His mother was discussing an upcoming outing with the countess when Gavin came to her side and made his apologies about leaving. His mother walked with him a moment. “What do you think of Miss Charnock?”
“She is all that you said,” Gavin replied. “And a bit more,” he had to add.
If his mother heard the amusement in his voice, she made no mention. Instead, she said, “You will call on her?”
Gavin knew that calling on Miss Charnock would be tantamount to making a declaration. It didn’t matter. He was tired of the wife search. “I will call on her. You and Imogen have done well.” He kissed her on the cheek but she caught his hand.
“I want you to be happy, my son.”
“I am,” he assured her.
“But not like you will be once you have a wife. You have put this off too long.”
He thought of his shock over the note in his pocket. “So everyone tells me.”
“You need children.”
“I want children.” That was true. He longed for children, more so now that Elin and Ben were having a baby. He often wondered what kind of father he would be.
“Will you be home for dinner?”
He thought of Sarah. “I doubt it.”
She nodded as if he’d confirmed what she thought. “Have a good evening then.” She released his hand.
“You as well, Mother.” He happily left.
He stopped by Menheim to see if Talbert had anything for him or if there was word from Perkins in his search for the theater owners. His secretary was not in and there was no message from Perkins; however, Ben awaited him.
“I’m glad I caught you,” he said. “Rovington wishes to meet in the morning.”
Gavin was surprised by how calm he was about the matter. He’d heard men talk of nerves, but he didn’t feel any, not yet. Perhaps they would come as the hour drew near. All he’d truly thought about today was Sarah.
“What time?” Gavin asked.
“Preferably at dawn. He knows how much you hate rising at an early hour.”
And Rov would use it to his advantage. “Will it be someplace close?” Gavin asked, annoyed.
“Meadow Field.”
“On the other side of the river and a bloody hour away.”
“We can counter—”
“No, we won’t. I want to be done with this business. Swords or pistols?”
“Pistols.”
“Good.” Gavin was a crack shot. He was a good swordsman as well, but he’d never injured a man and if a duel was going to be fought, then let it be quick. “Thank you. Give my best to Elin.”
“I will.” Ben left to deliver the terms to Rov’s second and within the hour Gavin was at the Clarendon and climbing the stairs. It was half past five of a very trying day.
But he found his step quickening the closer he came to Sarah. He was curious how her day had gone. Had she been pleased with his gift? He was sorry he could not have given it to her in person and he was anxious for her reaction.
He also wondered how he should approach her after last night. He wanted her. He had only to think of her to grow hard . . . and yet, he sensed more lay between them than pure physical release—
Gavin’s thoughts broke off as he reached the floor for Sarah’s room and saw Rov’s wife Jane sitting on the chair reserved for the floor steward.
