He flashed his teeth at Heather, and she sighed. It was such an obvious ploy Beth couldn’t help but tsk.
“But I wish to hear all the details about it, my sweet.”
“No, now leave.”
Heather took one look at her patroness and closed her mouth. She then pretended to be busy inspecting the cabinet beside her.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Little,” Leo said, not deterred. “Are you responsible for this beautiful work?” He laid the handkerchief on the countertop.
Heather nodded. “Some of the work is mine, but there are five of us who work on the things you see in the shop.”
“Five.” Leo smiled again, and Heather blushed. “And you all live here?”
“Desist in questioning Miss Little, please, Lord Vereton.”
“I am merely observing polite conversation, Miss Whitlow. You should try it some time.”
She wanted him out of there before his sharp mind started working. No one knew about this place, and Beth liked it that way.
“I will just look around some more, if that is acceptable to you, Miss Little, as I have an aunt’s birthday approaching, and am sure I shall find some suitable gifts here.”
“Who is the handkerchief for then?” Beth said.
“A friend.” He winked at her, and she could do nothing to stop him walking away to inspect the other shelves and cabinets.
She didn’t know what to do. Should she stay and wait for him to go, or leave herself? But she wanted to see how the other girls were faring, and they would be arriving in the shop soon.
“Do you care for tea, Miss Whitlow?” Heather shot a look from her to Leo and back again. She must be intrigued by what she had overheard.
Leo spoke before Beth could. “If it’s not too much of an imposition, I would like a cup. It has been some time since I left home, and without my morning meal.”
Beth closed her eyes and fought for patience. She should never have agreed to becoming his fiancée, then her life would have stayed as it was.
Boring.
Where had that thought come from? Beth was more than happy with her life... wasn’t she?
“I shall have it prepared,” Heather said, disappearing.
“Will you tell me about this place?”
He was beside her once more.
“No.”
“Please.”
“No.”
“I know you have something to do with it, Beth, as Miss Little said you were her savior, and I overheard you mentioning the other girls. I think I understand that some of them have suffered abuse, but now—”
“You did not overhear, you were eavesdropping, and I have no wish to discuss this further.”
“If as I suspect you are helping these women, then you have my admiration, Beth.”
He stood before her now, eyes steady on her face.
“I insist you call me Miss Whitlow, and I don’t want or need your admiration. I should never have acquiesced to your silly proposal last night. Everything has now turned on its head.”
