Page 39 of A Shop Girl’s Christmas (Pennington’s Department Store #3)

Elizabeth glanced at Joseph as they travelled in his car towards Culford Manor. The mood between them over the last few days had been improved by a slight change with Joseph’s confidence in Stephen Gower. At first, she’d been pleased that Joseph had seemed happy to step back and give Mr Gower some space, but now, as she observed Joseph’s tight grip on the steering wheel, she worried that it was the chance to be at close proximity to Mr Gower that had buoyed her husband’s mood.

She cleared her throat. ‘You seem a lot happier, the closer we get to Christmas.’

‘I am.’ He glanced at her. ‘I love the store as much as you, but it feels good to have a few days away together.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘We’ll make the most of it, I promise.’

Rare uncertainty niggled inside her as Elizabeth stared ahead. ‘Good, because I don’t want anything to spoil this time. Cornelia and Lawrence were really kind to invite us and Christmas is about the children, not the adults. We must do all we can to ensure they enjoy it.’

His smile wavered. ‘Why wouldn’t we?’

Determined to be heard, Elizabeth ignored the coldness that had seeped into Joseph’s tone and sat straighter in her seat. ‘Esther and Lawrence are my friends, Joseph. They have a life that I want to be a part of.’ She took a deep breath. ‘A life that I want for us one day. Children matter. That’s all I’m saying.’

His jaw tightened. ‘I couldn’t agree more. However, I suspect you’re more concerned that I will harass Mr Gower from morning to night while we’re here. Am I right?’

‘Of course not,’ she lied, clasping her hands in her lap.

‘Good, because I want to enjoy this time as much as you.’

She studied him, regretful that she felt she had to say something to him before they arrived at the house, but not completely sorry. ‘Anyway, there is no need for you to badger Mr Gower in any way. Cornelia has promised me he’s doing everything he can.’

‘As am I.’

The mysteriousness in his tone caused Elizabeth to look at him again. ‘Meaning?’

‘Meaning I saw Gower talking to someone outside the store a couple of days ago. Someone who had an officer of the law written all over him. I’m sure Gower is extending the search and bringing in help.’

‘But this man could have been anyone.’

He shook his head. ‘He was a policeman. I’m certain of it. The more people Mr Gower has helping him, the better. I can feel a breakthrough on the horizon, my love. A breakthrough that means we can start to concentrate on the future, rather than the past. Regardless of the doubt I sometimes see in your eyes, I want that as much as you.’

Despite his words, worry continued to grip Elizabeth. This time away could just as easily end in a blazing row occurring between them rather than joyous celebration. ‘Joseph—’

‘Plus, you should be reassured that I’ve not said a word to Mr Gower about my suspicions he’s widening the net. Surely, you can see that I’m not completely incapable of exercising some self-control?’

He glanced at her and the pride in his eyes softened a little of the hardness around her heart. She smiled. ‘I do.’

‘Good.’ He took her hand and placed it on his knee. ‘I know how much you want a family, Elizabeth. I do, too. Once Lillian can finally rest in peace, I will be entirely yours for the rest of my life. I promise. I love you.’

Tears burned behind her eyes as Elizabeth settled back in her seat, relief washing through her, even as she hated the weakness her love for Joseph provoked in her. Ever since he’d walked into her life, he had been by her side in everything. From the store, to the fights with her father, to the triumphs and disappointments of her colleagues and friends.

She wasn’t sure she still wanted to be the independent woman she’d once so ardently sought, and the reason was the man – so different than her father – sitting beside her.

‘Thank you, Joseph.’

‘For what?’

She smiled. ‘Everything.’

He winked at her and, although reassured, only time would tell how the next couple of days would unfold, but now, with her feelings made clear, Elizabeth had no doubt Joseph would keep his word and not harangue Mr Gower.

Fingers crossed, a fabulous Christmas time would be had by all.