Jacob took out his handkerchief, which was clean, and wrapped up the last two scones, then got to his feet as she prepared to rise.
"I was simply being polite and interested, Miss March. You should try it sometime," he said, lowering some money to the table before ushering her out the door.
"That is far too much money!"
"And it's mine to give."
She huffed out something that Jacob missed, but knew would be uncomplimentary, and then sailed out the door, chin raised like a bloody countess. The temperature had dropped, and the day darkened as he stepped onto the street.
"Come, I shall take you home."
"Thank you, but there is no need."
It was freezing now, snow fluttering about in the air, which would soon start falling in earnest. Miss March's coat did not look as if it would keep her warm and dry for long.
"And on that matter, please do not send your driver out in the cold again to pick me up from my employment, my lord. I am more than capable of seeing myself home. Now, I have already furnished you with my address, so please send word when you have information regarding Lady Revel."
She was certainly good at both dismissing him and giving orders.
"Why do you find it so hard to accept offerings from people, namely me?"
She was already shivering, her feet lifting and lowering as she tried to keep warm.
"I don't need any help, thank you."
Jacob felt it again, the rush of frustrated anger that she'd produced in him last night.
"So you would walk about in freezing conditions with some madman intent on harming you still at large, instead of a seeking my protection from the elements!"
She took a step back at his angry words.
"I-ah... no."
"Good, then get in the carriage."
"No, I meant that I have no problem with you, only that I can see my own way home."
"God's blood, you are a trying woman."
"My father said that often, and while I-"
Jacob was done talking, so he simply placed his hands on either side of her waist and carried her to the carriage. Hamley had the door open, and closed it firmly behind them.
"I'm sure your father had plenty more words to describe you, Miss March."
Her mouth opened and closed before she regained the power of speech.
"I can't believe you did that."
"I am not a biddable man, Miss March, no matter what others may believe. When I need to take action, then I will do so, no matter whom it annoys."
She shot him a nervous look, then looked out the window and back again.
"Yes, well, I am not someone who likes it when people take control, my lord."
"Hence the action I took, or we would have been standing in the freezing wind for several hours discussing the matter."
Her lips twitched as she turned to face the window once more. "Thank you."
The words were softly spoken, but she meant them. At last, Jacob thought, the woman is seeing reason. Last night he'd thought her beautiful, and nothing he had seen today had changed that opinion. She was that and so much more, her skin soft and pale, eyes alive with intelligence, and her mouth would tempt a saint. Too slender, which he concluded was because of circumstance, as she'd certainly enjoyed the scones enough to suggest she did not lack an appetite.
He did not speak again, simply watched her as she continued to stare out the window, until the carriage stopped.
"Here, take these." Jacob passed her the wrapped scones as the carriage slowed.
"I don't want them."
"Yes," Jacob said, laying the package in her lap, "you do."
Not giving her a chance to argue, he stepped down first and held out his hand. She placed hers inside, and he helped her down.
"Thank you."
"There now, that wasn't so hard."
She snuffled out a laugh.
"No, it was not, and please do not think me churlish, it is just that independence and pride are sometimes all a person has to make them strong."
"No one would doubt your strength, Miss March." Jacob did not release her hand; instead he held it tight as he pulled her closer, until it was pressed to his chest.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
"Hell if I know," Jacob whispered before kissing her. It was a brief touch, nothing more, and he had no idea why he'd needed to feel her mouth against his, but right at that moment the need had been an urgent one. When he lifted his head, her eyes were closed, long lashes resting on her pale cheeks.
"Miss March... I'm sorry, I should not-"
Her eyes sprung open, and she stepped back quickly, tearing her fingers from his. Jacob followed.