She waved in the direction that her sister had departed. “Get Delilah to…”
“Stop acting like an ill-mannered hussy,” Patty said succinctly.
“Aunt Delilah never listens to anyone,” Glory clarified. “And she only pays us a call when her drawers are in a knot. Which theyalwaysare.”
“Glory—” Maggie began.
“But it’s true! Aunt Delilah never visits unless she’s in a high dudgeon.”
He frowned at Maggie. “Never say your husband allowed her to insult you in this manner? Here, on his own property?”
Maggie bit her lip. Slid a look at Patty. “Paul, um, avoided Delilah whenever possible.”
What the devil was wrong with the man?Rhys would not permit his woman or child to be treated shabbily—not that Maggie or Glory were his, he reminded himself hastily.
“Can you blame him?” Hypatia said darkly. “That woman is a disgrace.”
“She’s my kin.” Pain threaded Maggie’s voice.
Although it was at times to her own detriment, she was a loyal thing. He’d never met a woman with her sense of responsibility, and he couldn’t help but admire it.
“Have you had supper, Mr. Jones?”
Hypatia’s question diverted him from his thoughts. “Er, no, Miss Foley, I have not.”
“You’re welcome to join us, if you like,” the spinster said graciously.
“Do say you’ll stay,” Glory pleaded. “We’re celebrating the clearing of the shop’s debts. Aunt Patty made her famous mutton stew, and for dessert we’re having the apple cake Mama baked.”
The mention of food made Rhys’s stomach rumble. He realized that it had been hours since he’d last eaten. This was Maggie’s home and her family, however, and he was her casual lover. Uncertain of his welcome in her domestic domain, he gave her a questioning look.
“You’re welcome to stay, if you’d like.” Her smile roused a hunger that was for more than food. For something he’d never had. For something he couldn’t resist even though he knew he should.
“If it wouldn’t be an imposition,” he said.
“Hooray!” Glory skipped over to him, her small hand again slipping into his.
It felt oddly right. He offered Maggie his other arm.
Together, the three of them headed into the glowing cottage.
14
“Good afternoon, Quince.”Maggie smiled at the butler. “I believe Mr. Jones is expecting me.”
“That he is, Mrs. Foley,” Quince grumbled as he ushered her in. “Been pacing like a caged tiger waiting for you to arrive.”
Maggie was glad that the butler was ahead of her and didn’t see her blush as he led her to Rhys’s study. Truth be told, it heartened her to know that Rhys was as impatient to see her as she was to see him. She was still bemused at how he’d handled Delilah: no one had ever stood up for Maggie that way.
Supper last night had been a further revelation. Rhys had fit in with her family like the missing piece of a puzzle. Conversation had flowed, punctuated by laughter. Maggie had worried that the homey dishes might not suit his sophisticated palate, yet he’d complimented Hypatia on the stew and Maggie on the apple cake. He’d shown his appreciation by finishing two generous helpings of each.
Moreover, he’d brought out the best in Glory. She’d insisted on sitting next to him, chattering at him for the duration of the supper. He’d listened with surprising patience to the trials and tribulations of an eight-year-old girl. When Glory disclosed that she’d been bullied by an older classmate, Billy Pinkleton—a fact that she hadn’t shared with Maggie or Patty—Rhys had given her sound advice.
Glory had actuallylistenedto him. Perhaps it was the way he spoke to her, directly and without sugar-coating matters, that made her receptive. After he’d left, Patty, too, had made note of how well Rhys and Glory got on.
Maggie had to wonder if blood recognized blood. The secret she was keeping discomfited her, but she told herself it was for the best. Rhys’s presence in her and Glory’s lives was temporary. She couldn’t get used to having his chivalry, his masculine care in her life. She had to enjoy the moments with him while they lasted—and not yearn for anything more.
Arriving at his study, her thoughts skidded to a halt. It was difficult to think, to even breathe, when confronted by all that was Rhys.
