His features were not the classical sort that painters seized upon (for his jaw was a touch too strong and his mouth inclined toward a crooked smile), yet his charm lay in those irregularities, lending him a presence that drew the eye more surely than perfect symmetry ever could. Handsome, yes, though not in the polished nature of a fashion plate. Rather, he possessed a look that seized one’s attention the longer it was studied.
Watching him as Phoebe’s laughter spilled out again, Thea understood the appeal. He was not Frederick by any measure, but there was something undeniably compelling about the gentleman. He hardly drew breath between remarks, yet Phoebe met him word for word, the two of them caught in a rhythm so swift that there was no room for the others to join in.
“This market is a marvel,” Mr. Winwood declared, glancing around at the bustling square. “I daresay it rivals London itself.”
Phoebe gave a delicate sniff. “If London boasts gingerbread stalls and sheep pens, then perhaps you are right.”
“Ah, but it does not boast you,” he countered smoothly, his smile quick. “So I find Haverford infinitely superior.”
She tilted her head, lips twitching. “You’ll forgive me if I do not swoon at such flummery.”
“Doubt me if you must, Miss Voss,” he said, lowering his voice just enough to sharpen the moment, “but disbelief cannot alter fact.”
“As is true of opinions. They cannot alter the truth—no matter how passionately stated.” Her eyes danced as she spoke, though the words carried a hint of challenge.
“Ah, but that presupposes that what I said wasopinion. Everything I said was fact, pure and simple,” he replied without a moment’s hesitation. Phoebe’s laughter rang like sunlight breaking through clouds, and Thea found her own spirits liftingdespite the knot of worry lodged within her chest; Frederick may be careworn, but at least his sister was aglow with happiness.
A clearing throat pulled the group’s attention to Mr. Godwin, who looked entirely out of place in his dark clothes. Or perhaps it was merely the strained pull of his features that lent him a far too serious air for the market.
Regardless, he bowed to the group.
“What a lovely afternoon this is. Simply lovely,” he said, glancing at each in turn, though his gaze lingered on Phoebe. “Haverford is such a delightful town, full of charm and good order. It is no wonder, what with the influence of Sir Thomas Grenville and his lovely wife, Lady Cecilia. Their presence is a blessing upon the whole countryside; one can feel it in the very air. And the people here! So industrious. So content. It warms the heart to walk among such a community.”
His voice carried that practiced gravity of one accustomed to preaching, though he softened it with an amiable smile. However, there was nothing to say to such a statement, for it had all the hallmarks of a lecture, not a conversation.
Mr. Godwin’s expression tightened the slightest bit, and he added, “I do not know if you are aware, but your dear Mrs. Grenville is the cousin of my magnanimous patroness, Mrs. Agatha Whitcombe. It is my great privilege to serve under such a distinguished family. Their generosity knows no equal. Few men are as fortunate as I.”
Mr. Winwood’s lips curved as though suppressing a smile. “Fortunate indeed, sir. Such lofty connections must weigh heavily on you. I do not know how I would manage it. I count myself fortunate that I am merely the youngest son of an inconsequential naval captain, and thus I needn’t concern myself with the reverent dignity required of such elevated company.”
“It is a wonder, Mr. Godwin, that you deign to bless a lowly market with your presence,” added Phoebe with feigned concern.
“I may be blessed to experience such exalted company as the Whitcombes and the Grenvilles, but I am but a humble man of the cloth. I wouldn’t wish you to think that I, myself, aspire to be more than I am,” said Mr. Godwin with such seriousness that Thea didn’t know what to make of the gentleman, though Phoebe coughed to cover up a laugh.
“Of course not, Mr. Godwin. I am certain they and your parish are blessed because of your service,” said Mina, glancing at Phoebe and Mr. Winwood with a furrowed brow.
Mr. Godwin’s expression softened, something in his eyes shifting as he turned them upon Mina. “And you are kind enough to say so. It is difficult for me to take time away from my flock, but I am pleased to have found a place amongst Haverford.”
Thea’s spine straightened ever so slightly. Though she couldn’t say that she wished to foster a connection between her cousin and this odd gentleman, seeing any man take notice of Mina was worth encouraging. Heaven knew the rest of mankind seemed blind to her obvious enticements.
“I didn’t mean to intrude upon your conversation,” said Mr. Godwin, turning his attention back to the group as a whole. “I did come with a purpose, beyond singing the praises of your delightful village and baronet. I noticed there is music and dancing on the far end, and I was hoping to secure a partner…”
Mina’s hold on her arm tightened, and Thea’s breath caught. Could it be?
Mr. Godwin’s gaze drifted over the group, landing squarely on Phoebe. “Miss Voss, would you do me the immense honor?”
Chapter 7
“Oh…” Phoebe’s eyes widened the slightest bit, but she covered it with an easy smile. “I assure you the honor would be all mine, but no doubt a gentleman so richly blessed, such as yourself, is a master of the dance floor. I am certain to look a fool next to you, and I would hate to ruin your sterling reputation, sir.”
“You needn’t fear on that score, madam,” said Mr. Godwin, shaking his head with a startled expression. “I am a mediocre dancer at best. You will outshine me in every aspect.”
“The lady already agreed to stand up with me,” said Mr. Winwood, though the ladies all knew that was a lie of the greatest order, though the flash of relief in Phoebe’s eyes made it clear that she was willing to overlook it.
“It is true, Mr. Godwin,” said Phoebe, shaking her head with mock solemnity. “I fear it is Mr. Winwood’s destiny to be outshone by me.”
Mr. Winwood gave a strangled chuckle, covering it with a cough of his own. “I assure you that I am quite the dancer. I offered to stand up with you so as to provide a good example of what dancing ought to look like. For your future reference, of course.”
“You are skilled at the lady’s part?” asked Phoebe, her eyes wide with innocence as her lips pulled into a teasing grin.
