He wanted to protest, tell her it had been fascinating…but he suspected her life experiences had taught her such difficult lessons she may not believe him. So he softened his expression. “Then those men are fools who lost the opportunity to educate themselves with the prettiest teacher.”
Her cheeks were turning a becoming shade of pink. Now she cleared her throat and pulled her hand from his, stepping back. He wondered if he’d gone too far, pushed her too quickly, and tried to find a way to gain ground back.
But to his surprise, instead of chastising him Barbara offered an invitation. “If you truly are interested in learning more about Egyptian antiquities, Mrs. Nutt is hosting a salon tomorrow evening at her home in Mayfair, to show off her husband’s collection.”
Nutt? Kenneth’s pulse began to speed up a bit. “Mr. Ambrose Nutt?”
“The famed collector, yes.” She turned, moving toward the chaise once more, and Kenneth had no choice but to follow. “We are an insular bunch, academics who study ancient Egypt, and are quite interested to show off to one another. The Nutts have not hosted since last year.”
And what interesting timing. Ambrose Nutt had been in the gossip columns six months ago for a devastating fire on his country estate. Apparently it hadn’t crippled him financially—obvious from the fact his wife was hosting a salon now—but he’d been forced to leave London for a time to oversee the clean-up efforts.
Kenneth found himself nodding, his mind frantically skipping from one connection to the next. The Home Office had suspected foul play, but had no reason to investigate. Acceptingthis invitation and meeting the man personally might open up future opportunities to study Nutt directly.
They’d reached the window but Barbara was watching him expectantly. Kenneth knew he would need to tread carefully.
“I think I would verra much enjoy the opportunity to meet this Mr. Nutt and tour his collection. Ye’re sure it will no’ be presumptuous of me to just invite myself to the salon?”
And her smile bloomed. “Iinvited you, and I assure you Mr. Nutt will be delighted to have someone else to boast at about his false door stele. If you would like, you could meet us here tomorrow evening and travel with Papa and me.”
Thereit was. Kenneth grinned in excitement that wasn’t even a little feigned. “Barbara, being able to attend with ye would make it truly memorable. Ye’ll explain everything to me as we tour?”
She cocked her head. “You must be the only man who actuallywantsa lady to display her intelligence to him.” Her blue eyes sparkled with something between amusement and anticipation. “Yes, I would be completely delighted to have a captive audience for my TED talk.”
“TED—”
“Totally educational drivel. Albert thought of it.” Barbara smiled. “Thank you.”
“Nay.” His voice cracked just a bit as he scooped up her hand yet again, unable to keep from touching her. “Thankye.”
Was it his imagination, or did she sway toward him? Her head was tipped back, those big blue eyes wide as they stared up at him. A pulse in the base of her throat fluttered, making him want to press his lips there.
Taste her.
Barbara’s lips parted and he found himself reaching for her cheek, cupping it. Her skin was soft, supple…delicious. Tipping his head, he bent down to claim her lips in a kiss…
“Barbara! Darling, aguest!”
The shrill call from another level of the house had her jerking away, and Kenneth released her cheek with a disappointed sigh.
“Mother,” she whispered apologetically.
“Barbara! Heaven save us—your father says your knight is here! I am sending your brother to fetch him to the parlor for tea. Go put on your pink gown!”
Kenneth met Barbara’s gaze, and to his surprise, saw humor there. His own smile answered her expression.
“Which pink gown?” he murmured.
She didn’t even glance down. “I doubt it matters. Would you care for tea, Sir Kenneth?”
“I would be delighted, Miss Fokette.” He turned, offering his arm. “If we make it to the salon before Albert accosts me, I’ll consider it a miracle.”
Laughing, she slid her hand along his forearm, and aye, his cock responded to her touch again.Good God.“You have met the Fokette heir, then? He is a dear lad.”
“He tried to practice his bear-killing and skinning on me.”
“Yes, that is what I meant.” She peeked mischievously up at him as they exited her sanctuary. “My family might be…different, but they are delightful.”
“Aye.” Kenneth realized he was being honest, but speaking of only one Fokette, as he studied the woman on his arm. “Ye are.”
