“Because the platform must fit snugly within the opening. However, it cannot be too tight or you shall hear such squealing noises whenever the shaft is in use. And I expect you will be using your shaft often.”
“Oh, Lord,” Bonham said, sounding quite pained as he turned away and appeared to double over.
Suzanna frowned. “Are you all right, Mr. Bonham?”
He nodded. “I will be in a moment.”
“Well, all I mean to say is that the pulley will need constant oiling if the fit is not exact, and then the ropes will fray too quickly. I watched as the workmen replaced ours in our home, so I am quite sure I can guide you through the installation with my steady hand.”
Bonham’s grin was wide as he straightened to his full height once again and expressed his enthusiasm for Suzanna’s idea. “Miss Carstairs, you are priceless.”
She cast him an enchanting smile. “Thank you, Mr. Bonham.”
Berry thought Bonham was going to lift her friend up in his arms and twirl her around, for he was that enthused.
After a moment, he turned to Gideon. “The painters are here all day, so the place will be well enough guarded while I dash to Hargreaves. Any objections?”
“None.”
Bonham then turned to Gwendolyn and Suzanna. “Could I… Might I impose… Well, no. I don’t suppose…”
“We’d love to come with you, Mr. Bonham,” Suzanna replied. “I can show you exactly which pulley system will work best. Would you mind showing me what is presently in this house?”
He cast Suzanna a look of relief. “Come right this way.”
Berry was pleased the residents of Duchess Square would remain as friendly and helpful to each other as they had been when Fiona resided here.
With the Carstairs cousins now gone off with Bonham, the painters already off to the ballroom to start painting, and Miranda and her niece fled to go shopping, Berry was left alone in the entry hall with Gideon.
He was smiling from ear to ear.
Berry could not help but grin back. “Suzanna is a wonder, isn’t she?”
“Yes,” he said with a tender laugh. “You are quite wonderful, too. Do you mind that we will be spending a large portion of the day together?”
“No, I expect to enjoy it immensely.”
“So do I.” He regarded her thoughtfully. “You and your friends have been remarkably kind to me and Bonham. I feel even more of a wretch for the prank we pulled on you.”
“About Bonham’s hearing? You’ve apologized several times already and I’ve forgiven you each time. I understand now thatyou meant no harm by it. Truly. What hurt me is that I thought you did not like me.”
“Not at all. I thought you were charming from the first moment I met you.”
“I feel we have developed an excellent rapport, haven’t we?”
“We have,” Gideon insisted.
“I believe you look upon me favorably now. So, either you are very good at faking sincerity, or we are on the way to becoming good friends.”
He grunted. “Berry, my problem is that I am in danger of liking you too much. You are quite extraordinary.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh.”
“But you needn’t worry. Our relation shall always remain professional and never a step beyond. I shall always look out for you, just as Lord Berwick has done over the years. I hope ours will be as good a friendship as you have had with him.”
“I see. Um, thank you.” She was not surprised he wanted to keep his distance, for they were from vastly different backgrounds. His was a much rougher upbringing.
She was not so naïve as to think he had merely given Hawthorne a polite warning. Gideon had a very tough, primal core beneath his veneer of polish.
