Loving Madison

Nineteen

Cameron gently tapped the reins, urging the horse to pull the small carriage that carted Madison and him—dressed as Uncle Henry—toward their destination. Slightly cooler than yesterday, today's weather held a light wind that blew from the east. Madison sat next to him, clutching the shawl draped over her shoulders as she stared straight ahead. He enjoyed the way the lavender color of her dress brought out her lovely blue eyes and highlighted her deep brown hair.

Of course, after their encounter in the attic, he'd probably like her no matter what dress she wore.

"I thank you for agreeing to go with me," he began after a few minutes of silence.

She tilted her head and peered at him. Her eyes reminded him of blue iris flowers. He'd always liked that flower, but it had been years since he'd seen one—or even presented one—to a girl. And why did Madison's dark eyelashes seem longer today?

Had she been thinking about him this morning? He didn't dare ask her. Although he wanted to bring up the subject, he wasn't certain quite how to do it.

"I hope I'll be able to see something that will help with your investigation." She casually moved her gaze back toward the road.

"That's my plan, too."

She met his gaze again. "So tell me, what had delayed you for so long last night? I waited for you to return, but I knew I had to get home before it became dark."

"You see, I first went to Miss Trent's house to spy on her, but as the day wore into the evening, I realized the woman wasn't going to give anything away during that time. That's why I left." He chuckled. "I wondered at first if she knew I was watching her, but then, knowing Miss Trent as I do, I'm sure she would have come out to greet me, believing I was calling on her."

Madison laughed. "True. The woman seems quite taken with you."

He rolled his eyes and looked back toward the road. "That's putting it mildly. I suspect the only reason she became friends with Rosie over a year ago was to put herself in my path so I'd notice her."

"Did it work? Have you noticed her more?" Madison nudged his arm with hers and raised her eyebrows.

He laughed. "Not at all. She is looking for a husband, and I'm definitely not that man."

"Have you told her?"

He shook his head. "Not outright. I'm trying to tell her by my actions."

"Hmm..." She studied him through a narrowed gaze. "I honestly don't think it's working the way you want it to."

"Oh, don't discourage me like that, because that means I'll have to try harder."

Madison threw back her head and laughed. He couldn't stop from admiring the smooth curve of her neck, and especially hearing the musical lift of her voice. She hadn't laughed like this before, and he rather enjoyed the magical sound—like angels in play.

His heart warmed, just as it had done before whenever they were this close. Of course, he'd felt some strange kind of spark after meeting her that first time. At least now he was glad to know they were finally comfortable around each other. So maybe he'd get another chance to kiss her.

"Yes, Cameron, I believe you will have to try a lot harder. Women like Miss Trent don't take subtle hints well."

"Are you jesting? Do you believe Miss Trent is really that way?"

Madison nodded. "Oh, I'm certain of it. I've known many women like her."

"I'm in deep trouble, then." Sighing, he scrubbed his chin.