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She released the breath she had obviously been holding. “Thank you, Innes. I’ll walk you to the door.”
When they reached it, he turned and cupped her chin in his hand. “Farewell, for now, you little nuisance.”
She placed her hand against his cheek and cast him an impertinent look. “It was lovely to see you again, you big nuisance. You were going to try to weasel out of the invitation. Why?”
He did not bother to deny it. “Too many years with my own family. Kindness overwhelms me. I’m not used to it yet.”
She groaned lightly. “I wish you hadn’t said that. Now I cannot possibly stay miffed at you. And don’t forget, I have your present. You must come tomorrow, if only for that.”
“I will. I gave you my sacred, unbreakable vow, and I shall honor it.”
“Thank you, Innes. It isn’t so much for myself as for my parents. Seeing you again has meant the world to them.”
She had dropped her hand from his cheek, but he still had her chin cupped in his hand. Their faces were so close, their breaths mingled. It would take nothing for him to dip his head and plant a soft kiss on her lips.
Hyacinth had beautiful lips.
But to taste them now would open up a Pandora’s Box of headaches.
He turned and left in a hurry.
Night had fallen by the time he returned to his own home. It wasn’t late, perhaps six o’clock. Holmes opened the front door to him as he dismounted the carriage and approached. “Your supper is ready, my lord. Would you like it served in the dining room?”
“No. Just bring it to my study.” He noticed his butler frowning. “What’s the matter, Holmes?”
“Miss Hyacinth is a lovely girl.”
“So?” He shot the man a look meant to put him off from further conversation, but this was the problem with his new staff. They weren’t yet trained to mind their own business. “Stop fussing over me like a mother hen. What is your point?”
“A man in your position ought not to spend so much time alone. You ought to have friends stopping in, sharing supper, going out to your clubs, or the theater or rounds of parties. Perhaps finding yourself a lovely young lady… Miss Hyacinth seemed quite pleasant.”
“Yes, Mother. Anything else you wish to say before I sack you?”
The man blanched.
Innes sighed. “Your position is safe for now. Just keep your opinions to yourself. When I want your advice, I shall ask for it.”
“Yes, my lord.” He bowed obsequiously, and his hand shook as he shut the front door.
Blast.
He’d frightened the man.
It was not his intention. He’d only meant to jest about dismissing him. But when one had nowhere to go and no manner of feeding or clothing oneself if suddenly found without work, the jest was not so humorous. He imagined Hyacinth would have boxed his ears.
“Holmes, come into the study with me. And do not faint. I am not going to let you go.”
His butler scurried after him, pausing at the threshold as though afraid to take another step.
Innes crossed to the hearth and stared into the flames dancing atop the wood. “What do you like about Miss Brayden?”
“What do I like about the young lady?” Holmes hesitated.
“Holmes, it is not a trick question. I mean it sincerely. I’d like to know. I am now asking for your opinion. You may give it. In fact, I am ordering you to give it.”
“Very well, my lord. Thank you. Yes. About Miss Hyacinth. She is very pretty in a warm and sincere way. She is clever. It is obvious she cares for you. She hides very little of her heart, and it is a soft and giving heart.”
He grunted. “You don’t think she is merely after my fortune?”
