Font Size:

“Hewhat?”I dropped my ice cream on the grass in shock.Damnit.

“More precisely, he wanted to know what it would cost to arrange a marriage between you and his sister. It’s just as well he’s the younger son, because he has the subtlety and guile of a brick. James would have his wings if he realised how much he gave away in his questioning.”

“Whatdidhe give away?”

“That there’s a cool couple of million on offer as a dowry if you’ll fall into line, though it’s dependent on the production of a child. I have to say, Alex, a couple of million would buy a lot of lovely things. You wouldn’t mind taking one for the team, would you?”

“Very funny, Aunt Margaret.”

“He appears to be under the impression you’re bi, not gay.”

“I take it he doesn’t know that my mum’s human.” Wow, look at that. Nate’s words had already had an effect if that was how I was describing my situation.

“He doesn’t. And I didn’t tell him because it’s no one else’s business.”

“Are you going to tell James about your conversation with Steven?”

“Of course. Maybe that will get him to lay an offer on the table. I’m sure we’re right about what’s going on, and I don’t understand why he’s dragging his feet in telling me. Surely, the sooner he has me onside, the sooner he can act. And if I turn him down, he can forget that part of his plan. It’s not exactly the most important element, is it? I wonder if he’s holding out for it because he’s a romantic at heart.”

The very thought was hilarious. “I doubt that. But it’s strange he’s taking so long. After all, they’ve probed the Mortimer defences pretty thoroughly and got in at least twice, from what Nate says. Why isn’t he just going for it?” And then it dawned on me. “We’ve been assuming it’s only the Mortimers because of that email. What if he’s trying to take outallcompetitors? The Swifts and the Carews? What if it’s taking a while because he’s got more ducks to get in a row than we thought?”

Margaret licked her ice cream, looking thoughtful. “That could explain it, I suppose, though his ego would have to be even larger than his bank balance to attempt something like that. Would he really be that ambitious?”

“I dunno, and you’re not sending me off to Harrogate or anywhere else to try and find out.” I knew what she was like once she had the bit between her teeth. “Nate still hasn’t found the full story here.”

“Ah, yes, you and the infamous Nate Mortimer. Anything you want to tell me about why neither of you were at Sunday breakfast?”

“Not unless you want the gory details. Don’t worry—we didn’t do anything at the Fortescues’. Nate got us a hotel room.”

Her lips thinned in disapproval. “He took you to a hotel? He’s very sure of you, isn’t he? Are you his dirty little secret?”

For the first time in my life, I was angry with my aunt. “No,” I bit out. “We wanted space and privacy. That’s all.”

“Okay, Alex.” She patted my knee. “Sorry.”

But as we left our bench, I was aware that her eyes on me were filled with concern.

There was no need. Nate wasn’t like she thought. He wasn’t likeI’dthought he was when I’d first met him. Things between him and Charlie were well and truly over. I was determinedly not thinking about what would happen when we both left Bath. It was Nate, so it wouldn’t be a repeat of the holidaymakers. I knew that it wouldn’t.

Chapter Nineteen

NATE

After our prolonged absence overnight and this morning, there was no way Alex and I should disappear again for hours. Instead of flying, we went to supper, where I was careful to engage in conversation with everyone around me. It was second nature from the wining and dining of clients I had to do, but I’d let my manners lapse recently in favour of talking to Alex.

Now and then, our eyes met across the table, and I couldn’t suppress the smile on my face when they did.

He cornered me after we all adjourned to the drawing room for post-prandial coffee. “Can we get away for a little while?” he said quietly. “There’s something I’d like to run past you.”

Ella was making directly for us, or rather, for me. “See you at nine at the car,” I murmured, turning to greet her with a smile. I was aware of him melting away as I asked her how she’d enjoyed last night and tried desperately to keep my eyes on her face. Shewas wearing that necklace again, with diamonds sparkling in an exquisite cascade. Iachedto touch them.

Before long, Margaret Teague interrupted us. She didn’t appear pleased to see me, though her smile at Ella was warm. “Your father tells me you have tomorrow free from lessons. I wondered if you’d like to join me for a girls’ spa day.”

With Ella safely occupied talking to Margaret, I sat on the sofa to check my phone, removing the security settings as I did so. Casually, I put it down beside me. After a glance around the room to ensure I was unobserved, I stood up and headed to the door.

A swift look back confirmed that my phone was clearly in view, and no one was trying to get my attention to let me know. And now, I was going to have time with Alex. Everything was working out perfectly.

At the car, Alex greeted me with a long, deep kiss that drove away the autumn chill. “So where are we going?” he asked, when he finally released my mouth.