Richard scowled. He was the blasted Marquess of Wilton. Women generally hung on his every word, not dismissed him like a housemaid with no time for gossip.
Determined, he tried again. “What occupies your time, Miss Theodosia?”
She turned her gaze back to him. “I manage my estate. I also draw, as you know.”
“Yes, I recall.”
Another pause. And again, she looked away.
His temper flared—just a flicker—but it was enough to sting his pride. Was she truly so indifferent to him?
Before he could make a cutting remark, she surprised him by asking, “What about you, my lord? What fills your days?”
“I box,” he answered, perhaps too abruptly.
She raised a brow. “How barbaric.”
He smirked. “Only when done poorly.”
“And is that all you do? Punch people?”
“I oversee my estate,” he said defensively. “Though I rely heavily on my man of business.”
She shook her head. “I think that’s foolish. A man should know his accounts as well as his steward.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion.”
“You did say I could speak freely,” she countered.
“Yes, but perhaps consider the wisdom of what you say before you speak it.”
“Why?” she asked. “Because you’re a marquess and I’m a baronet’s daughter?”
Richard sighed, dragging a hand over his face. “We got off on the wrong foot. Let us start again.”
Her expression softened, just a touch. “I am willing, if you are.”
“Good.” He inclined his head slightly. “I am Lord Wilton.”
She mimicked the gesture. “I am Miss Theodosia Smith.”
“There,” he said. “A full exchange without a single insult.”
A small smile played on her lips. “Progress, indeed.”
He leaned forward slightly. “Besides estate management, drawing, and riding—what else do you enjoy?”
“Gardening.”
He winced. “How dreadfully dull.”
“I thought we were being civil?”
“I smiled when I said it,” he replied. “Surely that softens the blow.”
“Not particularly,” she said with a shrug, though there was a glimmer of humor in her voice. “But it is true that it is not an exciting pastime. Still, I enjoy it. I spent many hours in the soil with my dearest friend, Penelope, and her mother.”
“You speak of her fondly.”
