He knocked, dredging up every ounce of panache he could to nod as though it were normal for an earl to call at the kitchen door.
As they stepped aside for him to enter, he nodded and used his most imperious tone to announce himself. “The Earl of Cheltenham to see Lady Althea at her invitation.”
The servant scurried away. Moments later, the butler hustled into the kitchen, gesturing. “Right this way, my lord. My apologies to keep you waiting in the kitchen.”
“’Tis no bother. It was my choice. I took the liberty of ordering tea to be delivered to Lady Althea’s office, assuming that is where you’re taking me.”
The man nodded, holding the door for him, then stepping out and pulling it almost shut.
Althea rounded her desk and walked toward him. She held her hands out. “Evan. Thank you for coming.”
Taking them in his, he pulled her in and kissed her cheek. “Althea. You look lovely, as always.” He stifled a grimace at their stilted exchange.
“Come, sit with me.” She led him to the plum-and-gold-toned seating area.
“Thank you for seeing me.”Ugh, I sound like a right prig. I need to unbend to properly apologize.
“Beth and Penelope helped me understand your reaction to my misunderstanding,” she inserted before he could start.
Evan’s brows rose at her mention of Penelope. Women’s gossip never ceased to amaze him.
“I hope you realize I was not trying to take advantage,” Althea continued, oblivious to his reaction. “It truly was a misunderstanding. In fact, I am happier to have Charlotte—Lady Peterborough—as an investor. With no man shadowing me, vendors and the like are forced to deal with me as the owner.”
“I do. I was happy to hear from Charlotte that you’d made progress with the shared space model.”
“Yes. We already have some of our goods in Emily’s store and her ink and pens in mine. We are waiting on a further delivery, but things are going extremely well. Thank you for suggesting this approach.” Althea plucked at her skirt. She glanced down and away, then drew a breath.
He twined his fingers together in his lap and sighed. She had not only beaten him to the apology, she was attempting to repair their relationship. Did he dare hope they could move forward? But first, he needed to respond in kind. “I am glad. But I must beg your pardon for my harsh words, Althea. I overreacted.”
Her face cleared. “Yes. You did a bit.” She arched a brow. “But I suppose if you can forgive me for my misunderstanding, I can forgive you. Especially as the girls gave me perspective on why you might react that way.”
“It does get tiresome to always be seen for my deep pockets.” He nodded once, still anxious to see how she wanted to progress.
Althea gulped again. “I care naught for your deep pockets. Your big cock is another story.”
Evan’s gaze shot to hers in surprise. Had she really said that? Her steady stare said yes. He laughed so hard he thought he might pop a waistcoat button.
She grinned.
“I am certain we can fix that, my lady.” Evan began to stand, but his breeches had only barely cleared the seat cushion when the housekeeper strode in with the tea tray.
“Sustenance first, mayhap?” Althea asked with a half-smile.
Evan growled. With a quick check of the housekeeper’s progress out the door, he said, “If I did not know how much you hate cold tea, I’d lock the door and show you my priorities.”
Althea busied herself pouring and doctoring tea. After she’d passed him his cup and saucer, then a plate of small bites, she set down her tea.
Evan cocked his head at her in question.
“I have missed you, Evan. Not just your, er—” She gestured at his lap, having apparently lost her bravery after the one reference. “I’ve missed you, but my concerns about my reputation still stand. After the soirée, rumors of our relationship could undermine my sales if people think you are driving the expansion effort, and I have even more at risk financially now. I should like to continue to spend time with you. It simply must remain private.”
His heart sank.What did I expect? This is short-term for her, and I know her reputation is more susceptible to gossip than mine. Why do I care? ’Tis temporary for me as well. Is it not?
Unable to identify why it felt like one step forward and two steps back, he nodded, attempting a smile. “Of course.”
“Evan…” Althea’s conciliatory tone made it clear his expression had not masked his disappointment.
“I do not have to like it, but I do understand.” Without overthinking it, he added, “I missed you. I find myself willing to spend time with you any way you’ll have me.” He stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I shall return later tonight, under cover of darkness then?”
