His smile turned gentle as he took her face in his hands and kissed her again. When he lifted his head, his intense blue gaze trapped hers. “I’m glad I finally got you to understand. I love you. ’Tis not my desire to hamper your freedom, but remaining safe requires it.”
She nodded and he changed the subject. “Have you eaten?”
Libby shook her head.
“Are you hungry?”
Keeping her eyes on his, Libby nodded.
“Come. Let’s go find Giselle and have lunch. I’m starved.”
He stood and pulled her up with him. Together they walked to Giselle’s door.
See AlsoRead Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5)(23) Free Books OnlineAlpha's Hated Mate - Chapter 5The Hanging Rope - Chapter 10 - GFU_Angel_Phoenix_StarflairThe Billionaire's Playmate - Chapter 5“We’re getting a bite to eat,” he said when she opened her door. “Would you care to join us?”
Readily agreeing, Giselle grabbed her bonnet, rushed out into the hallway, and took Colin’s offered elbow. They walked to the hotel dining room much the same as the day before, only this time the mood wasn’t quite as jubilant.
Colin was unusually quiet during lunch. He was pleasant enough, just not as carefree and happy as he’d been earlier. Libby figured he was still upset about the incident. Heavens, she was still upset about it too. Nonetheless, his subdued manner started to alarm her. She’d come to know him pretty well in the past month. He seemed to be withdrawing from her and she sensed his mind was far away, not on lunch or what she and Giselle had been talking about.
“Where are we going tonight,” she asked, trying to draw him out.
He shrugged. “Tonight, Malcolm and Susan have invited us to dinner.” He smiled and added, “Sorry, ladies. No dancing tonight.”
Giselle’s smile was wistful. “I had such a nice time last night. I’m not used to these late evenings. I slept in today, but I’m still tired.”
Libby agreed. “I would prefer a quiet evening.”
“Well, ladies? What should we do this afternoon? I can have George bring the carriage around. We can drive around and view the sights.”
See AlsoSaved by Love - Chapter 2Both Libby and Giselle nodded. For the next few hours, they toured the city by horse-drawn carriage. Every now and then, Colin pointed out a house or home of one of those he knew. Other than that, he didn't partake of the conversation.
As the afternoon turned into early evening, Libby became more apprehensive. Though polite and as charming as ever, Colin seemed distracted.
“Are you sure you aren’t still mad at me for this morning?” she whispered to him when Giselle stepped out of the carriage ahead of them.
He offered the same sad smile he’d given her too many times that afternoon and patted her hand. “No, my love. I’m no longer angry. I have a lot on my mind, is all.” He leaned in to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek before jumping out of the carriage and helping her out.
Libby blinked back tears of frustration as Giselle drew her aside and asked, “Is everything all right between you and Colin?”
Smiling, Libby nodded. “Of course. I think we’re both tired after last night.” Giselle might remind her of Bev, but Libby thought it best not to mention her troubles despite the need to unburden herself. Another wave of homesickness enveloped her. As Libby allowed Colin to escort her upstairs to their room, she really missed Bev.
Colin remained aloof as he helped her dress for dinner.
During the ride to the Webster home on Third Street, he was more open and talkative, which eased Libby’s mind somewhat. Still, she sensed he was having the same kind of doubts she was having. She didn't belong here and she missed her own time, but the thought of leaving him behind was unendurable. Not after all that had happened earlier that day. She also worried that she might never go back. That thought tore her in two. Part of her wanted to stay with Colin forever, and the other part wanted nothing better than to go home, where men were normal and life existed on a more enlightened plane.
After a pleasant evening with the Websters, a couple she truly enjoyed, Libby sat next to Colin on the ride back to the hotel and realized he’d lapsed back to his uncommunicative self.
“Will you please tell me what’s wrong?” The need to make things right between them was stronger than ever.
He glanced at her and something flickered in his gaze. Sadness or weariness. Libby wasn’t quite sure, but there was definitely something he wasn't telling her.
“Why do you assume there’s something wrong,” he asked.
“Because of what happened this morning.”
He smiled. As all his others that day, the smile held no joy, only resignation. “That’s over,” he said, patting her hand. “I’m just weary. I will certainly enjoy falling into bed tonight. It’s been a long day.” He then stretched out his legs and his attention went to the passing scenery.
Libby sighed, not liking this side of him at all. If only he’d tell her what was eating him, then she could fix it. What really scared her was the idea that she couldn't.
