“To prove our capabilities and our worth—as women must, Mr. Bastin.”
“And you’ve managed to do so?”
“Year after year,” Ottilie said. “Yet, despite passing their examinations, universities continue to deny women the chance to earn a degree. So, we must persevere. The longer women demonstrate their abilities, the harder it will be for men to lock them out of the universities.”
Mr. Bastin leaned back in his chair. “I must say, I’m impressed with what you have told me. Times have changed. It seems I’ve been absent from England for too long.”
“I am glad you approve.” Hope rose in Ottilie’s chest.Perhaps Mr. Bastin is impressed enough to agree to lecture at the college.
“I most certainly approve.” He locked his dark eyes on her face, making her heart flutter. “I’ve always admired educated women.”
Ottilie cleared her throat, determined not to become distracted from her purpose. “I am pleased to hear that, Mr. Bastin, because I came here today to ask if you would consider—”
“Bastin!” A man’s voice bellowed from within the bowels of the house, ending Ottlie’s request mid-sentence.
“Excuse me a moment.” Mr. Bastin sprang out of his seat and rushed to the parlor door.
“Bastin! Where the heck are you?”
Ottilie turned to her cousin, utterly bewildered.
Henry folded his arms and shook his head. A wry smirk played on his lips.
“Who is that?” Ottilie mouthed.
“The valet,” Henry replied, his voice heavy with scorn.
*
Jack stuck hishead out the door and shouted into the hallway. “Up here, Brandt. I’m in the parlor.”
“Do you mean to say your valet is making that racket?” Hudsyn asked.
“He’s American. You know as much.” Jack turned his attention back to his guests.
“He’s a cowboy,” Hudsyn clarified, leaning toward his cousin.
“That’s right, and a fine one too.” Jack checked the irritation that had crept into his voice. He valued his friendship with Hudsyn. The man was an excellent companion and provided him with a solid connection to society, but he was young, and insecurity had made him resentful of Brandt. Hudsyn didn’t know the truth about Brandt, but he must have sensed the brotherly bond Jack and the cowboy shared, and it no doubt stung him.
Jack returned to his seat just as Brandt skidded to a halt in the doorway. He’d freed himself of his jacket, vest, and cravat, which Jack knew he hated wearing, and stood before them in a white shirt, open at the neck, with his sandy hair sitting messily on his forehead. Jack took careful note of his friend’s appearance, which gave the impression the man had been up all night, and this, together with the urgency in his tone, suggested he’d made strides in his investigation regarding Sir Richard.
Brandt eyed Hudsyn and Ottilie, clearly surprised to see them. “I didn’t realize you were entertaining.” He straightened his stance and cleared his throat before greeting them with a curt nod and a cautious, “Howdy.”
Hudsyn and his cousin returned the greeting with bewildered smiles.
“Mrs. Wilson should have informed you I had guests when you passed through the kitchen.”
“I didn’t pass through the kitchen; I came through the front door,” Brandt said, and Jack glimpsed Hudsyn and his cousin exchange a look.
“Right, well, no doubt Mrs. Wilson is upstairs mopping up my ink spill.”
Brandt’s gaze shifted from Jack to Ottilie and then back to Jack. The cowboy grinned.
“I assume you have news for me?” Jack said, irritated Brandt seemed to have guessed his attraction to Ottilie.
“I sure do.” An infuriating grin remained on Brandt’s lips. “But we can talk later.” He flicked his eyes back to Ottilie.
“Certainly, I will oblige you as soon as my guests leave.” Jack continued to play the part of master to his valet though his stomach knotted with anticipation to learn Brandt’s news. His friend had been entertaining a potential lead privy to vital information about his uncle.
