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Yes, but look at his garments—how he’d untied his neckcloth without so much as a by your leave.

Her focus caught on the few intriguing midnight hairs peeking from the top of his shirt. Swallowing, she dropped her gaze to her hands clenching her spencer.

Yes, she should say something.

Put things to right and establish an appropriate foundation from the onset. However, before Purity could open her mouth to suggest their interactions remain formal and professional at all times, the carriage swayed to a halt once more.

“We are here,” Theran said. His countenance became serious. “Whatever you do, don’t mention what happened with Athena. She is a neighbor, and a feud between families never bodes well. Particularly as her stepfather was my father-in-law.”

Purity’s jaw went slack.

The irrational, raving woman who’d vowed revenge on her lived nearby?

“Miss Sommerville is your brother’s neighbor?” she asked, feeling slightly wobbly in her tummy.

Well, that made sense. Miss Sommerville had said she’d known Theran for years.

“Yes. She, her mother, and stepfather—my wife’s father owns the property to the west of Trenthurt House. The Marquess of Ballister has an estate to the east. He’s a good friend of my brother Jordan.”

Theran touched her hand, and that same jolt of awareness sizzled up the length of her arm.

“My aunt told me Athena threatened you.” His troubled gaze searched hers. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Purity.”

He had happened to her, and it was too late to pretend this man hadn’t changed the course of her life. Or that he didn’t stir feelings in her she ought not to have.

The question was, was it for better or worse?

Trinity, I am so sorry we shan’t have our visit, after all. Mr. Rutland has a family emergency, and we left for Dartford, post-haste. Please send your address to Trenthurst House or Atherley Hall so that we might correspond. Lady Mumford has the direction for both.

I have hopes we shall have the opportunity to visit soon. It has been far too long.

~Purity Mayfield,

in a note left on Trinity Ablethorne’s bed

Trenthurst House Drawing Room

7 September 1818 –Afternoon

Trenthurst House could literally be crumbling down around them, and Mother would still insist on serving tea at precisely four o’clock. Unpunctuality was considered blasphemous, and due to White Flame throwing a shoe while Theran was riding, he was late. Which meant an imperious brow raised in disfavor.

Still, he couldn’t very well arrive smelling of horse and sweat, with filth on his boots. That would get him soundly scolded.

Trenthurst House held so many memories. It was where he’d grown up, where he’d met Imogene, where he’d come when she’d died. Its familiarity was comforting, and Mother doted on Bernadine. In truth, Mother adored all of her grandchildren.

Purity Mayfield had been a godsend. Not only was she patient and organized with respect to Bernadine, but she’d also, without being asked, taken Jeffery and Landon under her wing as well. The children's days were full of outdoor excursions, lessons, playtime, and bedtime stories. Even a baking lesson and training on how to groom a horse.

Purity Mayfield believed in holistic education.

Theran strongly suspected there were bedtime prayers as well, but his antagonism about faith mere weeks ago had lessened. More due, he’d concluded, to his heart and soul finally healing, and that was due to a certain green-eyed minx with a winsome smile and witty disposition.

A smile teased the corners of Theran’s mouth. He enjoyed time spent with Purity and, more often than not, joined her and the children on their outings. She was as intelligent as he’d suspected but also possessed a delightful sense of humor.

Not adhering to haut ton dictates, Mother insisted the children and their governess eat meals with the family. That suited Theran fine as he did the same at Atherley Hall. He found that the more time he spent with Purity, the more time he wanted to spend with her.

And by thunder, his interest was not purely professional.

No, in point of fact, he was falling in love with Purity. He kept the secret close to his chest, savoring the novelty, the newness, and the incredulity that she’d captured his heart.