“Seems like he made quite the impression on you as well then,” Marsdale said with a touch of mischief.
“Without question.”She sent Croft a subtle smile and added softly, “I enjoy his company immensely.”
“You do me great honor, Miss Carmichael.”Croft gestured to someone behind her, and a footman quickly appeared with a tray filled with glasses of bubbly champagne.
Samantha took one and sipped the fizzy drink before leaning closer to Croft so she could discreetly ask, “What happened to the corner of your eye?That’s quite the cut you’ve sustained.”
“A minor accident with a low hanging beam,” he told her, his eyes twinkling even as his jaw tightened.“It’s nothing, though I appreciate your concern.”
“Of course.”A slow heat curled its way through her like smoke.She didn’t believe him for a second.A man of his caliber wouldn’t let such a foolish thing happen.The lingering signs of a bruise on his cheek would suggest he’d engaged in a fight.
With whom?she wondered.When they’d last spoken, he’d been preoccupied with his sister’s murder.Given the wound and the bruises’ appearance, they’d been dealt shortly after.Could it be that he’d gone to confront a suspect?
“It might be prudent of us to start taking our seats,” Marsdale said, scattering Samantha’s thoughts.“They’re already filling.In a few more minutes we’ll be stuck with what’s left.”
“Come,” said Croft.He grabbed Samantha’s hand and pulled her behind him, straight toward the fourth row where three vacant chairs remained.A young man was just preparing to occupy one when he glanced their way.His eyebrows rose and then his face paled as Croft jerked his head to one side.
The young man retreated and Croft directed Samantha to the farthest chair.He took the next one, positioning himself between her and Marsdale.It wasn’t until she was comfortably seated that Croft’s high-handedness registered with her.He’d not asked if she wished to sit with him.He’d made it so by grabbing her hand and shooing that young man away.
She frowned at the seat back in front of her.She’d never doubted that Croft was the sort of man who made the rules intended for others to follow – that he enjoyed taking charge and getting his way.This trait was well described in the file she’d gathered on him and made perfect sense when considering all that he was suspected of.
But how did she feel about it?
As someone who’d always balked at being ordered about or of having her thoughts on a matter dismissed, she couldn’t deny her simmering anger.Briefly, she thought of addressing the matter, then promptly changed her mind.It wasn’t her job to argue with him but rather to entice him.
Butting heads would hardly accomplish that.And besides, she reminded herself, his possessiveness did prove that things were heading in the correct direction.She ought to be pleased, not put out.
A smile surfaced.
Leaning toward him she aimed for a note of sweetness while asking, “What does a man such as yourself enjoy doing when he’s not otherwise busy reading Greek plays, engaging in boxing matches, or attending social events?”
“Target shooting is a favorite pastime of mine.”
Her annoyance with him from seconds ago vanished.“What’s your best distance?”
“Fifty-five yards.”
Hers was sixty.
“Impressive.”
“And much like you,” he added, his voice so low she could barely hear him, “I also enjoy riding astride while wearing breeches.”
She actually snorted with genuine humor.“How unfair of you to use the confidence I shared with you against me.”
“You mistake me, Miss Carmichael.I have nothing but the greatest admiration for you, I assure you.Most young ladies would shy away from something so daring.”
“It’s easier, sturdier, and consequently a great deal safer in my opinion.”
“You’re likely correct.Sidesaddles have always struck me as rather precarious contraptions.”
She agreed and told him as much right before Marsdale drew his attention.The two men spoke for a couple of minutes before Croft addressed her again.
“Tell me about the rest of your interests.Perhaps we’ll discover more that we have in common.”
“I enjoy shopping, especially at some of the markets where all manner of curious items can be purchased.Archery and swimming are both favorite hobbies of mine when the weather allows.In winter, I eagerly wait for the lake to freeze over so I can go skating.”
“It seems you’re the active sort,” Croft said, his voice thoughtful.
