“Yes,” he said, suppressing his irritation with that oaf.
“And you?”
He arched an eyebrow.“Oh, yes.But it is not something I would ever act upon outside the bonds of marriage.You will always be safe with me and I will always respect you.There’s the difference between me and Caruthers.”
They were now approaching the Denby Arms and he was looking forward to sharing a pleasant meal in Tulip’s company.
An elegantly garbed steward came forward to greet them.
Tulip ought to have been used to lavish luncheons and teas by now, but it did not dampen her delight upon entering the hotel’s dining room and viewing the sumptuous displays of sweets and savory treats.
There was a refreshing liveliness about her as she took it all in.
This was one of the many things Alex liked about her.
He was a cynical clot.
But Tulip grabbed life with innocent enthusiasm.
Her eyes were wide as the steward escorted them past the abundant displays.
“Will this do, Your Grace?”the man asked, leading them toward a table by the window.
Alex glanced at Tulip who smiled brightly as she gave her approval.
Yes, she was a sunny thing.
This is why he thought they would make a good match.
She would balance his tendency to be dour.
“It is perfect,” Alex said, for the table was slightly apart from the rest of the dining room and would afford them a measure of privacy as they continued their conversation.
They filled up on tea, buttered breads, and lemon tarts as they spoke of the travel plans he had made for them after the wedding.
He also encouraged her to tell him about her mother’s family, the Hesters, who had raised her in Burnham after the death of her parents.
Conversation with Tulip was easy, but he had known it would be.
He was never a talkative man.
However, there were many topics that interested him.
Tulip was a bluestocking at heart and could match him in intellect and curiosity.
Even if she was not familiar with a particular topic, she still knew how to ask interesting questions and was always eager to learn more.
“That is odd,” she said, her tone suddenly turning serious as she was about to put her teacup to her lips, “do you know that man?”
Alex turned around and followed her gaze to a gentleman staring at them from the street corner.
“No.”The fellow was dressed like a gentleman, but Alex had an excellent memory for faces and knew he had never seen him before.“How about you, Tulip?Recognize him?”
“No.”She set down her teacup and frowned.“He’s been staring at you these past five minutes.”
“At me?And not you?”After all, Tulip was beautiful, even though she did not seem to realize it.
“He’s been studyingyou.I am certain of it.”
