Will inclined his head. He was tempted for a moment to add a bit of flattery, but changed his mind. “You’re welcome.”
With the look of joy still on her face, she placed it back in the paper. “I shall bring it the next time we have an evening entertainment.”
“I’d be honored.” He bowed and a low rumbling sound came from his stomach.
Eugénie placed the tips of her fingers over her lips and giggled.
“Perhaps I’d better remove myself to the hotel and partake of luncheon.”
“Or,” she said, lowering her lashes, “you could join my mother and me here.”
This was progress indeed. Will hadn’t expected that she’d voluntarily spend more time with him. Perhaps she was softening toward him. A clatter of china and silver from the dining room on the other side of the large drawing room caught his attention. He’d certainly eat sooner if he stayed, and he’d be able to spend more time with Eugénie. “I’d be delighted. Thank you.”
Waving her hand, she caught a servant’s attention. “Add another place, please. His lordship shall join us.”
A few minutes later, Bates brought a tray with what Will now thought of as the obligatory drink, chilled white wine. “Miss Eugénie, the mistress said she’ll be here shortly.”
He poured two glasses and left.
Will took a drink as Eugénie sank gracefully into a chair before taking her goblet.
After smoothing her skirts, she glanced up. “Do you sail, my lord?”
Her volunteering an activity gave him hope she actually enjoyed being with him. “Yes, I learned on the voyage here.” A slight exaggeration, but she’d never find out. “Unfortunately, I don’t have a ship.”
“I do.” She took a sip of wine. “Well, not a ship, but a sailing boat. It is more than large enough for two.”
That hadn’t worked. He sent up a prayer that he’d remembered enough not to make a fool of himself. “I’d be delighted to accompany you.”
The mention of a boat brought him back to his duties to the whole family. He’d need to discover all their assets. It wouldn’t do not to have plans for everything when it came time to leave.
Aunt Sidonie entered the room. “You plan on sailing tomorrow?”
Will poured his aunt a glass of wine. “Yes, I look forward to it.”
A worried look appeared on her face. “You must first check with Porter, Eugénie.”
Who or what was Porter?
“Yes, Maman.” Eugénie caught her lower lip between her teeth as if to stop herself from saying more.
Raising his brows, Will asked, “Porter?”
A quick smile appeared for a moment on Eugénie’s lovely face. “He is our gardener now, but if anyone can foretell the weather, he can. My mother is always concerned about storms this time of year.”
“For good reason.” The wine sloshed in Aunt Sidonie’s hands. “Sailing can be dangerous at any season, but more so now.”
“We will not leave the harbor.” Eugénie leaned across the short distance to the sofa her mother sat on and gave the older woman a hug. “Will that put your mind more at ease?”
“Thank you, my dear.” Aunt Sidonie’s tone was even, yet when she took a large drink her hands shook nervously.
He didn’t know what she was more frightened of: the water, weather, or the boat. After all, her husband had died at sea. Then again, perhaps she feared another attack on her daughter. Eugénie caught Will’s eye and gave an imperceptible shake of her head. Was it something else altogether?
Nathan forced himself to relax and at least doze for a bit while he waited to hear from Miss Marshall and Conrad. He’d learned early on in his life to sleep and eat when he could. He awoke to the sound of a shutter opening. Through the upper windows, the sky was deep blue, but not yet fully dark.
“We need to go now,” Miss Marshall said in a hushed voice. “While the housekeeper is eating.”
He swung his legs over the bed and stood. “I’m ready.”
