As the shadows began to length, Sarah thanked Mrs. Miller, and said goodbye.
"I should be thanking you both for bringing these things and helping in the garden. You've both been so kind. Especially you, Mr. Deveril. All that work, well."
"Don't mention it, Mrs. Miller. Only too pleased to help," Alexander said with a wave.
He went down the path to the road arm in arm with Sarah with a brisk step. Only once they were out of earshot did he say, "I think that went rather well, don't you?"
"Yes, yes it did," she said in all sincerity.
"At least you don't have to be ashamed of your cousin who's as blind as a bat."
"Stop it, stop it now," Sarah said vehemently. "I don't care what-"
"But I do," he almost barked.
She laughed then. They had passed yet another group of young women in the High Street. Every single one of them was staring with open admiration at her tall companion. Looking across the way, she saw another three women with similarly awed expressions.
"What's so funny?" he demanded, his expression livid.
"If you could see the looks on the women's faces as you stroll down the street, you would think you were about to be devoured, not talk about me being ashamed of being seen with you. Quite the opposite, in fact. You might be ashamed of being seen with me."
"Why? You're beautiful, are you not?" Alexander said, as if the matter could hardly be in doubt.
"Er, no."
"I know that's not true. Raven-black hair, gray eyes, lovely smile, regal carriage, superb figure. What could be lacking?"
She stopped and stared at him in shock. "How could you possibly..."
"I confess, I asked Caleb this morning. But some of it I could tell myself. The figure, for example. We've been close physically, and you wear no corsets, and-"
"E-e-enough, enough, I g-g-get the idea," she stammered.
"And you blush beautifully too."
"Oh, you are just so clever," she drawled, but then laughed good-naturedly.
"I do try."
They walked for a time in silence.
"I'm sorry if I offended you, Sarah. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I find you an extremely attractive woman who I would love to get to know a great deal better."
His words were more than she could have ever hoped to hear. "Not offended at all, my dear Alexander," she said breathily. "Trust is all about honesty. I can't fault you for being honest, can I? Just beware what you say in front of other people. Which might be a problem if you don't know anyone is near enough for you to be overheard."
He nodded. "We need to work out some signals, then, so you can warn me."
"What, you mean like me clamping my hand over your mouth or stomping on your foot?" she suggested with a giggle.
"The first one is too obvious, don't you think? The latter might work."
"Or me squeezing your elbow and pointing you in the right direction?"
"Even better."
"We can try."
He sighed. "Better still, we can avoid having any more intimate conversations like the last one. I should never have said-"
"We shouldn't have any more intimate conversations like the last one on the street. But in the privacy of our own home, you can say whatever you like."
He smiled in relief. "It's a bargain, then."
Sarah peered up the street. "Would you like to go into the bakery for some chocolate and a cream horn?"
"Do you think I can manage?" he asked in a doubtful tone.
"I think so. I shall help, but not in an obvious way, in case you get into trouble." She pressed some coins into his palm. "Here you are. The waiter will come to ask us what we wish, you tell him, he brings it. Put the money in the tray."
"Just make sure that I don't blunder into anyone going in or out of the door."
"Door. There's a step up. Just don't let go of my arm fully."
They got in the entrance without incident, but he whispered urgently, "Table, chair?"
"Right one step, straight ahead three, reach out your left hand to touch the back of your chair, hold on to my arm, and then touch the back of mine."
She moved at a sedate pace so as not to fluster him. She heaved a sigh of relief when they were both seated safely at the table. "Very good. I forgot all about the table and chairs part of it when I hatched this plan."
"My heart is pounding. Would you believe it?"
"I won't think any less of you if you tell me this is too hard, and that you want to give up this pretense of normalcy."