shop.”

The moment Evelina opened the door, Liana could smell a fragrant blend of dried herbs hanging from the rafters: rosemary, lavender, and sage mixed with earthy undertones of chamomile and mint. Small glass jars lined the shelves, each labeled in careful script, filled with everything from powdered ginger to rare, aromatic resins.

“Thank you,” Amalia replied, greeting them.

Dried bundles and woven wreaths hung beside herbs known for their protective properties. Liana felt a sense of calm here—a sanctuary hidden from judgment, a distraction from her worries.

“This is the most excruciating part,” Amalia said. “Waiting for them to return.”

Though she said it to both her and Evelina, it was Liana’s eyes Amalia had met.

“I . . .” She did not know how to respond. “I do very much hope they return safely.”

Amalia smiled at Evelina. It was at that moment, Liana realized she’d not been at all successful hiding her true feelings from the women.

“You do not have to share your thoughts with us,” Evelina said. “But know that both Amalia and I can help. If you are in need of it.”

She wished for nothing more than to speak with someone. And given their circumstances, Liana was certain neither of the women would judge her. Liana glanced at the door.

“I will close the shop,” Amalia said, and before she could stop her, the woman had all but run to the door and locked it. Closing the wooden shutters, Amalia returned.

She did not know how to begin.

“You are in love with him?” Evelina asked finally. Laughing, she added, “It is not as much of a surprise as you might believe. The way you look at each other . . . ’tis telling.”

“Each other?”

“He has not told you yet?” Evelina asked.

“Nay, of course, he has not. Darien is an earl, one I am sworn to protect, as my ancestors have done before me.”

“My husband is an earl,” Amalia said. “And I was once a maid.”

“When he first told me of you,” Liana admitted, “I’d begun to have feelings for him. And thought . . . wondered . . . if such a thing could be possible. And then my readings⁠—”

“You have seen your future together?” Evelina asked.

“Not precisely, but I know that we are bound together. We’ve spoken of it, but my visions were vague, at first.”

“At first?” Amalia leaned her elbows on the counter.

“The same reading that showed me a clear picture of England’s future also confirmed that Darien and I were meant to be together, not just me as an adviser, which I had previously thought but . . . together. In that way.”

“As man and wife?” Amalia asked.

“I suppose, though the idea that he might take me as a wife was not one I thought to entertain. But then he kissed me, more than once. And I was less certain.”

“Did you tell him?” Evelina leaned against the counter, her riding gown falling effortlessly around her, as if she’d been born to the role that Liana was not certain she could fill. “Of your last reading?”

Liana shook her head. “I did not. There was more at stake than us, and . . .”

“And?” Amalia prompted.

“I did not wish for him to think being with me was inevitable.”

Evelina nodded. “I can understand. You want him to want to be with you?”