She rang for hot water. “What part of England are you from, Mr. Ollerton?”
After Maude brought hot water, Jo busied herself making the tea. She added milk and handed him a cup and saucer, which he took with a slight inclination of his head.
He refused the cake plate with a shake of his head. “I am the second son of Viscount Cranswick of Lancashire, Miss Dalrymple. As my brother, Julian is the heir. I was expected to go into the army, or the church, or study law.” His charismatic smile pulled at his lips. “But none appealed to me.”
“What will you do?” Jo asked. In her opinion, everyone should work.
“I prefer a simple life. Fortunately, I have inherited some money from my mother. I plan to buy a country property and spend my days there.”
“It is wise to plan and work hard to achieve it.” She looked up from her teacup and saw him watching her with a speculative expression in his hazel eyes. Was he considering her for his wife? She hoped he wouldn’t mention it. She needed more time. Manytonmarriages, made during the Season, seemed so hasty and cold-blooded.
“And you, Miss Dalrymple?” he asked, putting down the cup. “I hope no gentleman has yet turned your head?”
Jo disliked the question. As if her head could be turned so quickly by any man, she thought, firmly pushing the vision of Reade away. “I have only been in London a short while, Mr. Ollerton,” she gently chided.
He placed his cup and saucer on the table, then edged close to take hold of her hand. “I believe I have my answer and can breathe again. I hope we will meet soon. When they’ve mended my curricle, we can enjoy a ride to the park together.”
Jo glanced down at the slim hand, holding hers, wondering if she should withdraw it from his clasp. She didn’t wish to be rude, but it seemed rather presumptuous. “We have engagements for the rest of the week. Perhaps the Feldman’s rout on Saturday?”
“I haven’t received an invitation,” he said with a quick frown. “But, I have yet to read my post.” He shrugged. “I confess a reluctance to read it, Miss Dalrymple. So much arrives during the Season, invitations, circulars, charities wishing for support.” He laughed. “No doubt, my butler will place it under my nose when I return.”
Aunt Mary entered the room, her blue eyes behind her glasses exhibiting surprise at still finding him there.
Mr. Ollerton released Jo’s hand and stood. “I look forward to seeing you again soon.” He bowed. “Miss Dalrymple, Miss Hatton.”
Jo rang the bell.
“Mr. Spears is down in the cellar, Miss Jo,” Sally said, coming into the room. “May I be of service?”
“Mr. Ollerton is leaving. Bring his hat and cane, please, Sally.”
When Sally appeared again, Mr. Ollerton took his things from her with a smile. “Thank you, Sally. I gather from your fresh rosy complexion you hail from the country?
Sally bobbed a curtsey. “Yes, sir. Coventry, sir. I’ve not been long in London.”
He nodded, and with a slight bow, said his goodbyes, and left the house.
Jo went to the window and observed Mr. Ollerton from behind the curtain as he climbed into a hackney. The carriage took off down the road. Moments later, a man on horseback rode in the hackney’s wake. At first, she thought the rider had discovered an acquaintance in Mr. Ollerton, but she was mistaken, for he remained several yards behind him until they were out of sight.
“Did I see Mr. Ollerton holding your hand?” Aunt Mary settled into a chair with her knitting bag.
Jo turned. “Yes, he did.”
“How outrageous! But you have captured his heart, Jo.”
Jo returned to the sofa. “Perhaps.”
“Do you like the gentleman?”
“He is genial and attractive.” She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully and brushed a crumb from her lace cuff. She had not fallen hopelessly in love with him, but perhaps such a thing didn’t happen overnight. “We shall need to see more of each other. He mentioned a drive in the park when the wheelwright has mended his carriage.”
“What about Lord Hislop?”
“A nice man bowed down with worry. His father died recently, and I suspect it has left him in poor circumstances.” Jo recalled the worn state of his coat. His shoes lacked a good polish. He would seek a wealthy wife, but it would not be her.
“And the other two gentlemen?”
“I thought them young and silly.”
