Lissa bit down on a smile so as not to alert the lady that there was more to Anthony’s tale than simply her husband’s contacts. It was obvious his explanation of the gentlemen was to let her know who was a possible husband.
He didn’t disappoint either of them. “Now, Mr. Brown over there has done well also thanks to your husband, which makes his wife very happy.”
She mentally crossed Mr. Brown from her mental list, which she didn’t mind, as he was rather ruddy in complexion and sneezed quite a bit.
Anthony continued. “However, I don’t believe your husband has had any dealings with Mr. Stochbury and Mr. Ozell. They are both lawyers retained by the aristocracy in the region. They each have an estate halfway between Northampton and Bedford.”
Ellie jumped in. “Who’s that by the window?” She waved her hand toward the area in question.
The three ladies at the table next to them stopped their conversation, obviously overhearing. Mrs. Kingman gave Ellie a quelling look, and the poor woman turned almost as red as her hair.
Lissa couldn’t resist touching Ellie on the arm. “They look like they may be peers. Mr. Taylour, do you know them?”
Anthony studied them for a moment then leaned in. “Yes, I recognize the Earl of Trente, but the two he is with are unknown to me.” He kept his voice low, probably in hopes that Ellie would answer in kind. “Lady Eleanor, do you wish me to make their acquaintance for you?”
Ellie looked at the men then turned toward Anthony. “No, but I thank you for the offer. I must wait for my mother to approve any possible suitors.”
At that moment, their cocoa was brought along with their rout cakes, and they all indulged.
Lissa watched the men Anthony had mentioned. From outside appearances, she wouldn’t mind meeting the silversmith, but the purveyor of scents was not to her liking. Both the lawyers seemed well formed and most likely were quite intelligent, and also, no doubt, busy. That would be an excellent trait in a husband—a man too busy for a wife would allow her more freedom.
As Ellie engaged Mrs. Kingman in the positive attributes of the town, Anthony leaned in, but kept his voice low. “There is also a tradesman of Mr. Kingman’s status by the door. He is actually the man’s competitor. He’s talking to the owner of three establishments, a tavern, a tea house, and a mercantile in a neighboring village.”
Taking a sip of her cocoa, she looked over the brim of her cup to see that both men were deep in conversation. Such men would be very busy, and she added them to her list. Putting her cup down, she replied, “Thank you. How do you know so much about the people in this town? It’s not in close proximity to Ravenridge at all.”
“I make it a point to know the area where I reside and those nearby. This is not so far as all that on horseback.”
She cocked her head. “Especially if one were to ride through the forest?”
“Shh. I would not want my secret to become known.” Though he made the statement with all seriousness, his gaze held laughter.
“Then I must determine what boon I receive for keeping it from public knowledge.”
His eyes rounded before he sat back, shaking his head. “I find your wit much unchanged.”
His compliment, whether meant to be one or not, had her feeling rather accomplished, which was silly. It wasn’t as if she hoped to impress him. He already knew her. She studied him ashe answered Mrs. Kingman. He may know her, but as it turned out, she didn’t know him. If he had such a vast fortune that the cravat pin he bought her was no more than pin money, then perhaps she needn’t look further for a husband.
She turned her head to view each man Anthony had mentioned. None were as handsome as he, but all were well built and had wealth. She’d never considered outward appearances important. If she had, she would have never fallen in love with Etienne. The scar he had on his cheek from a fall as a youth had significantly diminished his looks. Yet his heart had been steadfast and his loyalty and honesty unquestionable.
What she must determine was if she wished a new start with a man of means or be comfortable with a friend. Her immediate thought was that a friend would demand far less of her, but did he know hertoowell? And she didn’t know how Anthony felt about marriage. She would have to delve into that subject next time they were alone, which she hoped would be soon.
Not willing to limit herself, to keep all possibilities open, she observed the silversmith, lawyers, tradesman, and merchant for a while longer. If there was one lesson she’d learned at home, it was to always have multiple escape routes.
Chapter Five
Anthony strode intothe stables at Ravenridge only to halt at the sight of his friend, the Viscount of Blackmore, talking to the stableman, Mr. Clancy. The opposition of the two gentleman reminded him of his various disguises. Marcus had fine hair as dark as midnight, and Mr. Clancy’s was rough and gray. And while Marcus stood as straight as he had while commanding troops in the war, Mr. Clancy’s curved back proved the toils of his trade had left their mark.
“Ah, here he is now.” Marcus waved him over. “I know you’re busy on another investigation, but I was hoping you had a moment to give us your opinion.”
Anthony did not wish to be late to meet Lissa, but since his captain housed him, he didn’t feel it appropriate to deny the request. He strode forward. “I’d be happy to impart what little knowledge I have. What do you need from me?”
Mr. Clancy chuckled, his grin as wide as the stable door. “The lad here don’t think he can trust his own judgment. But I told him it shines everything else down, I did.”
Having mingled among the lower classes quite often, Anthony understood the old man’s reference to something quite impressive, and his curiosity was piqued. Striding up to them, he turned to where Mr. Clancy pointed.
On the ground next to the stall was a wooden rocking horse. It was far from the typical, as it had been painted to look likea real horse. Not only that, but the tail and mane appeared to be horsehair and the eyes were onyx stones. What made it truly an artistic creation was the leather saddle with tiny stirrups. Obviously, this was to be for the lord’s coming child.
Anthony pretended to give it a careful examination and crouched. Lifting the small reins, he set the horse in motion. Eventually, he stood and looked at his former captain. He scanned Lord Blackmore from head to toe, then looked at the horse again. Finally, he spoke to his friend. “It is well made and more lifelike than any I have seen, but…” He let his voice trail off.
