He liked the woman sitting across from him, but she might not like him.
He was determined to remedy that situation. “Miss Tait,” he began, refusing to release her gaze. He wanted her to see his earnestness. “I offer my most sincere apology for the events of yesterday. I am entirely at fault and would like nothing more than to replace any items that were damaged.”
Miss Birdwell snorted. “Can’t replace a woman’s pride that easy.”
Lucas continued holding Miss Tait’s gaze. It washerforgiveness he was seeking. “And for the events of this morning,” he added.
“What’s this?” asked Miss Birdwell, alert. “Nell, you ain’t told me—”
“Tilly,” said Miss Tait, firmly, “I’ll meet you in our room at the half hour.”
Reluctantly, Miss Birdwell nodded her acceptance, but she was clearly none too pleased about it. As she walked away, Lucas discreetly consulted his pocket watch. He had fewer than fifteen minutes left with Miss Tait. For a reason he couldn’t rightly fathom, he wanted more minutes than that.
Miss Tait held him within her unflinching gaze. She looked to be measuring the weight of his apology. He’d meant it with every ounce of his being. He hoped she felt that. At last, she said, “I accept your apology, Mr. Kendall.”
Relief coursed through him. “You’re too gracious.”
“Tell me, how is your horse?”
“Oh, Lady Mischief, she’s—” He stopped right there.
Perfectly well, he didn’t say. She was reshod and ready to ride at his command.
Excepthewasn’t ready.
“She needs further tending,” he said. “I’ll be here a few days more. And you?”
Please don’t say you’re leaving on the overnight coach.
“A few days yet for me, as well. My clients don’t arrive until the fifteenth.”
“Clients?” he asked to buy time and information. The fifteenth… Today was the twelfth.
“I’m a dressmaker in London.”
“Oh?” he asked. A simple calculation told him that left Miss Tait with a few free days.
“Indeed. We all have a living to make, don’t we, Mr. Kendall? Speaking of which, won’t the duke expect you back?”
“I’ve sent word that I’ve become delayed.”
A smile curled her mouth. He’d amused her, unwittingly.
“What is it?” he asked. He wanted nothing more than to know, so he could amuse her again.
“I reckon the duke will just have to dress himself.”
“I reckon he will.”
They smiled at each other as if they’d formed a conspiracy together.
“What will you do with yourself until the fifteenth?” he found himself asking.
She gave her head a bemused shake. “Plenty of sewing for the last client between now and then.”
Lucas didn’t like the sound of that. “You’re in a spa town. Why not take part in the pleasures on offer?” He hadn’t intended the question to sound lascivious, but he thought it might.
She didn’t seem to notice. “That didn’t work out so well this morning.” A beat. “I’ve never had a holiday, and I’m afraid it shows.”
