Chapter 41
Back then, there had been a time when Millicent had not visited me for several days in succession. The anxiety I felt was far too real, a wretched thing that gnawed at my young heart, whispering foolish fears that she had abandoned me. It was an absurd notion, yet I had been unable to shake it. And so, in the throes of my restlessness, I resolved to go to her instead, under the perfectly crafted pretense of thanking her for commissioning the tiger cane Cecilia had designed.
Ah yes, Millicent was the one responsible for that. The cane was in that long, thin white box in the carriage after that most enlightening revelation regarding her anatomy.
Thus, with my mind set and my heart unsteady, I rose from my seat, gripping my tiger cane firmly as I made my way through the estate. By the time I stood before the heavy door to her study, my pulse had quickened to a most disgraceful degree.
I did not knock.
In my defense, my thoughts were in complete disarray, and my nerves had unraveled beyond repair. With a final breath, I pushed open the door, stepping into the study unannounced.
The room was bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun, casting a warm glow upon the stacks of parchment and ink-stained quills that lay scattered across her desk. And there, amidst the chaos, sat Millicent, her head resting upon the wood, her shoulders rising and falling in the steady rhythm of sleep.
I hesitated at the threshold, then, as though drawn by an invisible force, I approached.
Her golden hair spilled across the desk, shimmering faintly where the light caught its strands. Her long lashes rested delicately against her fair skin, undisturbed by the ever-present mischief that usually gleamed within her crimson gaze. Without the sharp wit, without the knowing smirk, she looked almost… peaceful. Vulnerable, even.
"Millicent?" I called softly.
She did not stir.
I stepped closer. "Millicent?"
Still, nothing.
My gaze swept the room, taking in the sheer magnitude of documents, reports, and letters. So this was why she had not come to see me. The realization settled heavily upon me, bringing with it a relief.
My eyes returned to her. My heart quickened again as an absurd, wholly reckless thought took root in my mind.
What harm would there be in stealing a kiss?
Surely, she would not wake. I had called her name twice, and she had not so much as flinched. If anything, it was my due compensation for the sleepless nights she had given me.
Yes, I was utterly deranged.
My left hand found purchase upon the desk, steadying me as I leaned in ever so slightly. I inched forward, my gaze locked upon her slightly parted lips.
Then, my lips brushed against hers.
I straightened sharply, pressing a hand against my chest as though to contain the frenzied rhythm of my heart.
A voice laced with the languid weight of slumber pierced through the silence.
"Sneaky, are we?"
Millicent stretched in her chair, her lips curving into a slow smile, her half-lidded crimson eyes locking onto mine with amusement.
I stumbled backward, my cane wobbling slightly as I fought to regain my balance. "I… I…" My voice faltered, my mind scrambling for words that refused to come.
She turned her chair toward me with infuriating leisure. She leaned back, one leg crossing over the other, a hand resting lightly in her lap. Her head tilted slightly as a smile played at her lips. There was no urgency in her gaze, she seemed perfectly content to watch me unravel at my own expense.
I averted my eyes, unwilling to meet penetrating stare. My face burned, my fingers tightening around the handle of my cane in some vain attempt to steady my thoughts. "I came… I came to thank you," I blurted out. "For the cane. It is… truly remarkable. I shall cherish it."
She said nothing, merely waiting.
I drew a sharp breath and pressed on, my words tumbling forth in a hopeless mess. "I have been waiting days for us to meet. I only wished to thank you sooner, but… but it seems our paths never crossed. Yes, that is all! To thank you! Not because… it is not as though I missed you or anything of the sort! Ah, yes! Thank you again. Very generous of you. I shall… I shall take my leave!" I turned sharply, making my retreat as swiftly as my left leg would allow.
I did not make it far. Before I could reach the door, arms wrapped around me from behind. Warmth enveloped me.
"I would rather prefer it if you said you missed me." She teased softly.
A featherlight kiss landed upon my cheek.
And before I could stop myself, the words slipped from my lips. "I think I am in love with you, Millicent. I… I love you."
Millicent's arms tightened around me. "Finally," she whispered, the teasing lilt had vanished entirely. "I have been in love with you far longer, Florence."
Her words were so painfully sincere that I felt my heart flutter and ache all at once.
"I love you, Florence Lorynthall."
It was one of the happiest moments of my life, knowing that she had felt the same.
The calm before the storm.