“I will tell her,” he offered politely.
She should say something, but Cordelia didn’t know what to say. Had Lord Bentford robbed her of speech? Cordelia had never experienced such awareness or nervousness being close to a handsome gentleman before. She’d also not met anyone near as handsome as Lord Bentford.
“She left only moments ago.” Cordelia somehow managed to find her voice.
Lord Bentford frowned. Cordelia wasn’t certain if it was out of concern for his niece or because she had spoken to him without a proper introduction. He must be wondering who she was.
“I did not see her,” he said. “Though, if she saw me, she may have made certain I did not see her.” He blew out a sigh as if exasperated.
“My apologies,” Brighid rushed to say as she came around the counter, “Viscount Bentford, please allow me to introduce Miss Cordelia Vail.”
Recognition lit in his eyes. “Vails of Hollybrook Park, our neighbor?”
“Yes.”
“Your brother, Viscount Lynwood, is an acquaintance, but I’ve not seen him in some time.”
“He hasn’t returned to London in three years,” Cordelia offered.
“That would explain why I have not seen him.” Viscount Bentford smiled, revealing straight white teeth and warmth in his brown eyes. In an instant Cordelia was smitten.
Goodness! She knew nothing about him so she certainly wasnotsmitten.
Chapter 4
No doubt Ianthehad hidden if she’d seen him, but she couldn’t have gone far as Bocka Morrow wasn’t so large. At least it didn’t appear to be so.
What had been a surprise was discovering Miss Cordelia Vail.
He didn’t recall seeing her in London these past Seasons. Even though Damon avoided where his mother may be present, he still attended balls. He certainly would have remembered someone as lovely as she with her golden hair and blue eyes. Even though Miss Cordelia wasn’t smiling and seemed quite serious, Damon was still taken by her appearance. She may be petite, and her head barely came to his chin, but Miss Cordelia filled out her bodice quite nicely.
Damon scolded himself for the last observation. He’d come to find his niece, not admire his neighbor.
“As Miss Cordelia knows what your niece looks like and has lived in Bocka Morrow her entire life, perhaps she can help you search for Miss Ianthe,” Brighid offered.
Miss Cordelia’s blue eyes widened in surprise, and she jerked her head toward Brighid. He’d seen that silent warning stare too often, usually delivered by one of his sisters.
“If Miss Cordelia is otherwise engaged, I’m certain that I can locate Ianthe on my own.”
“She is not,” Brighid exclaimed.
Miss Cordelia may be free, but she did not want to assist him, which was rather disappointing. Though Damon didn’t know why he felt this way since he usually avoided misses whenever possible.
“I don’t wish to impose.” Though in truth, he very much wished to. He wanted her to search with him and Damon was brought up short in wondering why he’d want such.
“It is no imposition, Lord Bentford,” Miss Cordelia assured him. “I will be happy to assist you.”
He hadn’t expected her offer after the way she’d sent a warning glance to Brighid. “I thank you and welcome your assistance,” he said and held the door so that she could precede him.
“It is really not necessary that you help,” he said once they were on the pavement. “I am certain Brighid offering your assistance without your consent put you in an awkward position.”
“I do not mind. It’s just that…”
“What?” he asked when she didn’t continue.
“Brighid has certain ideas, and I believe she may have been hoping to put us together, and for that I do apologize.”
Damon chuckled. The witch had been playing matchmaker. But why would she do so since he and Miss Cordelia had just met? Unless Brighid thought it was time that Miss Cordelia married and would have offered her up to the first bachelor who stepped into the apothecary. “There is no need to apologize. I suffer the same interference from my mother.”
