Page 17 of Unmasked at Midnight

Hesupposed he’d have to wait and see how things played out. Plus, he’d only committed to the library for a limited time.

Frombeneath half-closed eyes, he observed the whirlwind that was MissAramintaWeldon. He couldn’t help but appreciate her gumption and thoughtfulness.

Thoughher gown was tasteful and the color became her, even Darius, with the fashion sense of a blind goat, recognized the frock was several seasons out of date, and someone, probably MissWeldon, had let the hem down.

Andyet, her comportment and bearing wasn’t that of an impoverished wallflower. She exuded an inner confidence, possessed a keen wit, and displayed a strength of character rare in young women—particularly those not birthed into privilege. There was a great deal to admire about MissAramintaWeldon beyond her pretty face and gently rounded figure.

“The store opens in six weeks, but the grand event is two months away.” He walked her to the door. “You should try to attend as many of the functions during the grand opening week as possible, especially the finale. Bring your sisters and the reverend. I think they would enjoy themselves.”

Aflicker of uncertainty whisked across her face but was gone in the next blink of her expressive eyes. “I shall do my best, my lord. Papa often requires my assistance, and he’s not much on social gatherings that the church does not sponsor.”

Sheprobably had nothing appropriate to wear to a formal gathering.

Dariuslaid a hand on her forearm, and she raised a quizzical glance to his.

Greencollided with blue, and another scintillating undercurrent pulsed between them.

“My lord?”

“We’ll need to show solidarity to the townspeople, MissWeldon. Assure them we are not competing but cooperating for the good of all.”

“I never considered our arrangement anything else.” She slung the satchel over her shoulder. “I would suggest acquiring romantic novels. Though many people look down their noses at romantic stories, they are highly popular among women.”

“I’ll take your advice under consideration.” Annoyance battled with amusement until a wry smile ticked his mouth upward. “I suppose you would include MadameQuillheart in that list? PerhapsI’ll even ask her to attend the grand opening and read from one of her novels.”

MissWeldon arched a sage eyebrow, though she appeared to have paled the merest bit. “I’m sure she’s far too busy to attend a grand opening at a provincial bookstore.”

Provincial?

“Is that a challenge, MissWeldon?”

“You may consider it one, my lord. I doubt you could persuade her to venture to Woodhaven. The incentive would have to be considerable.” Then, with a sweep of her outdated skirts, she departed the bookshop with a duchess’s regal comportment.

Motherwould like her.

Sowould Althelia, his sister.

Hegripped his chin between his thumb and forefinger. Interesting how he already made that determination but still couldn’t be as certain about Eudora’s reception.