Page 52 of Eight for Losing, One for Loving

Leo nodded and watched the woman hurry off, content that she would take good care of Jenny now.

“Everything is arranged,” Leo told the two women upon his return. He felt a surge of pleasure at the warmth in Vi’s expression.

“I knew you would make it all right,” she told him with a sigh. “I cannot tell you how glad I am you are here.”

“No more than I am,” he replied softly, and then cleared his throat, aware that Jenny was watching the exchange with obvious delight. “Mrs Rogers will treat you kindly now, Jenny, and if she does not, you be sure to tell me. A room is being prepared for you and you may order tea or a meal or whatever you wish. Someone will come to help you up when all is prepared for you. In the meantime, if you will excuse us, I am going to take my wife here on a little shopping trip.”

“Yes, Mr Hunt,” Jenny said, looking a good deal happier than she had earlier.

“I will check on you when I get back, Jenny,” Vi assured her, but Jenny only grinned and shook her head, a twinkle in her eyes.

“There’s no need, Mis—Mrs Hunt, I’m sure you’ll have other things to think about and I reckon I’ll be well looked after now, like Mr Hunt said.”

Vi blushed and sent Jenny a reproving look but gathered up her bonnet and gloves. Once she was properly attired, Leo led her out of the parlour and onto the busy main street.

Newmarket was a bustling place, and Leo was only glad there were no large race meets or the likelihood of bumping into people he knew would be exceedingly high. As it was, he kept his eyes open, hoping to avoid anyone who might recognise them.

“I suppose you know every tavern and club in the neighbourhood,” Vi remarked as they walked.

Leo glanced down at her, ready to be given a scolding, but there was no censure in her eyes, and her lips quirked a little in amusement.

“I suppose I do,” he replied ruefully. “But all that will stop now, Vi, I—”

To his surprise, she ground to a halt, so suddenly a man walking behind them muttered an oath as he ploughed into Leo’s back before hurrying past.

“No!” Her tone was so imperious he could only gaze at her in consternation.

“No?” he repeated cautiously.

“Did you not read my note?” she demanded, glaring up at him.

“Of course I did,” he replied, indignant. “I not only read it, I intend to have it mounted and framed so I have proof.”

“Well, then, why—”

Leo tugged at her arm. “We can’t discuss this in the middle of the street, love. Everyone will look and I’m too well known in these parts to pass unnoticed for long.”

They walked on in silence for a moment and Leo smiled as he looked down at her. “I’m glad you don’t want me to change, love, but the truth is, I already have. I’m not the madcap fool I was. I’m not pretending I’m capable of being entirely sensible all day and every day, but I don’t want to be rushing about the countryside causing mayhem any longer. I want a home with you, Vi, and if I do go rushing about on an adventure, I want you to come along and join in with it.”

She glanced up at him, her eyes rather too bright. “You really mean that?” she asked, her voice a little unsteady.

“I do,” he told her, covering the hand on his arm with his own. “Most sincerely.”

Vi blinked hard and nodded. “Th-That’s good, then.”

Leo smiled and then looked up as he saw the elegant green painted shop front that proclaimed Mrs Fanshaw, Modiste. “Here we are, love. Now then, before we go in, I should like to remind you that you are Mrs Hunt, and that your husband wishes to dote upon and spoil you, and if he enjoy colours that are brighter than what you usually wear, and fashions that you secretly love but fear are too young for you, I beg you will not be foolish but will hold your tongue and listen to the voice of reason.”

“You mean to bully me, then?” she asked, one blonde eyebrow raised in polite enquiry.

“No, you wretched creature, I mean to show you how young and lovely you really are. Now go inside before you vex me into saying something that causes a row.”

“Yes, Leo,” she said demurely, batting her eyelashes at in him in a provocative manner that made him laugh.