Finally, he leaned in again and whispered, “If I could kiss you right now, I would.”
And just like that, her body heated, and a yearning started deep in her belly. His look said he wished to do far more than kiss her, and she knew exactly what that meant.
He sat back in his chair. “That is brilliant advice. My lady, you are not only beautiful and intelligent, but you are logical and pragmatic. I am in your debt for such excellent counsel, because it gives me new hope for my future.”
She tried to ignore the rush of pleasure that filled her chest. “I’m so pleased I could be of help. I’m relieved that you won’t be shipping out to sea.”
“Would you miss me if I went?”
The question was so unexpected that she answered far too quickly. “Yes. Yes, I believe I would.”
Something changed in his playful gaze, and his light-brown eyes darkened. “I would miss you as well. I find I enjoy your company.”
The sincerity of his words had her clasping her hands together once again, both flattered and uncomfortable. The silence as they gazed at each other lengthened. She should say something, perhaps something witty, but she was far too busy interpreting his look to think clearly.
Then he blinked and gave a short nod. “My lady, your insight has been invaluable. If you ever need my services, please do not hesitate to request them.” His voice had risen even as he stood. “I do not wish to further disrupt your studies. You have been most helpful.”
Tam gave her another nod before striding from the room much faster than she’d seen him walk in the past. Was he anxious to get started on finding a steward, or did he wish to leave her company as soon as possible? What had just happened?
“I see Lord Tamworth has left us some time.” Mrs. Kingman took a seat on the settee and held up her book. “Did you wish to further discuss Milton’s poem?”
Poem? Sophie shook her head, not sure she could discuss the fall of man in her state of mind. “No, I think I’d like to lie down for a while.”
Mrs. Kingman patted her hand. “I understand. I’m proud of you for being willing to talk with Lord Tamworth. You even laughed, which is so rare and lovely to hear. I know speaking to unmarried men is difficult for you.”
Except it hadn’t been difficult at all. Not willing to admit that, Sophie rose. “I haven’t quite finished reading the volume, but I will have it completed by Friday.”
“Lovely. I will bring suggestions for our next reading then, and we can talk about your conversation with Lord Tamworth if you like.”
She didn’t want to talk about her conversation with Tam, so she simply nodded before walking out of the room and heading for the grand stairs. She did, however, wish to talk about it with someone. Unfortunately, neither Ellie nor Georgie could keep a secret, and Sophie definitely wanted to keep her confusion over Tam a secret. Elsbeth was soon to have a child, and Rose was…was too close to Tam. Lissa kept secrets beautifully. The only problem was that Lissa was off on another investigation with her husband.
For the first time since coming to the Belinda School for Curious Ladies, Sophie found herself feeling alone. But as she reached her room, she remembered the one person she could talk to who always kept her confidence and her burden lightened considerably. She would go see Mrs. Boyd.
Chapter Eleven
Three days later
Daventry
Christopher stood inhis empty library and stared out the window. It was obvious that his new estate had once been very prosperous. Unfortunately, it no longer was. The back gardens had been left to overgrow for years and the tenants were on the brink of starvation. Winter made the circumstances even worse. He’d let most of the servants go at Mr. Riley’s advice and was happy to turn over the new staffing to the older man. Mr. Riley had grown up on the estate from a child and loved it openly, which was an advantage.
The other advantage Christopher had was his solicitor. Mr. Morton had brought him three capable stewards, none of whom were also named Mr. Morton. The wily man must have had his younger brother use a different name so as not to influence the selection.
Christopher was most impressed with Mr. Wood and felt at ease with him immediately, but he was quite sure Mr. Wood wasn’t his solicitor’s brother. Another candidate had the same lean build and narrow face as his solicitor, only with a smaller nose. Now Christopher waited to let his solicitor know who would have the position. He just hoped he wouldn’t lose Mr. Morton over it. Lately, every step forward he made in reaching his goal ended in a step backward, and he was anxious to be done with backward steps.
He turned back to look at the room he’d spent the entire morningin. The walls were covered in empty bookcases. On the mantel sat a broken bust of Cicero, and an empty vase decorated an ornate wooden stand in the corner. The only furniture in the room was the large, immovable desk, and two chairs that Morton had brought in from the dining room. Not only would Christopher have to get the estate running again, but he’d need to furnish most of the house.
The only rooms upstairs that had any furniture were the former lady’s rooms, and since the last owner wasn’t married, the décor was from the former generation. At least there was a bed, not that he’d have time to sleep in it on this visit. His quandary was that he hadn’t expected the expenses that were adding up in his head just to make the place function again. If it weren’t for the quick thinking of Mr. Morton, he wouldn’t even have had the funds to hire new staff.
Even as he thought of the man, Mr. Morton walked in. “You wished to speak with me, my lord?”
“I do. I have made up my mind on the steward I wish to hire. Please, have a seat.”
As Mr. Morton crossed the room and sat in one of the two chairs, Christopher strode toward the desk and leaned against the front, not willing to put the large piece of furniture between himself and his valued steward. “I gave each man serious consideration and I commend you on finding me three superb candidates.”
“I’m pleased they were to your liking, sir.”
When Mr. Morton didn’t say any more, Christopher steeled himself for the man’s reaction, hoping he wouldn’t have to find a new solicitor next. “Though all three would do very well, there was one man that I felt most comfortable with. This is something I was advised was important in hiring a new steward.”
