“Yes.” Lord Hardwick glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the cottage. “The man is damn hard to find. It took many days for my investigator to unearth that he is known in this area.”
Alarm skirted along her spine, and she warily took a step back. How had anyone connected that Henry Atwood was related to her? Henrietta had been so careful since she startedselling her paintings. She’d shortened her first name to Henry and used her grandmother’s surname to create a moniker no one should ever deem suspicious.
“From the look on your face, I gather you know the man. Splendid. Where can I find him?”
Drat.“Mr. Atwood is very protective of his privacy,” she said carefully. “He is known as a recluse in his circle for a reason, my lord. I cannot own to knowing anything about him.”
A rather charming smile touched the earl’s mouth. “If you would introduce me, Miss Sutton, I would appreciate it.”
“My lord, I cannot—”
An unreadable stare met hers. “I have been trying to locate him for a couple of weeks, and as fortune would have it, my investigator uncovered that his paintings are shipped from the Dowager Countess of Birchwood’s country estate. He then connected that Lady Birchwood’s other name is Theodosia Atwood and surmised this brilliant painter is a relation.”
Hence his spying on the cottage. A spurt of amusement rushed through Henrietta, even as warmth bubbled inside her chest. He thought her a brilliant painter. “Forgive me, my lord. Iamhonor bound to protect Henry’s privacy. Surely as a gentleman of honor yourself you understand why I must keep this vow.”
His eyebrow lifted. “You are an intimate acquaintance?”
She took a steady breath. “I suppose I am.”
Brushing a few leaves and twigs from his jacket, he murmured, “Then if you would pass along a message for me, Miss Sutton. I would be in your debt and please know I am a man who repays his debt.”
After considering him carefully she asked, “What do you wish to say?”
Lord Hardwick took a few steps closer to her, his walk more of a prowl, his body lean and lithe, his piercing stare neverwavering from her face. He’d always had that way about him the few times she observed him at balls. The earl was curiously and remarkably an intense man.
“Please inform Mr. Atwood I would like to commission his services for a special painting. Averyspecial painting. I will compensate him handsomely for his time and skills.”
Even knowing she would refuse, Henrietta was tempted to ask, “How handsomely?”
“One thousand pounds.”
She almost fainted at the astronomical sum. “I do beg your pardon! Did you say one thousand pounds?”
His eyes glittered. “Ah, yes, I did.”
Good heavens.One thousand pounds!Perhaps if she were careful, she could do it. Perhaps she could receive the instructions and act as a sort of middle man between them. Henrietta’s heart started to pound as she thought about how to execute such a plan. It seemed too daring and outrageous. Yet to work for such a sum would allow her to save a fortune for her uncertain future. She could provide for herself without being dependent on the hope someone might find her worthy enough to offer marriage.
“I shall pass along your message, my lord.”
Another charming smile curved his mouth. “I am in your debt, Miss Sutton. I shall leave instructions with you on where I will await your message.”
“I…I will need some information to relay to Henry,” she said. “What kind of painting is it, and would you allow me to convey why you would pay such an unmatched sum for his services? I am certain your motivations might influence his decision.”
An odd choking sound came from him, and she frowned.
“Alas, I am er…unable to share the full details with you, Miss Sutton.”
Henrietta blinked. “I can assure you, Lord Hardwick, Henry is unlikely to paint for you without knowing why you need his skill.”
“Even for such a sum?” he drawled arrogantly.
She bared her teeth in what she hoped was a smile, brushing aside the mild irritation she felt, for the dratted man was right. Such a sum was too impressive to be lightly dismissed. Still, she jutted her chin and held his regard.
“Even for such a sum.” Henrietta lifted a shoulder in a delicate shrug. “Henry is notoriously eccentric.”
He blew out a sharp breath; a small smile that seemed rueful touched his mouth. “I would like this painting for a particular lady. It is to win her regard.”
Oh!“It is a part of your courtship?”
