“Poor?” Charlie chuckled. “She is no longer poor today. That was quite a gallant use of your list, Miss Newbury. I daresay you’ve changed her life as well.” He narrowed his gaze.
“Changing someone’s day is not the same as changing their life. That one, I shall have to ponder.” I looked out the window and watched the town shrink out of sight. Changing someone’s life would not be the fun, exciting sort of work I’d accomplished so far. It would take thought, calculation, care. But for now, I’d focus on chewy bread and sweet cheesecakes.
Liza picked at her glove. “People will talk about this for weeks.”
“I suspect it will mean good business for Mrs. Brandon,” Charlie added.
I bounced my knees. “Shall we make wagers on how much we each can eat?”
“Relaxing,” Liza reminded me with a raised hand.
“I could stomach a loaf of bread.” Charlie patted his middle. “But I do not eat sweets.”
“What?” I half shouted.
“They inhibit agility. With boxing, if you are not agile, you end up on the floor.”
“Good heavens, let us please talk of finer things.” Liza leaned her head back and fanned herself with her hand.
I gave Charlie a hard look. “I have just purchased an entire bakery’s worth of food. You will at least try the cheesecake.”
“I am afraid I cannot. Too much sugar will make me ill.”
“Then be ill. For the list.”
He tilted his head and shook it.
Frustration hindered rational thought and I frowned. “Then perhaps I shall advise the Ollertons to wake extra early in the morning.”
“Now that is cruel.”
“What on earth are you two talking about?” Liza asked through a yawn.
“Nothing,” we both responded, unblinking and unfazed as we stared each other down. I lowered my chin.
Charlie leaned in. “Fine. I shall have a cheesecake.”
“Five.”
His voice went shrill. “Fivecheesecakes? Are you trying to kill me?”
“Oh, you shall keep your agility. And whatever else you think sets you apart from othergentlemen.”
“You must mean my naturally handsome face and good nature.” He winked.
I gave him a half scoff, half laugh. “Think what you will.”
“How about a deal?” Charlie looked me up and down. “I shall eat as much as you.”
Did he think me akin to a bird picking at seeds in the grass? I leaned back in my seat and crossed my arms. Oh, this would be fun. “If you insist.”
“Would that your entire list could be this relaxing, Ros,” Liza said. “Though what on earth will we do with all the excess food?”
“Never fear, Liza. Your cousin has no idea what he’s just agreed to.”
ChapterFifteen
Nearly drowning had hurt, but not like this.
