Page 29 of Beguiling the Baron

“Indeed. It has to be yourself, or else a servant. I wasn’t sure you’d want us to go to Chippenham with only a servant. I need someone who can drive your Stanhope gig.”

“I’m certain I can spare Aldergate.”

She regarded him levelly for a moment with those melting brown eyes of hers. “For Polly’s sake, Hal, I think it had far better be you.”

“Galatea, please. How can I show myself in such a public place when I’ve lived here so quietly for so long? I’d find it intolerable.”

“You were once much used to being seen and heard in public. A country fair is nothing compared to the noisy chambers of Westminster or the glittering ballrooms of Carlton House. Or so I imagine. At the beginning of this conversation, you agreed to do whatever I asked.”

Silence drew out between them while she held his gaze expectantly. An unwelcome sensation, of being about to lose a battle, swamped him. “Very well, I’ll come to the fair. At least I have some time to prepare myself mentally.”

Her dark-lashed eyes still traversed his face, and her delightful rosebud mouth was solemn.

He rolled his eyes. “There’s something else, isn’t there?”

“I’m afraid so. I . . . um . . . I think we would attract less notice in Chippenham were you not dressed entirely in black. Perhaps a colored waistcoat for the occasion?”

Hal blinked. “A colored waistcoat? Tia, you ask too much.”

“And a blue superfine jacket instead of your black one?”

His mouth tightened. “If you’re ashamed to be seen with me, why ask me at all?”

“For Polly’s sake, as I told you. If you won’t change your apparel, can I at least cut your hair? I believe I’ve done a tolerable job with hers.”

“Symons always trims my hair.”

“Yes, but I wager he’s never had to cut it when it was so long before.”

Was there no winning an argument with the chit? He was beginning to think he ought to go back to avoiding or ignoring her.

There remained the option of sending her away.

Something close to panic sprang to life in the pit of his stomach and goosebumps broke out on his skin. Could he do that now? Could he really send her and her mother away?

“All right. You may cut my hair. Best do it now before I change my mind.”

“Now?” The blush seemed to have spread even farther. Exactly how far down her lovely breast had it progressed?

Running a finger around inside his cravat, he pondered his body’s reaction. He’d been chilled a moment ago, but now the room was unpleasantly hot.

Tia hesitated. Maybe she hadn’t expected so speedy a capitulation. She was nervous of him, anxious to get too close—not without good reason—and had perhaps hoped for time to build herself up to the moment. He’d stolen that time away from her and was fascinated to see if she would renege.

But Miss Galatea Wyndham was made of stern stuff. “Very well. I’ll fetch an apron.”

“And I shall ring for warm water to be brought up to my chamber,” he offered. He held the door open for her as she left, and paused there a moment, watching her trot down the stairs, wondering if she had any idea at all how momentous a decision this was for him.

He sincerely hoped that, unlike Samson, the shearing of his locks wouldn’t render him as weak as a child. For he was going to need all his strength to resist the allure of Miss Galatea Wyndham.