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William would need to court her first, of course. The idea of which laid a pleasant warmth over his body.
Perhaps he should ask Mac’s blessing to court her now while he had a moment alone with the man. But, no. Pippa was unlike other women, and he could see that course of action being a deterrent to her. She was clearly unhappy with him at present.
She smiled at something Roger said, and it sent a spark through William’s chest. He wanted that smile for himself.
“Do you know much about Mr. Ainsworth, there?” Mac asked, leaning close and lowering his voice. It dripped with distrust, which felt like a small victory for William.
“I don’t trust him,” William said quietly.
Mac looked as though he agreed, but didn’t voice the opinion. “I do wish he would explain the nature of his business in a more exact way.”
Neither of them said what they were both likely thinking, that it took a different character with little reserve to invite himself to dine with another’s party.
The remainder of the evening was spent playing cards and watching the players, but William didn’t mind. After Roger had played a few rounds, William rose from his seat. “Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Mackenzie.”
Mrs. Mackenzie rose from the card table, the picture of poise, despite a slight limp. How had he not noticed it before? She was such a graceful creature, it undoubtedly went undetected by those who didn’t know to look for it. “We’ve enjoyed your company this evening. I do hope your father will be able to join us next time.”
“Certainly.”
Mr. Ainsworth made no move to leave, and it occurred to William that perhaps the revenue man was simply waiting for them to leave so he could speak to Mac in privacy. The thought ran a cold wash of fear through his body, and he swallowed hard.
William didn’t want Mac to think less of him, to learn of his disreputable past.
He made it to the door with Roger close behind him. Pippa stood beside her sister and put enough distance between herself and William so he could not find a way to ask her to meet him later that evening. Of course, he wasn’t sure if she’d even go if he had found the opportunity to ask, and he had no inkling as to why.
What had he done?
William walked across the gravel drive only a few moments later, Camden Court behind him and Roger at his side. He felt unfinished, uneven, without Pippa’s smile to send him away, and the sensation settled uncomfortably in his gut.
He would find her tomorrow, and he would speak to her then.
