Page 40 of To Woo a Wicked Widow

She stared at him, thoroughly confused. “You weren’t raised on your father’s estate?”

“My father was a naval officer. His elder brother held the title and would have passed it on to his son had they not both perished in an accident almost two years ago. Until then, I too served in His Majesty’s Navy.” His gaze rested on her face, as if searching for some reaction to this news. “I am surprised you hadn’t heard this.”

She shook her head, shock making her stare at him in amazement. “I believe Jane mentioned it to me this morning, but I didn’t quite understand. You seem to know everything about the village, the people. How have you done this in such a short period of time?” Shortened still further by months spent in London during the Season.

“When I became earl, I vowed I’d do the best I could for the people who depended on me for their living. The most efficient way to do that was to learn estate management—pull myself up by my bootstraps, as it were. Running an estate isn’t too different from running a ship. You need knowledge and organization. After fifteen years on board, organization came naturally to me. So I concentrated on studying everything about Wrotham Hall and the surrounding environs.” His grin flashed like quicksilver. “I’m a fast learner, Lady Cavendish.”

“I commend you on it, my lord. I only hope I can prove as adept as you at settling down in this pleasant county. I do wish to become more supportive of the community.”

Lord Wrotham turned an innocent gaze on her. “And the community will welcome you with open arms. But now you mention it, I don’t recall seeing you in church, my lady. I am certain I would have noted you.”

Heat sprang into her cheeks. She had been sadly remiss in her church attendance and she turned slightly away from him. “You are correct, my lord. I have been so intent on putting Lyttlefield Park to rights, I have sadly neglected my duties as a parishioner of St. George’s.”

“And now that your renovations are complete, may I look forward to seeing you at services in the morning?” The deep blue of his eyes intensified and he seemed to hang on her next words. What on earth did he want with her? Had she not been plain enough in the library this morning?

A devilish imp seized her and she laughed, bringing a puzzled frown to Wrotham’s face. “You may indeed, my lord. As soon as you devise a way to get me down from here.”

Chapter 13

“Lord Wrotham, my lady.”

Nash frowned briefly, then recalled himself. So unfortunate that Fisk’s die-away voice managed to make his name sound dour. He set his face into more pleasant lines and sauntered into the well-appointed drawing room at Lyttlefield Park several hours after their tour of the village. He moved directly to his hostess, who looked ravishing in a pink silk gown, the very first stare of fashion. Had she worn it to impress someone, perhaps?

“Good evening, my lady.” He bowed, then lifted her hand for a chaste kiss.

“Good evening, my lord. You are well after your exertions this afternoon?” The minx grinned at him unabashed, alluding no doubt to the hour-long trek down the stairs of the clock tower. She had insisted on taking the staircase one step at a time, her arm plastered around his waist in a death grip.

His ribs ached this very moment from it.

“Indeed I am in fine fettle, my lady. I trust you have suffered no ill effects from your little adventure in the tower?” She seemed in excellent health, cheeks a pretty pink, eyes sparkling. Dare he hope some of her cheerfulness this evening meant a change of heart toward him? Had he indeed made inroads in her opinion of him?

“None at all. In fact, I seem to have gained a grand energy from that brush with danger.” Her eyes laughed at him; the danger had nothing to do with the clock tower and still lurked between them.

“I am pleased to hear it. Would you care to take a turn about the room?” He glanced around, immediately noting everyone’s position in the room. A strategy that had served him well more than once before. “I would like to hear your impressions of the village, now that you have had time to reflect and are once again on solid ground.”

She nodded her agreement, and Nash offered his arm, hope rising in his heart. One hesitant look from her, then she placed her arm through his and they began to stroll around the drawing room.

“Did you think I would bite, Lady Cavendish?” He loved to tease her. She rose so excellently to the bait.

“Not at all, my lord. Though you have teeth, I’ll warrant it.” She looked straight ahead as they approached the French windows that led out onto the veranda.

“The better to eat you with,” he murmured.

“Highly unlikely,” she returned, not missing a step. Her mettle truly set her apart from the other women of his acquaintance. He chuckled and tucked her arm more securely in his.

“So other than your unfortunate fear of heights, did you enjoy your first real visit to Wrotham Village?”

“I did.” She gave him a slight smile. “I am looking forward to the services in the morning. It is a beautiful church.”

“Even more so when it is decked out with all the trimmings at Christmas or with dozens of flowers for a wedding.”

She cut her eyes toward him and sniffed. “I am sure it is lovely at all times, my lord.” Her voice, so recently warm with the memory of the afternoon, now echoed with the coolness of an autumn night. “Perhaps you would like to make up a table for cards with some of the other guests? We were about to sit down when you arrived.” She gestured toward Lord Brack, flanked as usual by his sister and Mrs. Easton.

What had put her off him this time? The woman was changeable as the March wind. He sighed but nodded. “I would indeed, Lady Cavendish. The company here is so pleasant.”

She managed half a smile before striding off. A moment later, she joined Lady John, Sinclair, and Fernley, laughing at some jest the latter gentleman made upon her arrival.

Nash clenched his jaw, then forced himself to relax. The woman had no intention of changing her mind about marriage. Still, he had some time. He’d simply have to continue to charm her and wear her down.