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“Not just run, my friend, own.” He winked then took a great swig of his ale. Yes, this was the perfect gift to give her at the Christmastide social event. It would remove all the anxiety from her life and would ensure that he would be able to see her regularly. “I’ll visit my solicitor tomorrow to find out what’s needed.”
“You’re not going to talk this over with Miss Cowan first?” Surprise threaded through the first mate’s voice. “Are you not asking for trouble?”
“Surely, she’ll agree to the plan, and if she offers resistance, no doubt a few kisses will bring her around.” The proposition held merit and would be the best of all outcomes for the struggling business.
“It sounds rather dangerous, but you know the situation best.” Yet Daniel continued to frown. “What of Luke? How is he settling into his new life?”
“I believe he’s enjoying himself. Seems to get on well with Mother and Miss Cowan. He has a tutor and new clothes. I’m trying to refine his speech and vocabulary, so he’ll be ready to go to school perhaps next term.”
“It’s nice to see you embracing fatherhood.” Daniel’s gaze was sly. “Perhaps you’ll soon add to your growing family.”
The heat at the back of Bartholomew’s neck renewed itself with vigor. “Let’s not rush my fences, shall we?” Is that the direction he was heading? Marriage and then a family with Felicity? “I have much to think about.”
“Oh, indeed, but until then, perhaps we should indulge in more ale and a game of cards.”
His mood lifted. “Right, only if you consent to attend my mother’s Christmas Eve rout. Lord knows I could use a friendly face if only to hold back women desperate to wed. That is my mother’s mission in life just now.”
If he were honest with himself, he’d admit that the only woman he wished to dance with, talk to, was Felicity. It might prove to be the worst mistake of his life, but then, mistakes didn’t kill a man.
They only left him more bitter, and he was already well accustomed to that.
Daniel chuckled. “Of course, and I’ll make certain to keep the choicest skirt back for my own entertainment since you won’t give up Miss Cowan.”
“I will not.” Of that he was quite certain.
