She couldn’t deny that having Sinjin for a husband would bring more happiness than she’d dreamed possible… and they might one day have a family as well. The image rose of a little boy with mahogany hair and devilish blue eyes, and her chest constricted with longing.
“As you know, I am a member of theSociety for the Study of Antiquities and Historical Artifacts,” Nigel was saying, “and from there I heard rumblings of a new find in Dorset. Now can I trust you with a secret, Miss Kent?”
She tried to focus on him. “Er, yes?”
“Apparently this new set of fossils is of a mammoth creaturenever before catalogued,” Nigel said ardently. “A giant biped with a massive tail. Whoever discovers the bones will be feted by collectors throughout the kingdom!”
“But didn’t you say someone already found the fossil?” Polly said in confusion.
“Well, if you must nitpick, some local clergyman found it, but the man whoownsand displays the specimen as part of his collection is its true discoverer, naturally. Everyone knows that.” Nigel swatted irritably at an insect. “I should think that obvious, Miss Kent.”
Thankfully, they’d reached the Chinese Pond, the loveliness of the spot softening her increasing aggravation with her escort. The water was dotted with waterlilies, surrounded by trailing willows and rippling screens of cattails and rushes. Carp darted in bright flashes beneath the murky surface. In the distance, Polly spotted a golden spire, the rest of the structure obscured by surrounding greenery.
Just then, a figure materialized, rounding a bend in the path and heading toward them. There was no mistaking the graceful, predatory stride, the virile physique in the merlot jacket and tan trousers, the devilishly handsome face.
“Who on earth is that?” Nigel muttered.
“Revelstoke,” Polly breathed.
Sinjin exchanged introductions with Nigel and greetings with her and Thea, who’d just caught up to them.
“What are you doing here, my lord?” Polly said in disbelief.
“Just happened to be in the neighborhood. I was taking air in the Heath and was lured over by this scenic pond.” To Nigel, he said easily, “Jewel of a place, sir.”
Nigel mumbled a reply. Polly did not, for a single moment, buy Sinjin’s innocent tone. But she was so happy to see him that she didn’t care.
Thea shot her anI-told-you-soglance. “If you’ll excuse me, I believe I’ll take a little rest on that inviting bench over there.” A hint of mischief danced in her eyes. “You three go on and enjoy yourselves.”
Thea headed off, and Sinjin said, “May I compliment you on your exceedingly fine looks today, Miss Kent?”
His gaze caressed her like a touch, her body responding helplessly. Her breath quickened, nipples rising into tingling stiffness. As if he knew his effect on her, his eyes grew heavy-lidded, satisfaction deepening the blue of his aura.
“You must be counting your lucky stars to have such charming company, Pickering,” he added.
“It’s Pickering-Parks.” Nigel mopped his brow with a handkerchief, a rivulet of sweat escaping and catching in his limp cravat. “As it happens, Miss Kent and I were enjoying a chat—”
“I hope you won’t mind if I join in, then.” Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, Sinjin guided her along the path. His eyes smiled at her. “What were we talking about?”
“Miss Kent and Iwere discussing fossils,” Nigel huffed, trying to get alongside them. The graveled walkway was just wide enough for two to stroll comfortably side by side, and Nigel swore as he snagged his jacket on some thistly brush, falling behind them. “I doubt our conversation would interest you, my lord. I am a noted collector, you see, and the level of my discourse may not be suitable for amateurs. In fact, I’m in the process of acquiring the largest bones—”
“I’m no stranger to big bones,” Sinjin said smoothly. “Indeed, I’m certain Miss Kent will vouch that I’ve been in possession of a rather large, hard specimen in her presence.”
Polly choked back a horrified giggle.
“Is this true, Miss Kent?” Nigel said suspiciously. “You’ve seen this fellow’s bone?”
She couldn’t form a reply, not if her life depended upon it.
“Do you have it with you now?” he demanded to Sinjin.
“I only show it under the most intimate circumstances. You understand.”
“I do indeed,” Nigel said with an air of importance. “Fossil collectors can be a shifty, unscrupulous lot, not to be trusted. In fact, that is precisely what I was telling Miss Kent before you came. Between you and me, my lord, I’m in negotiations to obtain one of the most important finds in Dorset—”
“Dorset, you say?” Sinjin shook his head, making atsk-ing sound.
Nigel paled. “What have you heard? Is someone else after the find? IknewI should have set off immediately when I received the news—”
