Good Morning, Lovies! Thank you so much to Mel, Pamela, and Jill!
III
BELLA
1 July 1897
London, England
It was always mildly surprising to wake up again in the same place.
What was more surprising was how pleased I was to be doing so. Though I'd been here one day, I was already enjoying my time in Victorian London more than I'd enjoyed the last several years of my life.
I got ready for the day swiftly, heading downstairs to find Mrs. Cope already dressed, breakfast on the table.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Cope," I said, eyeing the spread of porridge and eggs. "I'll try to rise earlier to help you."
She lifted a hand, waving me off. "Nonsense," she huffed. "Ye needen' help me wif everythin'," she assured me. "Ye already done much," she said, nodding her head toward the stove that I had spent hours scrubbing out yesterday.
I gave her a small smile.
"Is everyone gone already?" I asked, settling at the table and reaching for a bowl.
"Aye. Sam and Emily have gone te work an' Jasper has gone te fetch yer cousin fer her lessons."
My stomach dropped. "My cousin?" I asked, my throat suddenly dry.
"Aye, she come here thrice a week fer tutorin'," she said, nodding her head.
Shit, she came that often?
My mind raced, trying to plan my next move. I'd have to leave Mrs. Cope's house at the very least. I could use the gems to get some housing, or maybe I'd be able to save them and barter with another boarding house…
My thoughts were interrupted when the door to Mrs. Cope's house swung open. My ears strained, listening for clues that Young Alice was about to come around the corner into the kitchen and out me for being an imposter.
Jasper appeared in the doorway, a heavy scowl on his face. "Miss Brandon wasn't home … again." He came in and sat across from me at the table, shaking his head.
"Ach, tha' Young Alice," Mrs. Cope tutted. "Head in the clouds, tha' one." It wasn't the first time I'd heard her say this about Young Alice. I was personally grateful for the girl's apparent forgetfulness.
Still, just because I'd dodged a bullet this time didn't mean it wouldn't be an issue down the line. I'd have to start looking for other accommodations soon so that when it was time to leave Mrs. Cope's, I wouldn't be unprepared.
"Mrs. Cope," I said, reaching for a glass of milk to help clear my throat. She looked my way as I sipped. "I wondered if you needed my help this morning. It's such a lovely day, so I was hoping to get out and get to know the area a bit if you didn't need me."
"Aye, ye should noo the area," she agreed. "But neigh aloon."
Jasper cleared his throat. "I would be happy to escort Miss Swan around," he offered.
Mrs. Cope looked him up and down, considering. I knew from some general knowledge of the Victorian period that unmarried women weren't allowed a lot of places without a chaperone, but I wasn't a teenager, and these people weren't my family. Surely, it shouldn't matter?
Before I could interject, Mrs. Cope nodded. "All righ'" she agreed. "Bu' mind yer back 'fore dark," she said, giving Jasper a significant look.
He dipped his head in acknowledgment.
We finished our breakfast and I helped Mrs. Cope clean up before Jasper and I donned our hats to head out.
The moment we were through the front door, I glanced at him. "Thank you," I said, gladly taking his proffered arm as he helped me down the front steps of Mrs. Cope's house.
"Well, it just so happened I had a free morning," he said with a little chuckle. "And it is no hardship to escort someone as lovely as yourself."
I blushed lightly, unaccustomed to the compliments.
The moment we were on the street, Jasper let my arm go and put a perfectly respectable space between us.
It was partially exhausting to be so aware of everything around me, but it was also nice that he was going out of his way to respect my personal space.
"Can I ask, Jasper, how old you are?"
Jasper turned to look at me in surprise as he led me south on Dean Street away from Mrs. Cope's.
"I'm twenty-four," he said, hesitating as his eyes cut toward me.
I could tell he wanted to ask how old I was but didn't dare ask. I took pity on him. "Only four years my senior," I said with a small nod. "You seem older."
I could see his brows crease, and he nervously reached up to touch his hair, but then remembered his bowler hat.
"I don't mean that in a negative way," I hurried to assure him. "You seem … wise," I decided.
Jasper let out a little chuckle.
"I'm really not." He sighed. "But your assessments of me are gracious."
I smiled, looking away from him.
"Tell me about your sisters," I requested.
At this, Jasper let out a breath, his smile wide and genuine. "I have four of them," he said, glancing at me. "Jessica, Sarah, Margaret, and Laurel. Jessica is your age, Sarah is seventeen, Margaret fourteen, and Laurel is twelve."
"That's quite a large gap between yourself and your youngest sister."
