As he studied the heiress, her smug, green gaze challenged him. She lifted her chin, letting him know of her stubbornness. She would be a handful, but he was up to the test. The longer their gazes held, her body relaxed and the darker her eyes became. He wasn’t certain he liked that, only because it made her look prettier.
She folded her arms across her bosom. “I’ll certainly try to keep up with you, Mr. Knightly, but you’ll have to remember I’m a lady, and I have delicate sensibilities.”
He arched an eyebrow. “I shall keep that in mind, Miss Landon.”
As she stepped forward, her hands slid down the sides of her dress and drew his attention to her graceful curves. Her flowery scent purposely teased his senses. He had always enjoyed the fragrance of roses. It reminded him of his grandmother’s flower gardens back home in England and made him homesick for his family.
“Let me know what I need for this journey,” her voice softened, “and I’ll be ready first thing in the morning.”
“I shall get you a list, but let me warn you, I intend to leave by sunrise. I’m aware young ladies like yourself aren’t used to rising early, but—”
“Mr. Knightly,” she interrupted. “I said I would be there.” Her grin widened, showing him her perfectly straight teeth. Even though he wouldn’t admit it aloud, she did have a nice smile.
He nodded. “Fine.”
“Mr. Knightly? I have one question.” She stepped closer, and he realized she was slightly taller than most women he knew, but he still towered over her. “How many of your men are planning on traveling with us?” she added.
“It will take a good strong crew of ten to make it through the jungle.”
Her smile softened and her eyes darkened to jade. He could read this woman well. She wanted something and intended to use feminine charms to get it. He wasn’t worried. He had been handling women like Miss Landon for quite some time. They couldn’t get the best of him.
“Will you allow my mother to accompany us? She is very upset with the idea of her daughter being the only woman in a group of men.”
He wanted to laugh in Miss Landon’s face. She was a good performer, he’d give her that, but he was also immune to fancy women who thought all they had to do was bat their eyes, pout, and he would give them their way. Many women had tried—and failed.
It was hard to believe her mother wanted to accompany them. Although the older lady was still a strikingly handsome woman, it was obvious by her frail body and pale skin that she was very ill. There was no way this woman would last one day in the jungle. It was bad enough he had to play nanny to her daughter, but he refused to take a sick woman along.
He stroked his chin and ran his gaze over Miss Landon. Those wide innocent eyes pleaded earnestly, and by the way she clasped her hands against her small waist until her knuckles turned white, he could tell she desperately waited for his answer. He decided to play with her a little before refusing her request.
He sighed heavily. “Well, the payment I received was only for one person.”
“I’ll pay you more,” she quickly countered.
The older woman sitting in a chair gasped followed by a cough. This confirmed his belief that she was indeed ill.
He shrugged. “My supplies are for you and my men. On such short notice, I don’t know where I’d find the items needed to accommodate another. There is also the issue of food—”
“I’ll share what I have.” A sly smile touched her heart-shaped mouth. “We are both very light eaters. We’ll make do.”
He raked his fingers through his hair and shook his head. “I don’t know, Miss Landon. Your mother looks unwell. I highly doubt she will have the strength.”
Miss Landon stepped forward and reached her hand out to touch him, but only brushed her fingers along the front of his shirt. “I shall assist her. Besides, you won’t even notice her presence. She’ll be as quiet as a mouse.”
At that moment, the older woman coughed.Quiet? Unlikely.He grinned out of the corner of his mouth. “Have you ever heard a mouse scurry across a floor or inside a wall, Miss Landon? Mice aren’t exactly silent.”
Her tempting mouth tightened, and her hands balled into fists. Through her calm expression, she gave him a razor-sharp smile. “Then please, Mr. Knightly, tell me what you want me to do. It’s not proper for a young woman to be alone with a man.”
“You’ll not be alone. My men will protect you from me, if that is your concern.”
The smile disappeared and her nostrils flared. Felix bit his cheek to hold back from laughing.
She huffed and propped her hands on her slim waist. “Mr. Knightly? Do you or do you not intend on taking my mother?”
He grinned. “Sorry, but I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“Won’t.”
