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Sheangled her finger toward the other twin.

“While you have deeper creases across your forehead, my lord.” Cocking her head, she smiled. “I would venture that LordDarius is the more precocious, jolly, and daring twin, while you, my lord, are the more serious, sensitive, and practical.”

LordDarius’s brother’s jaw dropped.

“ByGod, Dare, she pegged us. Spot on.”

Aramintashrugged, then tilted her head. “I have younger twin sisters. One is more gregarious and the other more demure. A common occurrence, I dare say.”

Thelaugh lines bracketing LordDarius’s firm mouth and the slight furrows creasing his twin’s forehead provided a convenient way to tell them apart. Her attention lingered on LordDarius’s mouth for a moment—lips just the right fullness.

Nottoo thick or thin and not moist and slobbery. UnlikeClarenceButton who always had wet lips and was forever trying to steal a kiss from her.

Aramintacouldn’t prevent the shudder that rippled across her shoulders at the recollection of Clarence and his grasping hands.

“MightI ask what your name is, sir?” She spoke to the as-yet-unnamed twin.

Howvery forward of her. Still, the men had been rather lax about introductions.

Thetwin bent into a courtier’s bow as LordDarius returned to placing books on the shelf.

“LordCassiusWestbrook, at your service.”

“Yes, of course. Your father is the Duke of Latham.” Heavens, her arms ached. SirWaddlesby needed to go on a reducing diet. “That makes addressing you easy, then. LordCassius and LordDarius, I am AramintaWeldon, the eldest daughter of ReverendZebedeeWeldon.”

“What is this proposal you mentioned, MissWeldon?” LordCassius asked, giving his brother a rather gloating glance.

Shesucked in a bracing breath. “I propose a quiet corner in the bookshop to operate a lending library. Many people in Woodhaven and the surrounding area cannot afford to buy books, yet love them just the same. I could bring my library here and occasionally purchase new volumes to lend to patrons.”

Onlyrarely.

Fundsremained tight even when she received her quarterly royalties.

“A grand idea.” Cassius clapped his hands. “What say you, Darius?”

LordDarius had turned to study her. His intense scrutiny in the bright room made her nervous. Even if he said no, she wouldn’t quit trying. Everyone deserved a chance to read, not just those who could afford to purchase books.

“I think…the idea…has merit.” Speaking slowly, he shifted his attention to his twin.

Agrin splitting his handsome face, LordCassius nodded. “I’d wager Mother and Father have several volumes at HefferwickshireHouse that they would be happy to donate.”

“Really?” Such a wave of relief engulfed Araminta that she almost dropped SirWaddlesby. He released an indignant honk, and she set him on the floor. After withdrawing a length of string from her other pocket, she tied it to his collar.

“I am so grateful, my lords. When may I call upon you to discuss the details?”

“Tomorrow. Come for tea,” LordCassius answered before his brother had a chance to. “No sense wasting time. We’ll need to organize a suitable area for you before the grand opening.”

“Indeed.” No enthusiasm riddled LordDarius’s droll response. “Can you bring a list of your current collection? We’ll need to discuss your hours of operation and how you will prevent patrons from walking out with books that are for sale.”

“Of course.” Giving an eager dip of her chin, Araminta angled toward the door. She must get home. She’d been gone far too long as it was. The rising bread likely had spilled over the bowl by now. Papa and the twins would want luncheon. “What time shall I call tomorrow?”

Ithad been so easy.

LordDarius was a good sort—not at all what she’d expected from a duke’s son.

Shehad been prepared to present her case, beg, cajole, and plead on behalf of those who loved reading and books but had little money to afford them.

“Four o’clock.” LordDarius picked up another stack of books. “Oh, and MissWeldon?”