Jonathan paused in his tirade and spun around to see that Elliot was studying the structure with a critical eye. “You can’t possibly mean that this pile of stones is worth salvaging?” he asked in disbelief.
“Not for tin,” Elliot said, as he turned to him. “But clay.”
Jonathan set his hands on his hips and reluctantly glared at the mine as Elliot continued his argument.
“Some of the most prosperous mines in Cornwall, such as Wheal Busy, are near Gwennap on the coast, while the rest of the counties are struggling to keep their tin mines afloat. Here in St. Austell, they have seen a steep incline in revenue with clay excavation.” He waved a hand at the structure. “Granted, it would take some time and effort to get this back into working condition.” He lifted a brow. “The question is, are you willing to stay long enough to give it a try?”
Jonathan was silent as he considered Elliot’s suggestion. Once again, Madame Zeta’s words came back to haunt him.Remember that whatever it is you may seek, you shall find it if you will only be true to yourself...
He crossed his arms over his midsection and considered the possibility in front of him with a new light. With a sigh, he said, “I’ll give it a fortnight, the day of the ball. By then, we should at least know if it could even be operational.”
His friend grinned. “Then let’s go gather a crew and start digging.”
***
“IRRITABLE, ANNOYING, arrogant...” Fanny mumbled as she dug around a row of potatoes in her garden the next morning. With each one she pulled from the soil, she added a new endearment for Lord Castleford. “Rogue, libertine, high-handed—”
“Anyone I know?”
Fanny jumped at the sound of that familiar drawl. She lifted her head to see the very man who had kept her from sleeping soundly the night before, and who continued to plague her thoughts that day. Lord Castleford was standing not ten feet from her, yet she had been so preoccupied that she hadn’t heard him approach. His physical appearance now was just as upsetting as her dreams, but for an entirely different reason. With just the memory of his character at the market, she had been able to tell herself that he wasn’t quite so handsome as she’d remembered.
Standing in front of her now, she had to admit that he was onlytooappealing.
His broad shoulders strained against the material of his jacket, his breeches hugging those muscular thighs that had likely seen many an hour in the saddle.
But it was those glittering green eyes assessing her so directly that unnerved her so.
She resisted the urge to fan herself.Why is it suddenly so warm?
“Lord Castleford.” She stood up and brushed the dirt from her apron. “What are you doing here?”
“Straight to the point. I like that,” he murmured dryly. He cleared his throat and added more clearly, “I came by to apologize for my behavior yesterday, and to offer a personal invitation.”
Fanny eyed him steadily, trying to ascertain if he was being sincere. When his expression appeared free of any mockery, she replied, “While I appreciate your candor, my lord, there was no need to make a special trip all the way here—” She frowned. “How did you even know where I lived?”
He shrugged. “It wasn’t that difficult to find you. It’s a small village.”
She crossed her arms, her lips twitching. “Sir Marwood told you, didn’t he?”
“Indeed.” Lord Castleford grinned, and suddenly his face was transformed. The trees, grass, and even the budding blooms around them instantly brightened, as if nature itself was affected by his charming appeal.
The warmth she’d felt earlier abruptly rushed between her legs. Her body was betraying her, even if her mind was perfectly rational.
No doubt, the ladies of London were similarly affected.
With that thought, Fanny lifted her chin, determined not to fall under his spell. “I accept your apology, Lord Castleford, but I really must get back to work if I’m to get anything done today.”
She walked over to the well and began to draw a bucket of water to wash the potatoes that she would take to the market. She thought he would take the hint and leave, but when the slight shadow of his presence fell across the stone structure, she knew that he’d followed her instead. A trickle of perspiration trailed down the middle of her spine that had nothing to do with the warmth of the bright, spring day.
“Can I assist you?” he asked.
Fanny glanced at him. He stood with his hands in his trouser pockets, appearing completely at ease. With the sun shining behind him, he looked tall and intimidating, and absolutely...seductive. She cleared her throat. “Thank you, but I can manage.”
He opened his mouth, as if to reply, but Agnes came running around the corner of the house. Fanny had never been more relieved for the distraction of her younger sister.
“Oh, Fanny! It’s the best news...!” Her sister waved a piece of vellum in her grasp, but upon seeing Lord Castleford, she came to a halt and offered him her most winning smile. “My lord.” She curtsied deeply. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”
He inclined his head. “Miss Agnes.”
