Disclaimer: They are not mine, they are NOT mine, they are SO not mine! Sigh.
Dedication: This story is dedicated to Lady T for filling in for me, for putting up with my oddities and for going above and beyond the call of duty. The girl is a saint! ; )
That evening as I lay in my bed, I thought about him for a long time. I had never seen a man with eyes as beautiful and seductive as his and my mind was filled with him.
His dress had been casual, he wore a nondescript dark grey sack suit, well made but not extravagant. He wore no hat, which is unusual for this area, and he carried no walking stick, as most of the men currently do to keep up with the "style" of the day. I admired him for that, as it had always seemed to me a silly thing for an able-bodied, healthy young man to carry.
He appeared to be about my age, but it was difficult to tell, as his eyes held an intelligence and intensity far too deep for a man that young. He had a shadow of hair on his face both of the times that I saw him. It was as though it grew faster than he could keep it shaven, but it was a pleasing addition to his appearance. He was just a little above average in height, but his build was wide and solid, muscular. His strength was obvious even hidden under heavy clothing.
The thing that made him stand out most as a visitor to our area was the style of his hair. It was beautiful thick, black hair and he wore it fairly long and curling, gathered tightly at the back of his neck. On any other man, I would have thought it old fashioned, ridiculous, but on him, with his black eyes and sensuous manner, it was perfect. It was obvious that he was who he was, and he didn't need any man's approval. He exuded self-confidence and it suited him.
I thought about him again that night as I lie in bed, and have done so every night since. He was a magnet and my mind was drawn to him as if I were made of the purest of metal. His dark eyes appeared in my daydreams and in my sleeping dreams and the way that he looked at me gave me hope.
Surely those eyes knew everything about a woman, what she desired, what her body longed for. With one glance I had known this to be true, and how I longed to see him again. In my dreams I told him everything I desired -- and he understood...
... and then I saw him again and everything changed. I was in the bookstore, the very same store where I purchased you. I was leafing through a new book on modern philosophy when I was suddenly distracted and looked up. He was standing just a few feet in front of me, a book in his hand.
I gasped and dropped the book I was holding, and that is how I discovered his name.
In an instant, he was bending at my feet and lifting the book to my hand. In the next he was standing before me, smiling and offering me his hand. "Hello, my name is Thomas, it's very nice to finally meet you." His voice was low and throaty, soft and warm, different than I had expected and I felt a shiver run through my body.
"Elizabeth," I whispered, scarcely able to breathe for the nearness of him. He took my hand and raised it to his lips and closed his dark eyes as he did, breathing in deeply, taking in my scent. I thought it odd, that he did that and that, somehow, I had known what he was doing. His lips were strong and hot against my skin and I shuddered again, and I knew that he felt it.
I was struck completely dumb, and he smiled even more broadly, obviously aware of exactly what his closeness was doing to me. "Modern Philosophy?" he asked, raising his brows and motioning to the book I was holding, when I stared at him blankly, questioningly.
I held it up, shaking the cobwebs out of my head, grateful for the distraction. "Oh this, -- yes."
It was all I could seem to get out, so he continued.
"Ah, an intelligent woman."
At that, I smiled slightly. "You flatter me sir."
His eyes were playful, "And does that bother you?" he asked.
I frowned in wonder. "No -- in fact, I quite enjoyed it." My eyes grew wide in shock and my hand flew to my mouth, it was too late to take back the words.
Thomas threw his head back and laughed and I watched his beautiful shining eyes and pure white teeth as he did, my mind devouring every detail. That, and his deep sensuous laughter, took what was left of my breath away.
His laughter subsided and he sighed, reluctant to let our conversation come to an end.
I frowned, suddenly remembering why I had come to town, "I'm sorry, but do you have the time?"
He produced a beautiful gold watch from the pocket of his trousers and opened it, "4:38"
"Oh! I am late!" I cried, and I must have appeared nervous because, before I could react, Thomas had removed the book from my hand and moved to the counter.
"There was no need for you to . . ." I started as soon as we left the store.
He cut my words off. "It was the least I could do. I made you late for your meeting. I apologize." He handed me the book, holding my hands between his for a moment as I took it.
The touch of his hands made me falter, but I managed to speak my concern. "I don't recall telling you that I had a meeting this afternoon."
He smiled brightly, urging me down the walk in the direction of the mill. "I inquired about you. Albert Bradford explained your entire situation to me and, in doing so, he mentioned that you come to town for a meeting with the foreman of your business every Tuesday afternoon at 4:30." He smiled again, as if there was nothing odd about any of this. "I was hoping I would run into you -- and I have!"
"Yes, you have." I mumbled. Somewhere deep inside I knew that I should have taken offense, but the rational part of my mind was being greatly overridden, as all I could feel was excitement at the fact that he had inquired about me, and had hoped to see me.
"I feel compelled to mention that Albert has certain... reservations -- concerning Mr. Hamilton. Have you had any problems with him?" He watched me closely as we walked, searching my face for any sign of trouble.
"My late husband hired him, and he has done a wonderful job with the business, but..." I hesitated and Thomas turned and took again my hands in his, his eyes filled with concern.
"What is it?" he asked seriously.
I looked into his eyes, I had no idea why I felt the need to tell him things that I had shared with no one else. He was a complete stranger, but I felt I could say anything to him and it all came out of my mouth in a rush. "I detest the man and I hate going to these meetings. I dread Tuesday every week and I try very hard to listen to what he is telling me as I sign papers, but the only thing I can think about is how quickly I wish to leave his presence."
Thomas was worried. "Why not simply find someone to take his place?"
I sighed, my shoulders falling. "I would not know where to begin. I have no one left to confide in, and it shames me to say so, but I know that I have let this situation go on for far too long. The truth is, I am afraid of him. How would I possibly tell him that he was being replaced, and whom would I replace him with? I know nothing about the business. Jonathan meant to teach me, but his illness progressed too rapidly, and there was no time."
I met his eyes and I let the understanding and concern in them flood through me, comforting me. "I want to help you with this," he said, searching my eyes for acceptance of his offer. "I am here taking care of another matter for Albert Bradford, but I have plenty of extra time, and I will be in the area for several more days. Let me look into it for you, and set about finding you a replacement for Mr. Hamilton. Will you let me be of service to you?"
"I don't want to be a bother..." I started, but he shook his head and lifted a hand close to my mouth.
"It is no bother. I want to do it. Please let me help you."
I nodded slowly, mumbling my appreciation for his kindness, my mind still trying to comprehend all that had just taken place. He was alive with excitement over the prospect of being able to assist me.
"My horse threw a shoe yesterday and he's a few bocks away at the blacksmith's. I should only be a few minutes. Go and have your meeting, but say nothing about what we have just discussed. It would be best if he were unaware that I am involved in any way. Can you bear to meet with him alone one last time?"
I nodded and he continued. "I won't be long." He kissed my hand again and walked away, leaving me standing on the walk staring open-mouthed at his back. I had no idea what had just happened.
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