Jasper smiled. "Everyone expected me to be jealous of her when she was born. There was never quite enough to go around, and now there was a baby when my parents were certain they were done with children." Jasper's smile widened. "But Laurel was the tiniest, sweetest baby we'd ever seen. It was impossible not to love her the moment you met her. Whilst I had time at home, we were as thick as thieves."
I grinned. "Are you still?"
Jasper nodded. "She sends me a letter every week. My other sisters have their own lives to attend to, but Laurel dreams of coming to London as soon as she's old enough." He glanced at me. "She'd be very fond of you."
"It would be lovely to meet her," I said quickly, trying hard not to show him how I was really feeling.
"Have you siblings yourself?"
I looked away from him, trying to steady my breathing. "I do," I said after a moment. When I glanced at him, I saw he was watching me expectantly, so I pressed on. "A brother who is four years younger than me and a sister who is three years younger than him."
"Are you close with them?"
I glanced at him and was surprised to find tears blooming in my eyes. I blinked and looked away, taking a deep breath.
"Not as close as I'd like."
Jasper must have been able to tell from my tone that I wasn't going to talk about my siblings more, so he didn't press. We walked on in silence for a time before Jasper silently motioned for me to turn at an intersection.
Jasper led me through Soho before heading east toward Covent Garden. There, I stopped to eye some impressive fruit vendors, trying to keep in the back of my mind all the boarding houses I passed. Most of them looked less than ideal—either overcrowded or otherwise unkempt—but a couple looked like they could be options for me, should I need somewhere to go quickly.
From Covent Garden, we turned west, and it was almost jarring to see the working class streets become bright, glamorous, and lavish.
The deeper into St. James we got, the clearer it was we were in a very wealthy neighborhood. It wasn't just the streets that looked nicer—every person we passed was bedecked in silk and lace, their clothes for style and not practicality. Compared to my sturdy work clothes, these men and women looked like tissue paper art.
This was old money, the kind only found in aristocracy.
We were rounding the corner of Regent Street when it happened. The scene unfolded before me, as if in slow motion. I could see the man standing in the street, arguing with another man. Both were tall, dressed impeccably and groomed to tell everyone beyond a doubt that they were of very high status.
Their argument was heated, though not offensively loud, but it was clear that whatever it was, it had both of their complete attention.
They didn't see the yawning omnibus driver speeding down the street, his attention on his passengers as someone tried to shout a question at him.
I didn't have time to hesitate. I burst into a sprint, hearing Jasper shout in surprise as I ran with all my might at the men. One was on the curb, out of the path, but the other would be run down if he didn't move.
I lifted my arms, braced myself for impact as my fingers brushed the fine wool of his coat.
I ran into him hard, tackling him out of the street. I heard him shout, felt him twist against my body as we tumbled to the ground, but less than a second later, the omnibus barreled past, right where the man had just been standing.
I could hear yelling, but my head had hit the ground, and there was a ringing in my ears as my body struggled to find my bearings.
"Bella!"
I could hear Jasper's voice raised in concern, but he sounded so far away.
"What the bloody hell was that?" The man under me was asking, his eyes wide, terrified, and angry.
I lifted my head to meet his gaze. He was young, near my age, I think, with bright, bottle green eyes and a sharp, clean-shaven jaw. I'd knocked his hat off, and I could see that his hair was a dark copper, almost brown with some strands shimmering red and blond in the daylight.
His chest was broad and strong under me, and I didn't realize how absolutely inappropriate our position was until his hands shifted on my waist, almost holding me closer.
"I'm sorry." I gasped, scrambling to climb off him.
I could feel a hand being offered, and I took it, letting his companion pull me to my feet. On the ground, the man still looked dazed.
"I do believe you've been knocked off your feet, old boy." His companion chuckled, offering his friend a hand up as well. The man I'd just flattened got up, blinking hard. He was taller than I thought now that I was close to him, well over six feet. He was looking at me with a stunned expression on his face, and I wondered if he was still trying to figure out what the hell had just happened.
"Sorry," I said again, wincing when I felt a pull on my forehead. I reached up, not surprised that my fingers came away bloody.
"Christ," the man breathed, dipping into his pocket to pull out a handkerchief. "You're bleeding." He had a strong voice, despite being rattled, and before I could stop him, he was pressing the white cloth to my temple.
"I think you are too," I said, noticing a trickle of red on the collar of his shirt. He lifted his fingers, frowning and his companion checked the back of his head.
