“I’ll get him.”
“Thank you.” Once the barmaid left, she spoke to Barfleur. “I suggest you offer him a crown for each fishing lesson.”
“I say, that’s a great deal of money,” Barfleur protested.
“It is a great deal less than being arrested and paying for a solicitor and barrister.”
The man dropped his head in his hands. “I can’t believe how stupid I was.”
Gavin took a long draw of the excellent local ale. “I’d say I can’t believe how you discount anyone below you.”
Barfleur’s jaw tightened, and Gavin made a promise to himself that his children would never behave in a like manner. “This is more than me paying the boy, isn’t it? It’s to teach me a lesson.”
Before Gavin could answer Jem was standing next to them. “I heerd ye got a question for me.”
“Indeed we do.” Georgie raised her chin at Barfleur. “Sir?”
He closed his eyes and gave an imperceptible nod. “I’d like you to teach me how to fish. I’ve never learned.” He took a breath. “I’ll pay you a crown for each lesson.”
Jem rubbed his chin as he’d obviously seen an older man do. “A crown for as long as I’m normally out. Any time after that’ll be a half-crown extra.”
Gavin was pleased to see Barfleur wasn’t going to argue. “Very well. When do we start?”
“Tomorrow mornin’ at six. Meet me where I was today.”
“I’ll see you then.” Barfleur held out his hand and Jem took it.
“Wear somethin’ you can fish in.”
Gavin almost went into whoops watching Jem saunter back to his seat at the bar. “That went well.” He finished his ale. “Are you ready to return to the Turners’?”
“Yes.” Barfleur stood and glanced at Georgie. “Thank you.”
“I look forward to eating the fish you will catch.” Gavin would have had a hard time not gloating, but she was sincere.
They made their way outside and asked for the curricle to be brought around.
“If you don’t mind,” Barfleur said. “I think I’ll walk.”
“Not at all.” That would give Gavin an opportunity to tell Georgie how brilliant her idea had been. It astonished him once again how much he was still learning about her.
A little voice in his head nagged at him telling him to give her what she wanted, but he could not. Although, he’d yet to even mention friendship and passion to her. He thought today would be the perfect time to press his suit, but the Fates had other plans. He had to do it soon.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Georgie watched as Mr. Barfleur strolled down the street. His step seemed lighter than before, and she was glad. She had no idea how old he was, but he really wasn’t up to snuff. Someone should take him under their wing. Once she returned to Town, she’d ask her father if he could do it.
The curricle was brought out, and she held her breath as Turley lifted her into the carriage. Thank God for long stays. Yet, even with them, the heat of his hands caused her senses to scramble. Without a word, he climbed into the other side of the carriage and gave the horses their office.
They passed Mr. Barfleur and she waved. “That went well.”
“It did.” Turley slid her a smile. “Your idea was much better than anything I could have thought of.”
“Thank you.” A sense of pride filled her. It had been an excellent plan. “I just hope it works.”
“As do I,” he agreed. “I cannot imagine not knowing how to fish.”
“It is so consummately an English activity. We all learned to fish.” She did not think she had ever met anyone who did not know how to fish unless it was a servant raised in London, but even then... “I wonder if his father is one of those men who had little patience with children.”
