Lord Penderdale shared a look with her father, increasing her anxiety. “What is going on?”
“Well, the criminals I’m trying to ferret out did some ferreting of their own and connected you to me, putting you and your father in a certain amount of peril. For that reason, it’s quite desirable to remove you from their locale and have you take up residence with the Duke and Duchess of Westmore, my sister and brother-in-law.”
Elizabeth frowned. “We’re going to be the guests of the duke and duchess? I… That is, certainly we don’t want to be an imposition—”
“Oh, it’s not an imposition in the least. In fact, if you tried to take lodgings anywhere else, my sisterwould find you and make it impossible for you to refuse her hospitality. Then she would promptly hunt me down and fillet me alive.”
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh.” He grinned from ear to ear, as if the whole idea brought him deep joy.
Elizabeth studied his face, her insides unwinding and warmth seeping into her very soul. His eyes twinkled; his lips invited her attention as she openly stared.
His attention dropped to her mouth as well, and her lips buzzed as if the look were a touch.
Her father cleared his throat.
Elizabeth jumped slightly, and Collin glanced away, then continued speaking about their plans.
“I’ve arranged for my carriage to pick you up the day after tomorrow to take you to London.”
Elizabeth held up a hand. “Wait, are you not coming?”
Collin shook his head. “No, I have unfinished business and, since I’ve made some important headway, want to stay the course. So far, my plan is dependent on how I’m able to address the problems here in Cambridge. If they resolve quickly, I’ll come to London and you can have the pleasure of watching my sister and brother-in-law harass me endlessly. Or, if fate is kind, the process here will take a while and you’ll return once I’ve tied up loose ends, saving me from my sister.”
“If I ever need to blackmail you, I’ll just tell your sister what you’ve said,” teased Elizabeth.
“Ah, dear Miss Essex, my sister is already fully aware of my feelings,” he returned playfully. “And while I tell her it’s part of my charm, she doesn’t believe me. Perhaps you can put in a good word for me? I wrote her a few days ago regarding you. In fact, the one I should be pitying is you.”
Elizabeth’s face flushed. “You wrote to her about me?”
“Of course. Now that I’m courting a lovely young lady with more than half a brain who is able to humble me with the precision of a skilled archer, I won’t ever have to give her a birthday present again,” he replied with a wry tone.
“Aren’t you generous,” she replied dryly. “Am I to take that as a compliment? Half a brain?”
“I am the giving sort, and yes, I rather do think it’s a compliment. If you had spent any amount of time in London and seen the ladies there, you’d understand.”
“Your humility is endless.”
“I’ve been told as much, but it never hurts to be reminded,” he replied.
“I’ll be sure to ask your sister for every story she wishes to share about your childhood. Since you’ve had such a legacy of humility, I’m sure the study of your past behavior will be a boon to my education.”
Collin’s eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t.”
“I would, and I will,” she replied with a soft chuckle.
“I need to rethink this plan. Clearly there’s a fault I didn’t foresee,” he remarked.
“Too late. Think of it as me honing my skills on keeping you humble.”
“I certainly wish you wouldn’t work on those particular skills. There are so many others…” He paused, glancing to her father and then not completing the sentence.
Elizabeth blushed but let out a burst of laughter at Collin’s regretful and faintly chagrined expression.
“Apparently you humble yourself as well.”
“Just when I’m in the presence of those who make me forget myself. Remember, use the power you wield wisely.”
