Page 45 of Counting on Love

“Very well.” She smiled at him, thinking she’d been silly to have thought him intimidating. Then she frowned. “Oh, but how awkward.”

Crispin laughed. “Yes, that’s the fun of it. If you are amenable, I’ll let Reg know.”

“Oh!” She bit her lip to keep from laughing as she caught on. “Are you trying to plague Lord Taverston?”

“It’s what we do.” His eyes gleamed. “Or if you prefer, I’ll warn Jasper and then we can plague Reg.”

“No, not him. Not after he had to put down that horse.”

The spark in Crispin’s eyes faded. He scowled. “I’d have sooner shot Jeremy. That horse was innocent.”

“Lieutenant Taverston!” she gasped.

“Crispin.” He reminded her. Then said, “But yes, I’m sure Reg was devastated. Yet you know, there could have been no choice, and acting promptly was merciful.” She nodded. He said, “Our mothers are in the ladies’ parlor, if you’re looking to join them. Olivia has taken to bed. She feels worse than Reg.”

“I…” She hesitated, then plunged ahead. “I was hoping you would have a library I might sit in. Libraries are calming to me.”

He gave her a curious look, then said, “Ours is not. It’s jarring. But it’s at the end of the same hall as the billiard room. You’re welcome to use it, though you might want to bring your own reading material. And you may find Reg there. You have that in common.”

“Oh.” Rot. She would never get another look at his books. “But I shouldn’t disturb him.”

“He won’t mind. I suspect he’s having trouble concentrating on his tasks. You can tell him we have all adopted each other’s Christian names except for Lord Taverston. And ask him what he is sitting on.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Go on. Take his mind off the horse. It’s a game we’re playing.”

She shrugged. “All right. If you say so.” She left the parlor.

Forewarned, she could leave the library door wide open. And they were not meeting in secret if Crispin knew. She wouldn’t stay long, just long enough to peek at the shelf. And involve herself in Crispin’s games. She shook her head, thinking of Mama’s reaction. This was a terrible idea. But at least it was no longer dull.