“Naturally,” Mama murmured. “You are a gentleman like your papa.”
A sudden visceral awareness gripped Gigi, and she swung her gaze toward the entrance. Sure enough, there was Conrad. Despite the striking elegance of his black-and-white attire, he looked like a Viking surveying the spoils of a raid. His marauder’s gaze locked boldly upon her, and she experienced the primal instinct to run: toward or away from him, she wasn’t entirely certain.
He strode to Letty, bowing over her hand. Even from a distance, Gigi could see the blush on her friend’s cheek. Then the pair headed over.
She drew in a deep breath. Relax and act naturally.
“My lords and my ladies,” Letty said formally. “May I have the pleasure of introducing Mr. Conrad Godwin. He is a supporter of the spa, and no small part of tonight’s success must be attributed to his generosity.”
“It is an honor to make your acquaintances, Lord and Lady Blackwood.” Conrad bowed to Gigi’s parents before turning to her brothers and Xenia. “And yours, my lords and my lady.”
“Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Godwin.” Papa’s expression was impassive. “The London papers are full of your exploits.”
Gigi tensed, and that was before Ethan spoke up.
“Exploits that have no place in our village,” her middle brother said in a dangerous tone.
Gigi shot Xenia a worried look. Her sister-in-law’s slight shake of the head confirmed that she hadn’t informed Mama and Papa about Gigi’s encounter with Conrad at the spa. Nonetheless, Ethan’s hostility might give away the game if Gigi didn’t intervene.
“Such talk is often exaggerated,” Conrad replied.
He did not seem the least bit intimidated by Ethan’s scowling countenance.
“I wonder what interest a rustic village like Chuddums might hold for a man of your reputation,” James said coolly.
“I am aware that some have questioned my business methods.” A hint of brusqueness entered Conrad’s tone. “However, what they call ruthlessness, I call ambition. I make no apologies for being a fellow who knows what he wants and goes after it.”
To Gigi’s thrill and dismay, he looked directly at her. Ethan, James, and Papa were all glowering at him. Flustered, she racked her brain for some way to defuse the tension.
“Did I miss something?”
Joining the group, Owen looked confused. His evening wear looked rumpled on his lanky form, and there were traces of soil on his cuffs. In one hand, he clutched a trio of white camellias.
“Owen, we were wondering where you were.” Gigi leapt at the opportunity to change the topic. “Are those flowers from the garden?”
“The camellia bushes needed trimming, and I thought you, Xenia, and Mama might like these for corsages.” Owen’s stormy grey gaze was fixed on Conrad. “Who are you?”
“This is Mr. Godwin.” To Gigi’s relief, Mama stepped in, her manner smooth and gracious. “He has been helping Miss Letty with the spa. Mr. Godwin, this is my youngest son, Lord Owen Harrington.”
“A pleasure, sir,” Conrad said.
“Likewise,” Owen returned.
“The camellias are lovely, dear.” Smiling at him, Mama said, “Why don’t you help Gigi with hers while Ethan attends to Xenia? Marcus, I shall require your assistance.”
As the men set about their duties, Gigi gave her mother a grateful look. Mama nodded, but the glint in those maternal eyes implied that they would be talking later.
While Owen pinned the bloom to her bodice, Gigi risked a glance at Conrad. His jaw was taut, his gaze distinctly proprietary. For an instant, she feared he might tear the flower from her brother and insist on pinning it to her himself.
So much for a casual introduction.
“It is almost time for my speech,” Letty said hastily. “Mr. Godwin, may I bother you to help me assemble the guests?”
Conrad gave a reluctant nod. “It is no bother, ma’am.”
He went with Letty, sending a smoldering look back at Gigi.
Things are not going as planned, Conrad thought broodingly.