"You'll have a nice goose egg, I should think." His companion chuckled. "A small price to pay for being saved by an angel." He sent me a charming smile and I winced.
"You saved my life," the man in front of me said, still dazed.
"Bella!"
Jasper was finally able to cross the street, his long stride bringing him closer to me. "Are you all right? What madness drove you to do such a thing?" he demanded. He looked pale, and beside me, I felt the man I'd saved shift, almost defensive.
Fantastic. The last thing I wanted to do was start any sort of pissing contest.
"I'm fine, Jasper," I said, pulling away from the handkerchief. I turned back to the man I'd saved. "I'm sorry I knocked you down so hard."
He smiled, and I felt my stomach and heart both give a little flutter. He was almost unnaturally handsome.
"I'm not," he said, shaking his head. "Liam is correct. You saved my life."
I shifted on my feet, not sure what to do now. I'd never managed to make such a scene before. I usually slipped silently into the background of history. I wasn't quite sure what to do now that I was in even this small spotlight.
"It was…" I paused. It wasn't nothing, but I also desperately wanted to move away from the topic. I wanted to go back to Mrs. Cope's house, away from the eyes of every pedestrian on Regent Street.
"Please," he said, interrupting me. "My home is not far from here and you continue to bleed. Allow me to take you there to get bandaged up properly."
I glanced at Jasper, who looked like he wanted to protest. "I'm really…"
"I insist," he continued, his bright gaze drawing my eyes back to his face. "Please, it's the least I can do after you've saved my life."
I swallowed. "Okay," I agreed.
Jasper made a sound in his throat, and the man glanced at him. "Your brother is welcome to accompany us," he said, a cheeky smile slipping over his lips.
"I'm not her brother," Jasper started.
"May I accompany you, Miss…" The man held his hand out, all charm and smiles now that he was coming out of his shock.
I eyed him suspiciously. "You're rather presumptuous," I said, frowning. "How do you know I'm not married?"
I was, after all, traveling with a man. For all he knew, I was happily wed with children at home.
He chuckled, softly reaching for my arm and winding it through his. I was shocked by his boldness, but his touch was so warm and nice, I didn't quite have the heart to tug free like I probably should.
"No man would allow such a beauty as you far enough from him to wander off," he said with a small chuckle. "He'd keep her close, even if it meant he spent his days panting after her, trailing behind her wherever she might wander." He sent me a wink, and I felt my cheeks flush very lightly, even if I thought his words were ridiculous.
"You're too bold," I said, shaking my head. I could hear Jasper and the companion walking behind us, and I licked my lips. "I don't even know your name."
I felt the man shift, and I looked up to see him stop walking, his eyes widening slightly. "My deepest apologies, madam," he said, stopping completely. "Please forgive my abhorrent manners. I believe I am concussed and struck senseless by infatuation." He gave me another cheeky smile. "I am Lord Edward Cullen the III, ever so pleased to make your acquaintance," he said, dropping into a bow. If he'd still been wearing his top hat, I could imagine him removing it with a sweeping gesture and I almost giggled.
When he straightened again, I had to bite my lip to stop my laugh.
"Bella Swan," I said, dropping into a quick, clumsy curtsy. I saw his mouth twist, trying to hold in his own laugh at my clear lack of training. "My companion who you've been rather beastly to is Mister Jasper Whitlock," I said, pointing behind us. He was watching me with a nervous look, his eyes cutting between me and Mr. Cullen.
"Is he now," Edward murmured. He took my arm again, leading me on.
"And your companion?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder. The man he'd called Liam was still walking beside Jasper, hands in his pockets, looking deeply amused by something.
"Liam is more beast than man," Edward said dismissively. "I won't offend your delicate sensibilities by introducing you to him."
"I've heard that!" Liam called from behind us. I turned to grin at him and he flashed me a bright smile. "Liam Masen," he said, dipping his hat in a shallow bow. "No title, but I'm twice as fun anyway."
Beside me, Edward huffed, and I grinned, turning back around.
Edward was leading us down Piccadilly, past sprawling buildings that screamed wealth.
"It's not much farther," he promised me, glancing down at my head. Despite the energy of these men, I was starting to feel a little faint. I reached up to touch the cut on my head and winced when my fingers came back bloody again. "Damn," Edward whispered, seeing the fresh blood. "Can you walk still?"
I glanced at him. "Yes, I'm fine," I said, blinking hard. I was getting dizzy.
I could see the corner of Green Park ahead, and Edward led us across the street to a large stone house that faced the green expanse. My eyes widened in surprise. "Devonshire House?" I asked, surprised.
