idea of the ramifications of your little adventure. But they would have been swift and severe. Playing games such as you did that night will get an innocent young woman into danger, and I want no part in that.”
“I am no fool, Mr. Dillinger.”
“A woman of your standing should not be in the Duck and Goose unaccompanied, or at all. It was reckless, my lady, and you are extremely lucky that your brothers will never find out and that I am an honorable man.”
“Don’t judge me.” Her chin elevated, and he felt the ridiculous urge to laugh but swallowed it back down. How was it fair that suddenly he felt alive? Unsettled, yes, but alive.
“It is not my place to judge you, just to keep my distance from you.”
“My life is not easy.” Her words were stilted, her eyes begging him to understand.
“Yes, I can imagine living the indolent life of a wealthy noblewoman must be extremely taxing.” His words were hurtful and laced with sarcasm and that was beneath him, but right in that moment, he didn’t seem to be able to stop himself. He wanted to strike at her. Wanted to hold and kiss her. She made him feel nineteen different reactions at one time, and none of them were comfortable.
“You know nothing of my life, and I did not say that it was trying, but until you’ve walked in my shoes, Mr. Dillinger, do not judge me.”
If he’d not known she was the daughter of an earl, that moment would have changed it. Her chin elevated further, and she looked down her nose at him, not an easy feat considering he was many inches taller. The full weight of her long line of illustrious ancestors was now at her back.
“I have apologized for my actions, and that was always my intention. Good day to you, sir.”
She turned and began to walk away from him. Daniel watched the sway of her skirts for two seconds, then followed. He shouldn’t; in fact, he should be running fast in the opposite direction. She was angry with him, and that was a good thing. He should end this madness right now.
Reaching the end of the row, he increased his pace. Grabbing her arm, he urged her behind a small outbuilding that was away from prying eyes.
“I’m sorry. I was rude to you, and that was never my intention, my lady. It was a shock to find out who you were, and yes, I was angry you lied to me. Betrayed, even. But we all have secrets, and I had no right to hurt you. I am never usually deliberately cruel, Lady Abigail. I may not have been born a gentleman, but I try to be so when a lady is near.”
She was close now, so close he could smell her, and her scent was more alluring than any bloom around them.
“You are more of a gentleman than many I know. You called me Abby the other night, will you not do so now?”
“It would not be right.”
“Yes, we must do what is right.” She dropped her gaze. “Good day to you, Mr. Dillinger.”
“What is it you want from me?” He gripped her arms. “You lied to me. This… whatever is between us, will not continue. It cannot.”
“But you wish for there to be something between us?” Her eyes were intent and focused on his.
“No, my lady, that can never be.”
“I wish for you to call me Abby.” She whispered the words. “Wish it with all of my heart, Daniel. I-I… with you I feel different.”
“Abby, you can’t speak to me that way.” His words came out a moan. “We can no longer have anything to do with each other. I am a nobody.”
“You are somebody!” she snapped. “You are strong and intelligent, and you are funny, and there is much, much more. You are not a nobody.” Her eyes fired with anger.
Daniel had nothing to smile about in that moment—the first woman he’d experienced emotion for was a bloody earl’s daughter—and yet he did smile. She was defending him so vehemently from himself.
“Thank you for your words, but I am a coal miner’s son. I am not fit for you to walk on, my lady.”
She moved a step closer to him, her eyes locked on his.
“Birth does not necessarily equate to being noble, Daniel. You have more honor and integrity in you than many.”
“You know nothing about me. My past—”
“I know that you were kind and gentle with me. I know