Scrambling several more steps away, Evan called out, “Franklin, I told you I did not want to be disturbed.”
“Well, Cheltie, I’m not Franklin, and I thought your reputation was exactly that you are disturbed…in all the most fun ways,” Beth said in her sultriest voice.
Damn me.
“My lord, I do apologize,” Franklin said. “She slipped by me.”
“I have no doubt. And no doubt how,” Evan replied, giving a wry look to her heaving bosom as he turned to walk toward her.
“He is right. ’Tis not his fault. Please do not punish him for my transgression.” She smirked, her head circling to take the room in. Much like the library, his office was furnished in mahogany, with wood paneling in lieu of the bookshelves. To lighten the room, he had paintings on most walls, one bookshelf behind his desk in easy reach, and sage green and gold tones in the upholstery, rugs, and drapes.
“Oh? Shall I punish you then?” Evan stopped in front of her, eyebrows raised.
“Hmm. Mayhap. What did you have in mind?” Beth asked, returning her gaze to his with a head tilt and a coy smile.
“Nice try, Miss Jenkins. And, need I remind you, not your first. Thank you anyway, though. Franklin, ’tis fine. You can leave her here.”
Beth glanced over and winked, causing Franklin’s woebegone expression at missing a tryst to brighten. Evan had no doubt the chit would find an hour or two of privacy with the servant.
“Do come in,” Evan said with a sarcastic twist of his lips. “Have a seat.” He returned to his leather chair behind the massive desk. Lounging back, he crossed his legs and swung the top one leisurely. His gaze, however, was sharp. “How may I help you, Miss Jenkins?”
“Surely, if you’re going to let me get away with calling you Cheltie, you can call me Beth.” She mock pouted as she perched on a visitor chair, leaning forward to afford him the best view of her décolletage.
Evan sighed. “I think people in your life have let you get away with far too much.”
She arched one brow. “Somehow, I doubt you would think that if I were a man.”
“Touché.” He nodded. “So…”
“I am here with my cousin, Althea—Lady Althea Egerton. She would like to discuss an investment opportunity with you.”
White-hot fury flashed through him. The one woman he thought might prove interesting this week was here for money. His guess at her reason for coming had been right.
’Tis the story of my life. Why did I let myself hope for anything more?
He fought the urge to toss Beth out of his office, refraining only because of Penelope’s note. The fact that Michael had added his own request made sense now. Both his friends knew his distrust of anyone asking for money; he preferred to find his own investments.
Taking a calming breath, he laid his hands on the arms of his chair. “I am sorry, but I am not looking to invest in anything new at this time.”
“Yes, Penelope said you’d say that. She also told me to tell you to listen.”
Evan rolled his eyes. “God save me from forceful women. You’d better not be making this up.” The note from his friend’s wife had only requested an invitation.
“I beg your pardon. I absolutely would not use Penelope’s name as a reference without her permission. I try to get people’s consent for all things I do with…their name.” She winked.
“Right, then. Let’s hear it.”
“Oh no. I would not be able to do it justice. Please, I am only asking that you hear Althea out. I think you will find her business plan well-organized and thought out. And word has it that you like to support women-owned businesses.” She gave him innocent eyes.
How could he explain that those were different?I seek out those women, or they come referred from trustworthy sources.His conscience argued back.And Penelope and Michael are among your most trusted friends.
“What do I get out of this?” He wanted to buy himself a minute to debate more, although he knew he’d relent for Pen’s sake.
“Sexual favors?”
“Ack. We’ve covered that.” He managed not to roll his eyes, waving a hand dismissively. “And boring. Look around you. Those are freely given here, not something to negotiate with. Try again.”
Beth’s head snapped back at the word “boring.”
