“In a manner, yes, although mostly it will save him from having to take the time to add up all his sales. He’ll be able to get home to his family sooner.”
“How your mind must work to even imagine such a thing.”
“Boringly,” she said lightly.
“On the contrary. Brilliantly.”
She brought her pad back to her lap. “Well, I haven’t figured out exactly how to make it all work.”
“But you will.”
His confidence in her was both unsettling and comforting. Only her father had ever held such belief in her, and during the past year she’d felt his absence as though sunlight had been taken away. “I shall endeavor to persevere.”
Their gazes locked, and she couldn’t seem to find the strength to look away.
“I believe you’ve taken up enough of my daughter’s time,” a harsh voice suddenly announced. “We need to carry on with our stroll as it’s important to be seen.”
Rook held Leonora’s gaze. “I couldn’t agree more that it’s important to beseen.”
She was left with the impression that he was indicating something very different from what her mother was.
He unfolded his body, offered his hand, and pulled her to her feet. Then he snatched up his coat, and in spite of it being slightly damp, wrinkled, and a little worse for wear, he drew it on because he was after all a gentleman, and those in polite society didn’t wander about in shirtsleeves and a waistcoat only. He grinned and winked at her. “My valet will be overjoyed with the challenge that awaits him. Good day, Miss Garrison.”
“Good day, my lord.”
He turned briskly toward her mother. “Good day, madam.”
Then he mounted his horse and trotted away, leaving Leonora feeling as though the burdens she carried weren’t quite so heavy.
Chapter 10
That evening, at the request of their hosts—the Earl and Countess of Rosemont—Leonora, Mama, and Sam arrived early in order to have the opportunity to meet the six Trewlove siblings and their spouses before the other invited guests arrived. Yet even before introductions were made, she recognized Aiden Trewlove, in spite of her hazy mind when she’d made her request of him. She could more easily see the resemblance between him and Rook now.
Aiden gave nothing away, and she was left with the conviction that he didn’t remember her. Which was all to the good. It would make the evening less awkward.
To her surprise, within the group was Althea and her husband, Beast, who apparently had been raised within the Trewlove household. With a sly smile, Althea greeted her warmly and took her hands. “I hope you’re pebble-free this evening.”
She laughed lightly and said quietly, “Thus far. However, I reserve the right to discover one at any minute.”
Sherry was passed around to all and Mick Trewlove, the owner of the hotel in which they were staying and who it appeared was the elder of the family, madea toast. “To the pursuit of new ventures. May we all find them worthwhile.”
“Hear, hear!” followed just before everyone took a sip.
Her mother began explaining to the earl’s wife, Fancy, that she was hoping Fancy would assist by introducing Leonora to eligible gentlemen this evening. Not wanting to get dragged into the conversation or an argument with Mama, she took several discreet steps away. Before she could escape completely, however, Aiden Trewlove was standing before her.
He reminded her so much of Rook, with his dark hair and eyes, but there was a roughness to him that she suspected had been honed by the streets. His gaze direct, he studied her openly and with a frankness that indicated he wasn’t one to play games. Finally, he lowered his head slightly and said softly, “I should forewarn you that someone you met recently at my club will be in attendance this evening.”
Rook. Naturally, he would be here. She should have realized. Strange how the tension that had been building as she worried about what her mother or brother might say to bring her embarrassment began to ease. “Thank you for letting me know.”
“He’ll be pleased. I daresay something more than a pressing of lips happened that night.”
“No, it didn’t.” Would it have if she hadn’t fallen asleep?
He grinned, a wicked, teasing grin, and she realized that in spite of the hardships he’d experienced growing up on the streets, he was more relaxed and at ease than Rook. She was convinced that somehow the viscount had endured a much harsher and morechallenging upbringing. “Methinks the lady does protest too much.”
“You can think anything you like—”
“Leonora,” Mama interrupted tartly and rudely. “I’d like to introduce you to Lord Camberley. He’s an earl. Brother-by-marriage to Mr. Trewlove here.”
