Page 119 of A Whisper in the Shadows

Her concern for him never failed to infuse him with a sense of joy. It seemed they’d shared a strong moment of connection yesterday after leaving Draper’s lodgings. She’d been frightened for his safety, and he’d sensed a deeper sentiment within her.

Or had he?

He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. Perhaps that was the source of his unease. His feelings for her had only grown stronger this past week as they’d lived and worked together. Hewas going to miss her horribly—more than he had before when they’d finished an investigation.

But he couldn’t assume she felt the same. Particularly after he’d seen her talking privately with Maxwell at the Swan and Hoop. Hadrian was overcome with curiosity and—he realized—an unshakeable dread.

Hadrian decided it was best to know the truth rather than imagine what they’d discussed. “I saw you and Maxwell speaking at the pub.”

“Did you?” Tilda brushed an invisible speck from her skirt. “I was going to tell you about it. Maxwell, ah, proposed marriage.”

Whatever Hadrian had expected, it wasn’t that. They hadn’t even been acquainted a fortnight! His gut clenched, and his breath halted in his lungs as he realized she hadn’t revealed her response.

“What did you say?” He worked to draw a deep breath.

“I politely declined, of course.” She arched a brow at him. “Did you think I would accept? You know I value my independence and that I’ve no desire to wed.”

He lifted his hand. “I make no assumptions. I could see where you might consider marriage to an inspector.”

“Yes, you’ve pointed out the things Maxwell and I share in common,” she said wryly. “He did present a compelling argument, and I confess I thought about it for the barest moment. But I can’t surrender my independence.”

That she’d thought about it made Hadrian both uneasy and surprisingly encouraged. If she could consider marriage, even briefly, perhaps she might someday consider it with him.

Was that what he wanted?

He could envision it quite easily. And it was most appealing. It would also be challenging, given their differences. Still, it would be manageable. If they both wanted the same thing.

“I don’t think you’d have to completely surrender your independence to marry,” Hadrian said evenly. “Your husband should know that you need to manage your own life and will see you as a true partner.”

“That was part of Maxwell’s proposal,” Tilda said.

“Then I give him great credit.” Hadrian angled himself toward her. “You still declined?”

She did not look at him, but she clasped her hands briefly before pressing them flat on her lap. “I realized I would never be drawn to the inspector in the way he said he was drawn to me. I don’t develop close relationships very often or very easily.” She sent him a nervous look, and Hadrian’s pulse picked up.

He waited to see if she would say more.

Her gaze fixed on the opposite side of the coach. “We have that sort of…closeness. I was very afraid I would lose you, and not just as an investigative partner. I did not want to lose that…closeness.”

Hadrian’s chest filled with hope. “We do have that,” he said softly. “And I don’t want to lose it—or you—either. You’ve become very important to me, Tilda.”

She met his gaze. “And you have to me.” She cleared her throat and looked away more quickly than he would have liked, but he could see that she was struggling with whatever newfound emotions she was feeling.

That made Hadrian a little giddy.

“I’m just glad we can continue as we have been.” She looked over at him. “You still wish to do that?”

“Most definitely.” Hadrian decided he would reveal some of what he was feeling. “I should confess that my jealousy of Maxwell went beyond professional sensibility. And hearing that he wanted to marry you made me…upset. I’m glad you said no.”

She looked at him in surprise. “You felt that strongly?”

He nodded. “I feel quite strongly about you. If I’m honest, I think of the kiss we shared, and I don’t regret it. In fact, I would kiss you again if I knew you were amenable.”

Her lips parted, and she swallowed. “I think of it sometimes too.” Her voice was soft, and Hadrian could see her pulse in her neck.

He sensed her apprehension. “I’m a patient man.”

She exhaled. “Thank you. I need to make sense of things. This past week has been intense, particularly spending so much time with you and Maxwell. There has been little escape.” She sent him an apologetic smile. “Perhaps you could come for tea later this week.”