Duffy nodded. She didn’t have to explain because, little by little, she’d confided her history. He understood because he, too, came from a loving family that nonetheless had its struggles. A few years ago, he had left his parents’ London home to strike out on his own and ended up in Chuddums.
“You tried your best,” he said gently. “One can only lead a horse to water.”
“I thought things were getting better.” Gigi hated the hitch in her voice, which made her sound and feel like the little girl she’d once been. “Ethan is finally himself again, and he and Owen are on speaking terms. When James visits, we have merry times like we used to. Owen hasn’t touched alcohol for months, and Mama and Papa trusted his sobriety enough to take a much-needed vacation. But now we are back to where we started.”
“A setback does not erase the progress that’s been made. You mustn’t give up hope. Your brother will come around in his own time.”
“I want him to come around now. I miss him,” she admitted. “I miss our family…and the way things used to be.”
“I know, my dear.”
She blew out a breath. “But I cannot make Owen’s choices for him, can I?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“Instead, I should focus on something I can control?”
“A splendid idea. Whoever came up with that suggestion must have been one clever fellow.”
Since Duffy had given her this advice on multiple occasions, she laughed. “The absolute cleverest. Now that I’ve bent your ear with my tale of woe, are there any catastrophes in your life you’d care to discuss?”
“No catastrophes.” Duffy’s smile faltered. “Just missed opportunities.”
Duffy didn’t have to explain because he’d, little by little, confided his history and the events that led to his departure from London. He’d been wary about opening up, and Gigi understood why. As a Harrington, she’d been raised to value love and loyalty in all its forms. It was the gravest injustice that society would not permit a man with Duffy’s generous heart to love as he wished.
“You haven’t talked to Mr. Keane?” Gigi asked quietly.
A recent arrival to Chuddums, Mr. Keane had opened a smithy three blocks away. Dark-haired and brawny, he wore a patch over his right eye that enhanced his piratical appearance. He was also stoic, prone to grunts and one-word replies.
“I tried.” Duffy sighed. “Last week, I went in just before he closed and asked if working at the forge made him thirsty.”
“And?”
“He said yes.”
“Yes, meaning he wanted to get a pint at the tavern?”
“I haven’t the faintest. His exact reply was, ‘Yes,’ and when I waited for him to say more, he started pounding on a horseshoe as if the conversation was over. Perhaps it was for him.”
“Oh, dear,” Gigi murmured. “I see how that could be confusing.”
“Confusing and risky, if I misread his interest,” Duffy said somberly. “Well, I’ve given him sufficient cues. I’d best take my own advice and focus on more productive matters. In fact, Miss Letty came in earlier this morning to check on the order for towels, which should arrive later this week. She mentioned that the two of you had a visitor yesterday.”
Botheration.
Even Duffy didn’t know about her kiss with the stranger by the stream, and she wasn’t keen on sharing her recent kiss either. Especially now that she knew the man she’d secretly fantasized about for months was a notorious industrialist. Luckily, Gigi had received word from Letty saying that she’d turned down Godwin’s offer.
“What did Miss Letty say about Mr. Godwin?” Gigi asked warily.
“That he is intent on buying the bath.” Duffy’s brow pleated. “Do you know why he’s interested in Chuddums, of all places?”
“I assume it’s part of some money-making scheme,” she said darkly. “If he were to get his hands on the spa, he would undoubtedly squeeze every drop of profit from it. Or raze it to build something even more profitable. According to the papers, Mr. Godwin’s modus operandi is increasing revenue at any cost. Even if that means destroying lives in the process.”
“His reputation is rather cold-blooded. They say that he’s calculating and enigmatic. What is the fellow like in the flesh?”
The mention of Conrad Godwin’s flesh caused a flutter in Gigi’s belly.
“He is just a man,” she said dismissively. “Like any other.”
