Evie laughed too. As sisters, they shared a great many things. “It will certainly be a first for me.” She was equal parts excited and nervous. Not just because of him, but because this was new territory for her too. It would be a revelation for them both.

Chapter 6

The mid-December afternoon was surprisingly sunny. It was also very cold, so Gregory had picked Evie up in a coach instead of the gig. They sat together on the forward-facing seat. At the moment, Ash was standing on Evie’s lap with his front paws braced against the window while he looked out at the passing scenery.

“I think he’d rather be in the gig,” Evie observed with a smile.

Gregory’s breath caught. Did she know how incredibly captivating she was? Even during a mundane conversation about a dog? He looked fondly at Ash. “Only until the breeze picks up and he begins to shiver.”

“He needs something to wear. I’ll knit him something.”

She surprised him yet again. “You knit?” he asked.

“Occasionally.” She stroked Ash’s back and looked out the window with him.

“How did you learn?”

She flicked him a glance as she continued to pet the pup. “My mother’s maid taught me. I wanted to make a dress for my doll, and I am rubbish with a needle.”

“I imagine knitting is a very useful skill. Particularly since it will provide our dear Ash with a cozy covering when he goes outside. I wonder, however, if he’ll take to wearing it.”

“Once he realizes how much warmer he is, I daresay he’ll allow it.” She leaned her head down to Ash’s. “Won’t you, dear?” Ash licked her chin.

Evie hadn’t said a word about Gregory’s proposal, and he didn’t want to badger her. Which all amounted to him feeling as though he was stumbling through the darkness, uncertain of where his path led.

“I suppose you’re wondering if I have an answer for you today,” she said slowly.

“It’s as if you stepped inside my mind.” He flashed a smile. “I admit I am most eager for your response.” He’d barely slept last night in want of it. In want of her.

“Then I shan’t keep you waiting any longer. My answer is yes.” She paused, as if she knew his insides were careening with joy and he needed a moment to rein himself in. “However, it’s important to me—imperative, really—that we set boundaries. This will be entirely between us, meaning there will be no public displays of our…association. All interactions between us will take place at a vacant cottage on the Threadbury Hall estate. Lastly, our affair will end after the holidays—when we return to town.”

“That is more than acceptable. May I ask when it is that you plan to leave?” He wanted to know how long they had together.