Good Lord, was the woman flirting with him? The imposing man shuffled his feet and lifted one hand to tug at his already loosened cravat. His gaze shifted uncomfortably around the room. He’d never pass for a gentleman. All the money in the world couldn’t purchase enough refinement to repair his manners.
A shiver swept through her.
Mrs. Goodnight didn’t seem to take issue with those manners, though. In fact, she seemed quite impressed by him, in general. Or perhaps it was just that she was impressed with the man’s bank account. Loretta had known for years of the Goodnight’s financial woes…
Mr. Findlay took one step back, and then another, in a subtle attempt to escape the married woman’s attentions. He’d have mercantile beliefs about marriage, no doubt. He’d not understand that wedded couples often found pleasure and comfort outside of their marriage.
Even Prescott…
Loretta dropped her attention to her folded hands. She’d never done so herself. She wouldn’t have known where to begin.
And what, on earth, had caused her to even think such a thought?
“You ventured out of your hideaway.” Mr. Findlay had made his escape and had apparently chosen to provokehernow. She straightened her spine.
“I am a sociable person.” She refused to take his bait. Such an aggravating man.
He chuckled, evoking a strange warmth in her chest. “Of course, you are, Duchess.”
Sophia glanced across the room upon hearing the title spoken but Loretta shook her head. Sophia was a dear, dear girl and would be a wonderful duchess in her own right.Wasa wonderful duchess in her own right, Loretta corrected herself.
Without permission, Mr. Findlay lowered himself into the chair beside her. Leaning forward, resting his elbows along his knees, he appeared at a loss of words for a moment. “There is a property, an estate located some ten miles south of here. I’m considering purchasing it and would appreciate a woman’s opinion. Would you be up to driving down there with me tomorrow? Cecily had intended upon joining me but it seems the younger set is planning a shopping expedition into town for some last minute Christmas gifts.”
This was the last thing Loretta expected him to say. A drive? With Thomas Findlay? She’d have laughed outright at the thought less than two years ago. She was likely to laugh at such a thought now.
Only… there was nothing improper in driving alone with him. She wasn’t a young miss, for heaven’s sake. She was a widow nearing her dotage.
He was just so… common. Either he’d embarrass her or bore her to tears.
She turned her head just enough so that she could study his stark profile.
Yet if she did not go with him, how would she spend her day? Sophia no longer required her assistance in managing the staff or doing anything else for that matter.
Loretta, quite frankly, had absolutely nothing else to demand her attention.
“What is the name of the estate?” She knew something of most properties in the area. She’d like to know ahead of time if the adventure would prove to be a waste of time.
“Talon’s Gate,” he supplied.
She’d not heard of this one.
“You wish to purchase it as an investment?” Surely, the man didn’t intend to settle down.
He smiled a bit self-consciously. “I’m a grandfather now. I need a home where my grandchildren might visit me.”
“Grandchildren?” He only had one. “Is the Countess...?”
Mr. Findlay winced. “I’ve not said a word. You heard nothing from me.” And then he covered his eyes with one hand and shook his head. “Cecily will have my hide.”
Ah, another child.
“I believe the weather will hold. Will you make the journey with me?” He persisted with his original question.
Perhaps it would rain tomorrow. Or snow. “If the weather holds.” she nodded. Thick clouds hovered in the distance. Likely, she’d be saved from having to spend several hours in this man’s presence.
A small cry pierced the sounds of several different conversations in the room. Sophia gently bounced the baby in her arms. “Hush now, darling.” She soothed, patting the top of her daughter’s head. The child scrunched up her face and let out a second cry.
In a surprising move, Mr. Findlay rose and crossed with arms outstretched. “May I? I’ve learned a particularly affective trick with my grandson.”
