Samantha gazed at him.How curious he was – how different from what she’d expected.It was difficult for her to think of him in a negative light – to imagine him aiding foreign enemies, coercing women into prostitution, selling counterfeit goods, and whatever else he supposedly did – when there was no hint of illicit dealing about him.
She sipped her wine while Harlowe voiced his agreement with Croft’s point.Of course, she too wore a mask.The woman Croft currently saw when he looked at her bore no resemblance to the one who’d taken on four thugs and won.
“Did you acquire your schooling from Oxford or Cambridge?”Harlowe asked.
Samantha blinked, not having realized the conversation had moved on without her.Noting that her terrine remained mostly untouched, she ate an additional bite while Croft spoke.
“Neither, to be honest.My father didn’t see the merit for someone in my position.”
“Why not?”Holly asked with an owlish sort of curiosity.
“Because he expected me to join the family business, not enter into law or become a physician.As such, he believed the expense would be a waste.The time too, I imagine.”
“And what exactly is your family business?”Harlowe managed to make the question sound casual by taking a sip of his wine.“If you don’t mind my asking.”
Croft smiled with the ease of a man who had nothing to apologize for.“Anything profitable really, from farming, to fishing, some shipping, factory construction, and mining.”
“Hmm…”
That was Harlowe’s only response before he mentioned his fondness for music and how pleased he was to have four accomplished pianists in the house.A comparison of various composers followed, during which Samantha’s gaze happened to meet Croft’s, the mischievous look he gave her reminding her that she’d told him of her dislike of playing.
Pressing her lips together to keep all hints of humor at bay, she spent the next half hour concentrating upon her food.
“You could invite him to see the aviary with you,” Hazel whispered when luncheon was over.She and Samantha followed the men to the terrace where tea would be served.“It would give you the chance to spend more time together.As you must if you are to bond with each other properly.”
“An excellent idea,” Samantha agreed, “although the suggestion ought to be made by Harlowe.If I make it, Mr.Croft will surely wonder at my forwardness.”
“But it’s so lovely this time of year,” Hazel said, raising her voice as she and Samantha arrived on the terrace where the tea things awaited.The comment interrupted Croft, who’d been remarking on the staggered pillars.“Do you not agree, Harlowe?”
“What’s that?”Harlowe asked while Samantha prayed Croft would not find Hazel’s remark too transparent.Or wonder overly much at the folly’s unusual appearance.
“The aviary.Your budgerigars are especially fun.”Hazel lowered herself to one of the bamboo chairs and turned to Croft once the rest of the party was seated.“He’s taught them to speak.”
“Really?”Croft chuckled.“What an interesting hobby.”
“A rewarding one,” Harlowe murmured, the pensive look in his eyes informing Samantha that he knew precisely why Hazel had raised the subject.“You’re welcome to take a look if you like.Miss Carmichael will be happy to show you the way, I’m sure.”
“After we’ve had our tea,” Samantha said.She picked up the pot and proceeded to pour, all the while conscious of Croft’s gaze tracking her every movement.
It left her feeling a bit like a specimen in a glass case.More concerning was the added warmth she experienced in her cheeks because of his increased attention.She did her best to ignore it while she drank her tea, allowing herself to relax as she listened to Croft argue with Harlowe over the best way to gauge a good horse.
She sent Hazel a wry look and watched her suppress a grin in response.
“If it’s no imposition,” Croft said when he finished his tea a few moments later, “I’d love to see the aviary now.”
“Of course.”They descended the terrace steps and proceeded to stroll toward an iron-framed structure, their pace slow and unhurried.Samantha eyed her companion.“Will you remain in Town for the summer or do you plan on visiting your estate?”
“That depends.”His voice had a harder edge than before.“I intend to stay in London until my sister’s killer is caught.”
“Speaking of your sister, I have something for you.”Samantha produced the small parcel she’d tucked inside her skirt pocket and handed it to him.“I believe it might help.”
He turned the parcel over between his hands, his fingers stroking the pink silk ribbon with which it was tied.“What is this?”
“Letters belonging to Lady Lavinia.”He looked at her sharply.“I didn’t want anyone else to know I took them, so I couldn’t give them to you until now.”
They reached the aviary then and positioned themselves so they could admire the birds, though Samantha doubted either of them paid the creatures much attention.“How did you come by them?”
“I, um…may have pilfered them from her room.When I went to pay my respects.”She sent him a wary glance but failed to discern his thoughts.“I realize it was badly done, but I know you’re in need of clues and I wanted to help.Hopefully you won’t think too poorly of my actions.”