Edward glanced at me in surprise. "You know it, then?" he asked, sounding pleased. I let out a breath. Yes, I knew his house. It wouldn't last beyond World War I, but history would remember it anyway.
"Are you the Duke of Devonshire?" I asked, mildly impressed.
Edward gave me a cheeky smile. "Not yet. As of now, that title belongs to my father." He wove a hand in front of him, motioning me through the grand gate.
I knew these ducal houses weren't called palaces in England, but that's exactly what it was: a palace. The grounds were massive, excessively so in cramped London.
Edward led us through the interior courtyard, past a host of people going about their work, and into the house.
I let out a breath the moment we were inside, my eyes sweeping over the interior, trying to capture every detail.
The house had been updated since its construction more than one hundred years ago, and it had been built out in what I could tell was the fashion.
Rich, lavish wallpapers, carpets that looked like they'd been imported from the Far East, and grand portraits that were nearly twice my height hung in the entry, greeting the house's guests with a splendor that hinted at more than wealth. This house held nobility, the leaders of fashion and style.
There were teams of people bustling around, and I could see that the interior was in the midst of a redecoration. I was certain that whatever was going on these walls now would be en vogue for the next year, if not more.
"This way," Edward said, leading me past staff working on installing a new crystal chandelier. I swallowed hard but let him lead me down a long hallway stuffed with stunning portraits. Every inch of this estate was steeped in history, and as a time traveler, I was fascinated by it all.
We entered a parlor that had considerably less work being done, and Edward led me to a beautiful embroidered chaise, encouraging me to sit. I sank down, grateful not to be standing. Immediately, he dropped to his knees in front of me, his vibrant eyes on my forehead.
"It doesn't seem to be getting worse," he said softly. "Still, I'll ask Maggie to bring a bowl and cloth to clean it up." He gave me a warm smile before climbing to his feet again. In a moment, he was striding out of the room, leaving me to gaze around, dazed. I wondered where Jasper had managed to get to. I wondered if Liam had led him somewhere to somehow give Edward a moment alone with me. Despite the fact that they were arguing when I first saw them, Liam seemed the type to play loyal wingman.
Before I could get up and start snooping, Edward was back, a ceramic bowl between his palms as a woman came in carrying white cloth behind him. She looked me over in alarm but didn't say anything as she helped Edward set the supplies on a small table. When things were situated, she quietly exited the room, leaving me with Edward once more.
"How are you feeling?" Edward asked, removing his suit jacket and carefully rolling his sleeves up his forearms. I watched as he secured the fabric above his elbows before he turned to the bowl and carefully dipped a cloth inside.
"Fine," I said, my voice a little thin. It wasn't exactly a lie, though it was admittedly not wholly the truth either. I was fine, even though my head was pounding.
Edward knelt in front of me, his hands ever so carefully sweeping over my face.
I hadn't expected him to be capable of assessing my wounds, but his hands were sure and gentle as he worked.
My eyes flickered over his face, watching his brows furrow as he carefully dabbed the blood away.
"The cut isn't nearly as bad as it seemed," he said after a moment. His eyes dropped down to mine, and he gave me a half smile that somehow made my stomach curl in on itself. "I rather think you shall live to tell your harrowing tale."
My teeth caught the edge of my lip, trying to keep my smile at bay.
"I didn't expect the son of a duke to have such medical expertise," I told him as he carefully swiped a salve across my forehead.
"I see that, though we've only just met, you already think so little of me," he muttered, and I was so embarrassed, worried that I'd offended him, I didn't right away see his smile.
"No, I mean—"
"My uncle is a physician," he said, interrupting me. "I spent most of my summers growing up with him and my aunt."
He finished up on my head, and his eyes landed on mine again. He was sitting so close, it wouldn't take much to lean forward and kiss him.
I let out a tiny, tense breath and leaned back instead. I wasn't supposed to get involved with anyone. Not when I could vanish on them and never be heard from again.
"Thank you," I said instead, my voice a whisper.
Edward gathered his soiled cloths and tossed them into a bronze bowl. He dipped his hands into a second bowl, gently cleaning them before he dried them on a small towel the housekeeper had brought in.
"Where did you come from, Miss Swan who has saved my life this very day?"
I didn't think he was asking about my morning plans and the walk I'd been on with Jasper, but since last night I'd been sleeping in a soundproof pod in Brazil at least 300 years in his future, I shrugged lightly.
"Far away," I said, my eyes scanning his face to see how he took my vague answer.
