Page 6 of The Gentlewoman Author

“And why not? Much simpler. Fewer expectations.” He leaned back and shouted to the barman, “Two mugs over here, if you please.”

“When do you leave, then?” Daniel asked.

“Tomorrow, if it suits. Why not join me?”

Wouldn’t that be nice? Run away. Before his parents strapped him to a stranger, he might take a holiday. Three letters remained in Daniel’s lap. His fingers twitched with the urge to return them to his pocket. Losing them terminated something he wanted to hold on to—not Miss Jensen, for that was long over, but to the hope that somewhere in the world a woman existed whom he could love. Love was problematic and addled the mind.

“Here I am inviting you to join me, and I’ve not introduced myself. Tobias Savage.” He extended his hand.

“Savage? We are neighbors. I’m Daniel Fletcher. The last time I saw you, you let a toad loose in church.”

He smiled. “I promise to keep any pets in my pocket when in Bath. The fine weather and abundance of women will have you forgetting those letters.”

The soft paper weighed heavy between Daniel’s fingers, and he tapped the letters on his thigh, as if they meant nothing. He would accept this Louisa Thorpe and keep the castle. Surely, she would do as well as any woman.

“In fact, I will join you,” he said.

Mr. Savage clapped him on the back. “We’d better go home to prepare. By the by, you don’t mind traveling post?”

“I have a landau and a fast pair.”

“Perfect! I invited the right man.” Mr. Savage’s grin convinced Daniel that he, too, was in luck.