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Her reflection stared back at her, a little flushed, eyes bright, and she knew she must be careful. Rufus was the sort of man who could ensnare a woman’s heart and then break it, all in a matter of moments. The memory of the earl’s lips on her skin was with her still. Averil was an inexperienced young woman, although working at the Home had certainly opened her eyes. She considered she knew a lot about the seamier side of life.
No, this was business, she told herself sternly. Rufus wished to talk about the house, and about her sister. Perhaps he had found her! Was that what he meant, when he said he wished to discuss something closer to her heart?
Averil paced impatiently about the room, waiting for the earl to come.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
* * *
“As much as I enjoy being alone with you like this,” Rufus said, when she was settled in his coach, “it is likely to be harmful to your reputation.”
As he’d been anticipating, that glorious spark lit up her gray eyes.
“We are discussing business,” she said, staring at him and daring him to disagree. “If anyone wishes to take it up with me then let them.”
“Perhaps. But I would hate to be the cause of a future husband changing his mind about you, Averil.”
She shot him another look and lifted her chin. “I think marriage an overrated business anyway, Rufus.”
That made him snort with laughter. “You are so knowledgeable about it, of course.”
“I’ve seen people make terrible mistakes,” she said, quieter now, casting him a searching glance. “Look at my parents. Clearly they were most unsuited. My father told me once he deeply regretted marrying Anastasia, and I’m sure my mother felt the same.”
“Perhaps. But a marriage can be a very happy prospect, if you’re manacled to the right person.”
Good God, where was he going with this? No wonder she was looking at him oddly.
“Are you speaking from personal experience, Lord Southbrook?” she asked him, rather breathlessly.
He shook his head. “No. Unfortunately. My marriage was a mistake and we were both very unhappy. Almost at once, I might add. I don’t regret it because where would I be without Eustace?”
She smiled. “Yes, the world would be a grayer place without Eustace.”
“I don’t know why we are talking about my failings,” he said, hearing the mockery in his voice, and knowing it would annoy her. “I have some news for you. I hope you will be pleased.”
She leaned forward, almost falling into his lap as they went around a corner. “You’ve found my sister!”
He reached out to steady her, clasping her gloved hands in his. “No. I’m sorry. That was clumsy of me, Averil. Not your sister, not yet. I’ve found out who Rose’s father is . . . that is, was.”
“Oh,” she whispered. She looked away but he saw the tears in her eyes, and he gripped her hands tighter.
“I’m sorry. He’s long dead. Do you still want to know the sordid details?”
She hesitated. “How did you find out?” she said, as if to gain herself some time.
“Through Gregson. My manservant.”
He sat back, releasing her hands, and watched her smooth her sleeves, tuck a strand of escaping hair beneath her bonnet, and generally fiddle about while she sorted out her feelings. When she looked at him again she was calm once more.
“How did Gregson know?”
“Gregson’s brother was a servant in the household of Rose’s father. Servants’ gossip. It’s amazing what one can learn from it.”
“Everyone gossips,” Averil replied, and then, remembering how their conversation had begun, added, “Not that I care about that.”
He smiled. “Of course you don’t.”
“So, who was he? My mother’s lover? He must have been special, to send her running off with him and leaving my father and me behind.”
