“The Collier?” he asked. “It makes me wonder. He seems quite cheerful for a miner. Not to mention, quite clean.”
“But isn’t that what is fascinating? Is there such a man, so cheerful and content? And what ofThe Leech Finders? How sanguine they look—utterly nonchalant about wading into the water for such an endeavor. I confess, I am filled to the brim with questions!”
They both grinned. Her heartbeat tripped and stumbled. Wasn’t there always something about shared mirth that heightened intimacy?
“My father has a Stubbs in his study.” Rostham clearly wished to be included. “I could arrange for you to see it.”
Gathering her wits, Charlotte smiled at him. “How kind you are, Mr. Rostham. That sounds delightful.”
The young man smiled in relief.
Whiddon straightened suddenly. “Since I have neither a Stubbs nor any talent for archery, I must strive to impress you in other ways, Miss Mayne. I’ll start by taking Sterne’s suggestion and show off my prodigious rowing skills.” He nodded towards the river’s edge. “Sterne and his wife are returning. Shall we go down and take their boat out?”
Charlotte hesitated. She wanted to agree—far more than she should. But shouldn’t she stay and encourage Rostham? On the other hand, a bit of competition seemed to be spurring him to some effort. Perhaps it might persuade him to view her as a serious candidate for his bride? He was kind, cheerful and easy to get along with. Not to mention in line for a significant title. He joked about his sisters, but he didn’t seem the sort who would expect her to abandon her siblings. She would do what she must to stir him up a bit and would not mind if it was the thought of a rival that did it—even if she knew that Whiddon would never think of himself so.
Making her decision, she nodded. “Oh, of course. Thank you, my lord. I’ve been wanting to go out. Will we see you later, Mr. Rostham?”
“I look forward to it.” He bowed and watched them leave.
But the thrill that shivered through her did not come from success at her stratagem. No, the tingle that traveled from her arm to race up her spine came from the heat of Whiddon’s touch as she took the earl’s arm.
She did her best to suppress it.
Unobtainable.
She repeated the word in her head like a chorus.
