But Bennett wasn’t easily fooled. His piercing blue eyes narrowed as he observed them both. “Then why were you both smiling at one another?”
“Were we?” Miles asked, feigning innocence.
Edwina spoke up. “We were talking about the plants that needed to be tended to before we depart for London.”
Bennett had seen through their charade. Not that it was overly difficult to do so. “Plants? You expect me to believe that?”
Edwina bobbed her head. “Yes, I do.”
With a resigned sigh, Bennett relented. “Fine, do not tell me. But I will be keeping an eye on you two.”
Miles interjected, “I thought you were angling with your friends.”
“I am,” Bennett replied. “I was making my way down to the stream when I saw you two taking a stroll in the gardens.”
“We are about to take a trip into the village,” Edwina revealed.
Bennett gave her a curious look. “For what purpose?”
“I wanted to show Lord Hilgrove around the village,” Edwina replied.
“The village isn’t that big, or interesting, for that matter,” Bennett remarked with suspicion in his eyes.
Edwina’s eyes darted towards Miles and he could see the hesitancy in them. He decided it was best if he spoke up. “Iwas hoping to buy a gift for my sister and Lady Edwina graciously offered to help me.”
Bennett glanced between them before giving a curt nod. “Well, then, carry on,” he said before he continued down the path towards the stream.
As they watched Bennett’s retreating figure, Edwina turned to face him with relief on her face. “That was rather difficult,” she expressed. “I didn’t think he was ever going to leave.”
Miles couldn’t agree more but they had a bigger problem. “Bennett is many things, but he isn’t a fool. We will have to be more careful if we wish to keep this from him.”
“You make a good point,” Edwina said. “Shall we depart for the village?”
“Let us,” he replied, offering his arm.
Edwina placed her hand on his sleeve. “I can’t quite believe my father left me ten thousand pounds and a generous dowry.”
“You are truly an heiress now,” Miles remarked.
“I am,” she agreed. “Which poses a new conundrum.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
Edwina pressed her lips together before asking, “How do I know if a suitor is genuinely interested in me, or simply my wealth?”
“It is certainly a challenge, but do not fear. I will be there to help you navigate through your hordes of potential suitors,” Miles reassured her.
“You will?” Edwina asked.
Miles’ lips quirked as he asked, “Did you think you could get rid of me so easily?” His tone carried a flirtatious edge.
Edwina ducked her head but not before he noticed the adorable blush on her cheeks. “You are too kind but let us not be hasty. I do not think I will have hordes of suitors vying for my hand.”
Miles couldn’t help but shake his head in disagreement. “Ido think you vastly underestimate yourself,” he argued.
“Or perhaps you areoverestimating me,” Edwina countered. “Although, I will admit that I am relieved you shall be there for my first Season.”
Miles was curious about one thing. “How is it that you haven’t had your first Season yet?”