I saw the corner of his mouth quirk up, and when my stomach fluttered again, I felt my resolve steel.
"Thank you, for your aid, Lord Cullen," I said, dipping my head in a clumsy bow. "I must be returning to my companion and be on my way."
When I straightened, I saw a scowl cross his face, a brief flash of confusion that he quickly smoothed over.
"Miss Swan," he said, offering me his hand. I licked my lips and slid my palm against his, allowing him to help me to my feet. "My mother is hosting a ball tomorrow night. Might I be able to persuade you to come?"
My stomach flipped. I'd never traveled after one night, but I knew it was always a possibility. Did I dare let him have hope of seeing me again?
I looked at his face. There was a sense of arrogance that he wore like a second skin, a confidence in both himself and his place in the world. Rather than being abrasive, I found it surprisingly appealing.
I wanted to see the world the way he did, wanted to know what it would be like to live his life.
But I couldn't. There was only one way to stop traveling, and it was a path I'd never even let myself consider.
I opened my mouth to reject his invitation, to thank him for his aid once more, then slip out of his life, never to be thought of again, when the door to the room opened with a sudden thud.
I jumped, and around my hand, his fingers gently squeezed mine. We both turned to see a tall woman with caramel blonde hair and piercing green eyes stride into the room. She was the most elegant woman I'd ever laid eyes on, and looking at her made me immediately self conscious.
"Maggie told me we had company," she said, her eyes flickering over Edward before landing on me. Her gaze was cold, cutting, and assessing.
"Rosalie." Edward sighed, not letting my hand go despite the woman's withering glare. "This is Miss Bella Swan. She saved my life today."
The woman's eyes widened, and her gaze doubled over me.
"Miss Swan, this is Rosalie, my sister," Edward said, waving a hand in her direction. "Please forgive her intrusion. She lacks my social graces." He delivered the words with one of his charming smiles, and beyond him, Rosalie's eyes tightened.
"Edward," she said, her voice rigidly civil. "Your guest is unchaperoned," she said, her eyes searing over me again. She did not approve of me.
"No, Rosalie. Her companion is in the library with Liam."
At the mention of Edward's friend, Rosalie's cheeks colored, ever so slightly.
"I should find him," I said quietly. "Thank you again for your help."
Edward's eyes landed on my face, and I felt my chest constrict as I stopped breathing.
"Please, Miss Swan. After you've saved my life, the least I can do is make sure you make it home safely. Allow my driver to take you back."
He wasn't asking, but I nodded anyway. He grinned and turned to his sister as he moved us toward the door. "Don't wait up for me, sister."
"You're expected for—"
He lifted his free hand, waving her off. "Yes, yes." He secured my arm through his as he tugged me out of the room and down the grand hallway. "I do apologize for Rosalie. She was born scowling."
I bit back my laugh.
"Is she older than you?"
"She is," he confirmed. "And she won't let me forget it for even a moment."
I wondered if Rosalie was bitter that Edward would inherit their father's title, while she would likely be married off to the first rich suitor that her father approved of.
I know it would infuriate me.
Edward led me through the great house, gently tugging me along so I couldn't stop and get too distracted by the incredible decor being brought in.
We stopped outside a set of open double doors, and past them I spied stacks and stacks of books. My eyes widened as Edward called into the room.
"Liam? Miss Swan is returning home. Is her companion ready to depart?"
I could just make out Jasper, gaping at the stacks, his eyes wide as saucers. Liam was lounging in an overstuffed velvet chair, a smirk on his handsome face.
"I very much doubt he ever will be," Liam mused, glancing toward Jasper. "It appears we've picked up a scholar."
Jasper spun around, his eyes landing on us near the door. "This… library…" He was nearly speechless.
Edward shrugged, glancing around. "Feel free to borrow whatever you like. No one will know it's missing."
Jasper's eyes bugged, and I glanced up at Edward, impressed by his generosity. He looked down at me and grinned.
"Maybe I could escort you alone and Mister—"
"Not likely, old boy," Liam said, sliding into a standing position. His movements were languid and almost lazy, but it was clear he was athletic and strong. "I can't allow your virtue to be brought into question. What would your dear mumma think?" He shot Edward a smirk, and Edward rolled his eyes hard. Liam instead flashed me a smile. "I shall escort you two. Young beautiful creatures shouldn't be caged together alone, lest they give into temptation." He shot me a wink, and I took a breath.
"Could it not create gossip that the three of us are up to no good if we all spill out of a carriage together?" I asked before I thought better.
