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“Never mind about that. My sister isn’t likely to leave us be for much longer. Was there anything you wanted to discuss about our plans?”
He so enjoyed her directness. He had taken her in dislike from their first introduction, not enjoying her acerbic attitude. But as he’d spent the last couple days with her, he found the very thing he had disliked was somehow strangely appealing. One was never left in doubt of where you stood with Hilaria. Or did you? He wondered if she were perhaps hiding her true thoughts under that grouchy exterior. But she was right. Their plans needed to be discussed.
“Did you make that list you promised me?”
“Oh, yes, thank you for remembering, as I would have been furious with myself if I returned home with it still in my pocket. I cannot say how it slipped my mind.”
Cam wondered why she held herself to such a high standard. But he again dismissed the thought. He didn’t need to delve into the inner workings of her mind, he reminded himself, for their plans to work. It was probably even better if he did not.
“Thank you for writing it all out for me. I will be sure to find you most days. And I will also attend your at home tomorrow and overstay my welcome.”
Hilaria laughed. “That isn’t likely, Eastwood. My mother will be thrilled to see a gentleman showing an interest in me. You are more likely to be welcomed to stay for supper than told you are overstaying.”
Cam sighed. “I have no wish to raise expectations in your mother’s mind.”
The dubious expression on Hilaria’s face told him he was being daft.
“I told you from the beginning that she would have such expectations. But since, as you said, someone even better would turn up as a result of our scheme, we shan’t trouble ourselves with the countess’ disappointment when you do not come up to scratch. She will soon be soothed with your replacement. Wasn’t that the plan all along?”
Cam grinned over her wording even as his stomach clenched slightly at her meaning. “Am I so very easy to replace?”
He watched in fascination as hot colour climbed in her cheeks. “Eastwood. You are being daft beyond all forgiveness. Stop it this instant and get on with our plans.”
His grin was genuine this time. She was an amusing minx; he would give her that.
“We need to think of some excursion we could plan that would cause enough gossip.”
Cam fought the urge to squirm under her steady gaze.
“I still wish I could read your mind and truly understand why you are going to such lengths.” Hilaria paused. “But if it’s chatter you want, then we should do as we originally discussed and arrange a small group to view the collection. There will be gossip over anyone viewing them no matter what. It will link our names in everyone’s minds.”
“Elgin’s Marbles, then? But won’t that ruin it for you? You seemed to genuinely wish to view them. Making it the location of our cultivation of the gossips will surely detract from the experience.”
She shrugged. “It’s better than not getting to see them at all, I think. And I cannot guarantee that my mother would allow it without it being an excursion like this.”
Cam frowned. “Your mother doesn’t strike me as the strict, overprotective type.”
Hilaria laughed a little. “You’re right, she isn’t, in many ways. But she has certain ideas about what is inappropriate for her daughters. Anything that might be thrilling is out of the question.”
“So the balloon ascension that Wexford took you to?”
“That was only because my mother was determined to wed one of us off to him. She was able to put aside her scruples for the greater good.”
Cam laughed. “I see. So it would be similar with the collection, then?”
“Exactly. If it is presented as something you wish to experience with us, then it will be far more acceptable.”
“So, your mother’s ambitions will supersede her scruples. I see. You take after her, then, don’t you?”
Hilaria blinked and blushed, looking none too pleased by his observation. “You needn’t become hurtful all of a sudden,” she said quietly. “But I suppose we needn’t be friends for this to work. We just need to work on our acting abilities.” Without further word, she turned and beckoned to her sister, who must have been watching them carefully as she came forward immediately.
Cam watched the byplay of emotions as they flitted across the lady’s face and regretted his words. He hadn’t meant to insult her, but it was clear she didn’t take his words well. He supposed from the context they hadn’t been complimentary. Ought he to apologize? It would be impossible now with Lady Vigilia upon them.
“Vicky, you’ll never guess what Eastwood would like to invite us to do.”
“What? You’re right, I’ll never guess, so tell me before I perish of curiosity.”
Cam grinned at the youthful exuberance. This sister seemed to be unique and open, unlike her far more reticent older sisters.
