George made a mental note to improve her play during her visit. “I love it myself. It’s wonderfully relaxing after a long day.”
She snorted. “You make it sound as though you have a very arduous life, Mr. Townsbridge.”
“Perhaps there’s more to me than being a rake, Miss Hollyoak”
The pensive look she gave him assured him she was second guessing her initial assumptions of him. He said nothing more. Rather, he decided that showing her who he truly was would have a much greater impact.
Chapter Two
MARGARET WAS MORTIFIED. She’d brazenly lied to Mr. Townsbridge and he’d caught her out. But rather than scold her, he’d shrugged off the matter and asked her to tell him about her real interests. She’d not been able to be dishonest again, and to her surprise, he’d shown appreciation for the things she enjoyed.
Additionally, he’d been charming and amusing, even with the whole grub situation. He’d also hinted that she might have judged him too harshly, and in spite of herself, this piqued her interest. Against her better judgment, she wanted to get to know him more thoroughly. She wanted to learn if she’d been wrong about him. Furthermore, she wanted to spend extra time with him, because if she were to be completely honest, she rather enjoyed his company.
So when she woke the next day, she dressed and went down for breakfast, hopeful that Mr. Townsbridge might open up a bit more. She’d begin by inquiring about his childhood and see where that led. But before she reached the dining room his voice, coming from his father’s study, gave her pause.
It wasn’t in her nature to eavesdrop, but the door was ajar, she had to pass it, and before she was able to do so she heard him say, “I know you may want me to entertain Miss Hollyoak, Father, but this is of greater importance.”
“We’re talking about your future,” Lord Roxley remarked.
“I am aware, but I refuse to leave Miss Granger in the lurch.” A sigh followed this comment. “Considering my...involvement, I cannot help but feel responsible for her well-being.”
“And the child?”
“I’ll do what I can by him.”
“It’s a messy business, George, but if you’re determined, I’ll not stand in your way. Just try and be discreet. Yes?”
“Of course. I always am.”
Margaret took a sharp breath and continued toward the dining room which she was relieved to find empty. Solitude was what she needed in order to gather her thoughts. And a cup of hot tea to go with it.
Lord, she should have trusted her instincts. Mr. Townsbridge was clearly an expert at breaking past people’s defenses. He’d made her second guess herself, had caused her to imagine she must have misjudged him, when in fact she’d been right all along. He was every bit the rake she’d taken him for. Heavens. His affairs weren’t even confined to Town alone, which caused her to wonder how many women and children he’d left in his wake.
The question cemented her resolve.
Mr. Townsbridge might have persuaded her to let down her guard yesterday on account of his easy smiles and the prank he’d played in calling her bluff. But she knew better now, and as a result she was more determined than ever to resist him.
