“Of course not,” Philip assured her. “She understands how busy you’ve been just as well as I understand how occupied Lockwood has been.”
“There has been so much correspondence,” Lady Lockwood said.
Lockwood nodded. “Work never ceases when you’re running an estate.”
Philip just looked at them both without blinking. “Of course,” he said dryly, without the slightest effort at pretending he actually believed them.
“Perhaps we can persuade you to play a game of charades while Lucy naps,” Lockwood suggested.
“Thank you, but I actually came in here to find a book. In London, I rarely have the luxury to simply sit and read, so I thought I’d do so now until dinner.” He went to peruse the shelves, spotted a copy ofThe Vicar of Wakefieldand snatched it up. “This will do. I’ll see you both later.”
He was almost at the door when Lockwood spoke from behind him. “What exactly are your intentions?”
Philip turned. “My intentions?” he asked as if he hadn’t a clue about what his friend might be referring to.
“Regarding Miss Compton.” Lockwood’s stern expression dared him to deny there was anything going on at the risk of facing his censure.
“I’m courting her,” Philip told them both.
Lady Lockwood squealed, which caused Lucy to stir and her husband to shush her. “Sorry,” she whispered, “but I’m just so incredibly happy. We both are. Aren’t we, George?”
Her husband nodded. “We most certainly are.”
Philip glanced at the door. “May I go now?”
“With our blessing,” Lockwood told him sincerely.
Philip clutched the book tighter and turned on his heel. There was kissing to be done, and he had no intention of delaying it any further.
Chapter Five
LEONORA STOOD BY HERbedchamber window looking out at the frozen landscape. Perhaps she’d misread Philip’s meaning when he’d asked her to take a nap. They’d parted ways fifteen minutes ago at least, so perhaps he’d really intended for her to sleep?
A soft rap drew her out of her reverie. Her pulse quickened and she crossed the floor, opened her door, and found him there, handsome as ever.
His eyes, dark like the richest chocolate, latched onto hers. “May I come in?”
