That comment drained the color from her face. “I just recently received the news.”
Cynically, Ned doubted that. “From whom?”
Her expressive brows came together in annoyance at his tone. Good. He didn’t want her to think of him as a friend, because he wasn’t. He neededher gone. Vanquished. Never to appear again. And not just because of her ownership claim.Shethreatened him in ways he didn’t understand.
Except, instead of disappearing, she snapped, “Reverend Summerall.”
Summerall was the cleric at St. Martyr’s Church down the road. That was not the response Ned had wanted. “I will check with him.”
“Please do.”
“In the meantime, let me see your proof that Andy left The Garland to you.”
“So you can destroy it? Oh, no.”
“Mrs. Estep—”
“Please, call me Gemma. I didnotlike the man I married and carrying his name is a burden I refuse to lift a moment longer.”
Ned was not going to call her by her given name. It was too personal and he needed as much distance from her as possible. “Mrs.Estep, I am a man of honor. I wouldn’t destroy anything of yours.”
“Ah, yes,youare the chairman of the Logical Men’s Society. See? I know exactly who you are. And whotheyare. Such honorable men—”
“We are.”
She made a dismissive noise. “Look around the room, sir. Certainly, you of all people can detect the scent of urine. But if not, the sheets on the cot in my uncle’s bedroom have been defiled, and recently. I know nothing honorable has been going on here. If anything, I may be saving the reputation of The Garland.”
Her accusation clicked his suspicions aboutwhat had happened after he’d left last night. The newer, younger members of the Society had most certainly been abusing their privileges.
At the same time, he was not going to hand over The Garland to her. “Perhaps it is best if we send for the magistrate.” The local magistrate was Marsden. His great-grandfather had been the founding member of the Logical Men’s Society. He would see matters Ned’s way.
“By all means, send for him. I will happily present my proof to him. My uncle was the only family I had left. My claim is valid.”
“If your claim was valid, you would have been heremonthsago.” He shook his head. “No, Mrs. Estep—”
“I requestedyou call me Gemma.” There was fire in her voice.
Ned smiled. Who had the upper hand now? “I am challenging your right to this building and this freehold. The Society members and I wish to purchase this building with the approval of the members of this village. The Garland has a storied history in Maidenshop.”
“That story is about to change, sir. I have decided to turn The Garland into a tea garden. Forladies.”
“What?”Words almost failed him. “What of the Logical Men’s Society?”
“You will have to find somewhere else to meet. May I recommend the church? I’m certain the Reverend Summerall would enjoy seeing all of you in the pews.”
That was provocative, because Summerall would.
He took a step toward her, changing his tactic, trying to be somewhat conciliatory without giving her anything. “Do you not understand? The Society has been around for generations. You can’t close it. Why, even your uncle was a proud member.”
Unmoved, she gave a world-weary sigh. “Times change, Mr. Thurlowe. And I’mnotclosing it. I’m giving your precious Society the boot. The Garland will be a tea garden where I sell potions and soaps that appeal to gentlewomen. Perhaps we will start our own society. The Logical Women’s Society. What do you think?”
“I think you are ridiculous.”
“Well, then you know how I feel about you.Andyour Society that hasdestroyedthis place. Now, you may go, Mr. Thurlowe. As you can see, I have my work cut out for me.”
“You are ordering me to leave,Mrs. Estep?”
She did not like her married name. Her lips curled as if she’d like to take a bite out of him, but then she recovered. “Yes, I did order you to leave.Go.”
