Part 33 (2/2)

G.o.d, I miss him.

But she wasn't going to dwell on his absence, at least not any more often than could be helped.

After bidding her maid a final good night, she poured herself another cup of cocoa, then settled back on the sofa with a book.

That's when she saw it-the present Leo had given her.

She'd resisted the impulse to open it, knowing instinctively that it was likely something expensive. Something she should return to him in spite of her agreement to accept a Christmas gift from him.

He'd given her so much already, including a huge Christmas goose, which had tasted absolutely delicious, and another mammoth load of firewood that would probably last until next winter.

She couldn't keep accepting presents from him. Still, he would be hurt if she didn't at least open his gift.

Leaning over, she picked up the box. She stroked her fingers over the luxuriously soft velvet covering, then popped open the lid.

Inside lay a strand of creamy smooth pearls, each one as big and round as a fully ripe pea. They gleamed with a l.u.s.trous warmth, delicate and profoundly beautiful.

There was a tiny note tucked to one side. Hand trembling slightly, she drew it out and unfolded it.

Thalia, I know these can never replace the memories that came with your great-grandmother's pearls, but I hope they will let you start building joyous new ones.

Merry Christmas, Leo For a moment, she sat stunned.

He'd bought her pearls to replace the ones Gordon had refused to return to her after the divorce. She barely even recalled mentioning them to Leo, yet somehow he had remembered.

A tear ran down her cheek, a smothering ache rising like a clenched fist inside her chest.

Leave it to Leo to give her the one gift she couldn't possibly return. The one gift she would love above all others.

Then suddenly, she was crying in earnest, wis.h.i.+ng with all her heart that he were here beside her rather than miles and miles away.

Chapter 28.

Thalia pulled gently on the reins, slowing Athena from a canter to a walk. Leaning forward, she gave the mare an approving pat on the shoulder, pleased at how beautifully mannered she was despite all the distractions in the park.

The day was cold but sunny and the park was busier than usual, Londoners needing an escape from the close confines of their homes after a recent snow.

Children ran and shouted, while their parents strolled behind, keeping a watchful eye. Younger couples sauntered arm in arm, bundled in heavy coats and scarves, their heads together as they whispered sweet nothings to each other.

And on the air drifted the festive scents of roasted chestnuts and hot cider, with frequent shouts from vendors to buy their wares.

Thalia stopped and bought a small package of chestnuts, tucking them warm into her pocket for the ride home. The nuts would be a little treat to help ward off the blue devils, though she didn't give it much hope of succeeding. New Year's had come and gone, yet the time until Leo was due to return seemed to stretch out forever.

Her friend Jane Frost had dropped by a few days ago, diverting her for a while. But their visit had been far too brief and left her feeling lower than ever once Jane had gone.

But rather than lie abed with the sheets over her head, Thalia had forced herself to resume her usual routine-or rather her old routine before Leo had come into her life. Curious how odd it felt now.

And how empty.

But she would make do, exactly as she always had.

Tapping her heel against Athena's flank, she set her toward home.

She slowed the little mare again as she reached the town house, the animal's hooves clattering against the cobblestones as she rode into the mews.

The groom came out of the stable to help her dismount. ”You've a visitor waiting, milady. Arrived not twenty minutes past.”

”A visitor? Who is it?”

”Didn't give a name. Just said they'd wait for ye inside.” The servant smiled, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

She considered questioning him further, but turned to make her way inside the house instead.

Could Jane have returned?

Unlikely.

Or maybe it was Mathilda?

She smiled at the thought.

She rounded the corner that led to the downstairs drawing room, hoping to find Fletcher first so he could reveal the ident.i.ty of her mystery guest.

But the butler was nowhere to be seen.

She was considering heading upstairs first to change out of her riding habit into a more suitable gown when a man stepped out of the drawing room into the foyer.

He turned and smiled, his green-gold eyes sparkling like gemstones.

And suddenly she was running, her pulse pounding in a frantic rhythm.

”Leo!”

She leapt into his arms, her own locking tightly around his neck. Her feet dangled inches off the floor as he held her hard against him, his mouth warm and wild on hers. She clung, pouring all her pa.s.sion, all her misery at their separation, into the kiss.

But she was miserable no more, her heart swelling with a happiness so great she thought she might burst. She kissed him harder, letting his scent and taste and touch sweep through her, was.h.i.+ng away everything but him. He kissed her back, plundering her mouth with a thoroughness that made her tingle from head to toe.

”Surprised to see me?” he said, his mouth still scattering quick kisses against her own.

”Yes. What are you doing back? I thought you'd be away for another week at least.”

”I came back early. Nothing was the same without you. Did you miss me?”

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