Beside me, Edward's eyes widened, and Liam's mouth popped open before he let out a roaring laugh. "You are a spirited creature." Liam snickered. "I quite like that." His eyes cut to Edward, and I glanced up at him too, curious. He looked a little confused, and I wondered if it was the thought of a threesome that had him stumped, or something else. "However, I rather think that the young Master Cullen is not a man to share," Liam mused, pulling my attention back toward him.
I looked back at Edward, who snorted lightly. "It's almost like you know me, Liam," he said dryly.
I pondered that. Monogamy and polygamy both were concepts that I had seen throughout human history. Each generation seemed to think it a brand new revolutionary concept whenever one or the other came up in society as taboo.
My eyes traveled back to Liam, who I sensed might be a bit more sexually curious than his friend.
"Miss Swan?" Edward asked, clearing his throat.
I licked my lips, my eyes traveling toward Jasper. "Are you joining us, Jasper?" I called. He had a slim volume between his palms, his eyes wandering over the page almost lovingly.
"Hm?" he asked, looking up at us. "Oh, yes, of course." He cleared his throat, gently closing the book. He looked to Edward, gently holding the volume up again. "Are you certain it is okay that I borrow this?" he asked, his voice hopeful.
"Certainly," Edward answered.
Jasper let out a shaking breath and nodded, picking up his hat from where it sat on a table near him. He strode across the room toward us, and Edward gently led me out of the room and back outside.
There was a great black carriage with two massive brown horses already hooked up. A coachman scrambled to open the door, offering me his hand to help me. I slipped my arm out from Edward's, accepting the help up.
To my surprise, Edward and Liam followed me in. Jasper stopped to tell the driver where he was going before he too climbed in as well.
It was crammed with the four of us, even though it was a far bigger carriage than I'd ever been in.
Edward sat beside me, giving me a cheeky smile as the horses lurched forward and I was lightly tossed in his direction.
"Has his lordship invited you to tomorrow night's grand soirée?" Liam asked, his long legs lounging in front of him, despite the fact that there wasn't much room for him to stretch out.
"I have," Edward answered for me. I turned to meet his bright gaze. "Though I am still desperately waiting for an answer."
I licked my lips. "I don't have anything to wear to a ball," I said slowly, trying to put him off.
Liam let out a chuckle. "An obstacle indeed," he mused. "The duchess would be mortified into an early grave to see la bourgeoisie at one of her grand balls."
"Do not worry about what to wear," Edward pressed, his breath fanning across my cheek. "Just say you'll come."
I stared up at him, biting at my lip. I wasn't quite sure how I'd gotten myself into this situation. Most people I interacted with immediately forgot me. That was how I liked it, how it had to be.
Now I'd caught the eye of a young lord, and what was more, I wasn't sure I didn't want to disappear from his life just yet.
I cleared my throat, my eyes flickering to Jasper who was watching me with wide, confused eyes. Finally, I took a breath, looking back at Edward.
"All right," I agreed. "I shall come."
Edward's smile was megawatt, and I felt my fingers curling in my lap to resist reaching out and sinking them into his hair to drag him closer for a kiss.
The carriage jolted, shifting me toward him again. I felt Edward's hand land on my knee through my skirt, his large palm hot despite the layers between us, and I glanced up at him in time to see his cheeks flush slightly. He gently removed his hand, pretending as if nothing had occurred.
My eyes landed briefly on Liam, who looked deeply amused as he watched his friend. When he caught my gaze, he gave me a quick wink that made me smile.
Not much was said back to Mrs. Cope's house, and when we pulled up, Jasper got out first, followed by Liam then Edward, who turned, offering me his palm.
I took it, letting him help me out of the carriage.
Compared to his estate, Mrs. Cope's street was horrifyingly filthy and small, cramped, dingy, and clearly lower class.
To his credit, Edward didn't seem to bat an eye as he took in the street.
"Thank you, Lord Cullen," Jasper said, glancing at me as he reached for the front door. I nodded and turned to Edward, who was watching me with an intensely burning green gaze.
"Yes, thank you for everything," I told him, feeling my cheeks warm slightly as his eyes traveled over my face.
"It is I who must thank you, once again," he said softly. He reached out, boldly taking my hand into his as he brought it up to press a kiss to my knuckles.
My belly clenched as I felt him smile against my hand.
"Until tomorrow, Miss Swan."
I took a shaking breath and nodded. "Tomorrow," I agreed, praying that I would be able to stay here long enough to see the light of a new day.
