“He thinks all women are after his fortune. There is nothing he despises more than a fortune hunter.”
He knew I wanted a fortune, yet he was still pursuing me. It didn’t make sense. It never had made sense, but my hopes had risen anyway. Was he playing a game with me? If so, to what end? My skin grew cold. “Fortune hunting is quite despicable, indeed.” I gave a polite smile before reaching for my spoon again. I wanted nothing more than to enjoy my soup uninterrupted. My thoughts whirled with doubt, but I stamped them down. Why on earth would Mr. Campbell waste his timepretending to court me? Surely he had far better things to do with his time.
I tried to ignore my confusion as I ate my soup, participating in the conversation around me only when necessary. I caught Sir William’s gaze more than once during the second course, and caught Mr. Campbell’s as well. He appeared concerned with my proximity to Mrs. Aldworth and Mrs. Wickerton, and rightfully so. I had exposed his efforts to court meandlearned about his ambition to ‘never marry,’ all within seconds.
I had been quite productive, indeed.
My stomach sank as I watched his profile, his lips moving soundlessly as he spoke with the man beside him. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but the sight of him made me feel suddenly ill. If he was deceiving me…more than just my pride would be wounded. My heart pounded fast.
When the elaborate dessert display was brought out, I sat up straight in my chair. Various jellies, cakes, and moulded flummery were placed throughout the table. My jaw fell slack when the nearest footman placed the centerpiece in the middle of the display.
It was a large fruit with a prickly exterior, green plumes sticking straight out of the top.
My gaze shot toward Mr. Campbell. He seemed to have noticed the pineapple the same moment I did. Despite the fresh confusion I felt toward him, I couldn’t contain my smile. He wore a look of complete bewilderment, as if he couldn’t believe his eyes. Had the Beresfords just proven themselves to be more wealthy and resourceful than Mr. Campbell?
He wouldn’t like that very much.
I grinned at the centerpiece—for that was all it was. A display. I wished the Beresfords would slice and serve the fruit, but it had likely rotted on the journey to England. Mr. Campbell’s eyesgleamed with amusement, and the wild urge to laugh gripped my stomach. I looked down at the table to compose myself.
“What is so amusing, Miss Sharp?” The question came from Mrs. Wickerton in a moment of silence. I felt the edges of my cheeks burn. I had counted fourteen guests, and all eyes had turned to me. Mrs. Wickerton blinked innocently as she shifted her gaze in Mr. Campbell’s direction. “It would seem you and Mr. Campbell share a secret joke of some sort. Please do amuse the rest of us.”
Mr. Campbell’s smile slackened, and he cleared his throat. Just as I was about to spout a great deal of nonsense, he spoke.
“I have been trying to procure a pineapple, and Miss Sharp was aware of the difficulty of the task. I am thoroughly impressed that the Beresfords managed to obtain one.”
Mrs. Wickerton opened her mouth again, but snapped it closed when Mrs. Beresford took her turn. “Thank you, Mr. Campbell. I have been awaiting its arrival for months.”
Oh, yes. It was certainly rotten, then.
Thankfully Mrs. Wickerton didn’t pry for any further information about my courtship with Mr. Campbell. I suspected I had already given her everything she needed to stir up gossip in the Pump Room the next morning. If she had just arrived in town, she was sure to be there to taste the mineral water.
After the desserts were served and cleared away, the pineapple untouched, the ladies removed to the drawing room. I kept to my own settee beside Kate in the far corner of the room, but didn’t dare discuss the events of the evening with Mrs. Wickerton and Mrs. Aldworth nearby. Their hearing was sharper than my childhood dog’s, and he had been able to hear a piece of ham fall from the breakfast table from the upper floors of the house.
When the gentlemen had finished their port, they joined us in the drawing room. Much to my dismay, my heart leaped atthe sight of Mr. Campbell in the doorway. I hardly knew what to think of the unsteady sensation in my stomach as he set his gaze on me.
Kate nudged my arm.
He started in my direction, and without consulting me, Kate moved to the opposite side of the settee. Mr. Campbell filled the large gap she had left on the cushion, settling in beside me. The drawing room was lit by dozens of candles, and the warm light danced across his features. I willed myself to remain unaffected by his closeness. It didn’t matter how attractive he was if he couldn’t be trusted.
I took a deep breath before facing him coolly. “I am curious about something.”
He met my gaze with a look of misgiving. “Yes?”
“How exactly do you plan to steal the Beresfords’ pineapple?” I whispered.
The concern on his face melted, a smile overtaking his lips. What had he assumed I was going to ask him? Perhaps he thought I would question him about his brother or something else Mrs. Wickerton had said. I would eventually, of course, but not here.
“You would have me resort to thievery in order to win your affection?” His low voice sent a chill across the back of my neck. His eyes were locked on mine.
“Yes. You are fortunate that the Beresfords have no eligible sons.”
Mr. Campbell laughed under his breath, shaking his head at the same time. “I take it you have already researched that matter?”
“Of course.” I studied each one of his features. All I saw was amusement and a bit of disbelief. Perhaps he thought I was only jesting, but I wasn’t. I had indeed researched the Beresfordsafter learning of Freddy’s mistakes and deciding what gentleman I might pursue.
“I’m not surprised,” he whispered. “You are nothing if not thorough.”
I scowled. If Mr. Campbell had a true hatred for fortune hunters, how could he accept that I was one of them? I had not hidden it from him. Was my honesty what attracted him to me? Did he enjoy the challenge of showing me who he truly was beneath all the money he possessed? I didn’t have the slightest idea.
