or depth of passion or camaraderie she had with Tom, but Nathaniel was still a wonderful man. She couldn’t go wrong with him, could she?
Victoria linked her arms through Theresa’s and Nathaniel’s. “It’s so good to see you both again. You must tell me all that I’ve missed while I’ve been gone. Every detail.”
She tugged them forward toward a small sitting area beyond the check-in counter. Nathaniel chuckled. “As anxious as I am to talk with you, there’s a steamer leaving for Falmouth at noon. If we catch it, we may just make it back to Newport today and not have to stay another night.”
“Another night?” Victoria asked. “How long have you been here?”
“We arrived yesterday.” Theresa extricated herself from Victoria’s hold and smoothed the lacy ruffles at the cuff of her three-quarter sleeve. “But both Nathaniel and I agree that one night is much too long in this provincial establishment.” Theresa glanced around with a visible shudder. “It’s positively barbaric.”
Victoria pressed a finger to her lips and peeked at the proprietor standing behind the counter. Even though he wore his spectacles at the end of his nose and appeared occupied with his ledgers, Victoria didn’t want him to hear Theresa’s complaints. The place might be antiquated, but it looked clean and well-kept. He was likely a hard-working man who could benefit from their gratitude.
Nathaniel took out his slim pocket watch and flipped open the shiny gold-plated case. “Darling, there’s plenty of time for you to freshen up and change before we need to leave.” Nathaniel closed his watch and tucked it back into his waistcoat. “If you’d like.”
“Oh, please say yes to Nathaniel.” Theresa once again eyed her gown. “I’d be entirely mortified to be seen with you wearing that thing.”
Victoria felt her smile begin to slip away. She wasn’t surprised by Theresa’s attitude. She’d probably had the same views at one time. But perhaps living for several weeks without all of the luxuries she was accustomed to had started to change her perspective. Or perhaps she had forgotten how to shrug off Theresa’s negativity.
“Of course, I’d be happy to freshen up,” Victoria started. “But I’m afraid that I’m ill-prepared. I haven’t anything else to wear.”
“Your mother anticipated your needs and sent along two traveling suits.” Theresa moved to the stairs. “They might be slightly wrinkled, but you can request that one of the hotel staff iron them for you.”
Victoria released Nathaniel and followed Theresa. “Don’t be a goose. I think I shall leave it wrinkled since I know how much you like it that way.” She had a smile ready for a witty comeback from Theresa. But Theresa didn’t turn to acknowledge her comment. If anything she stiffened and lifted her chin higher, as though Victoria didn’t deserve a reply.
Victoria’s steps faltered. Maybe Theresa was upset with her because she’d hidden so much from her this past month. She’d always confided in Theresa everything, good or bad. And she could only imagine how her friend must have felt when she’d received the news secondhand that Victoria had called off her engagement with Nathaniel and then gone into hiding.
“You may use my room, Victoria.” Nathaniel’s voice echoed from the bottom of the stairs. “I’m packed and have no need of it.”
“Thank you,” she called as she hurried up the stairwell after her friend. She’d tell Theresa the truth now about everything. Well, maybe not everything. She couldn’t very well admit she’d been married to Tom for the past month and was in fact technically still his wife. Theresa wouldn’t believe her.
“Theresa, wait.” Her friend was already at the landing and the hallway that lead to the second floor rooms.
Maybe she couldn’t tell Theresa about Tom, but she could start by apologizing that she’d had to exclude so much from her. Maybe she’d even ask Theresa for her opinion on whether to go through with the wedding with Nathaniel. After all, Theresa had been there during each of the other failed engagements. She’d always understood and had provided a listening ear.
Firm, rapid footsteps behind her were followed by a hand on her arm stopping her, a solid, warm touch she’d recognize anywhere.
“Don’t say anything to Theresa,” Tom whispered from the step below her.
She turned to find that the stair difference put her at eye level with him and that they were close. Too close. She only had to look at his chest to remember all the times that he’d held her and that she’d rested her cheek against him. If