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Robyn wasn’t the only one enjoying himself at Shelby’s expense. But while Robyn’s teasing rankled, Roxina’s mirth didn’t bother Shelby a jot. In truth, it lifted his spirits to see her happy.

Scrambling for a plausible response, Shelby hesitated in replying to her question. Roxina would not easily be put off or fooled.

His excuse must be believable.

“I’m waiting, Shelby.” Arms folded akimbo, she tapped her toe—clear signs that Shelby had nearly exhausted her patience. It seemed Roxina’s jollity didn’t extend to releasing him from answering her inquiry.

“Oh, very well.” He threw his hands up in mock resignation. “I did not want you to know that I asked Matilda to help me order new clothes for you.” He waved a hand toward her. “I knew you would balk.”

Robyn made a strangled sound in his throat, but Shelby’s glare silenced whatever his irritating cousin might have said.

Rather impressed with his quick thinking, Shelby nearly believed his lie.

Of course, it was a colossal fabrication.

In truth, Roxina would need clothing. She could hardly rely on borrowing from Matilda for the entirety of their visit, though Matilda, with her generous heart, would not object. However, he dared not risk sending one of Robyn’s servants to retrieve garments for Roxina.

She released a snort worthy of a winded racehorse. “Balderdash and rubbish. What need is there to keep that a secret? Besides, you know I shan’t accept such a magnanimous offer from you. It would be highly improper.”

As had all the money he had sent over the years, but Shelby kept that retort to himself.

She strode farther into the room, trailing her fingers along the polished surface of a sturdy oak table stacked with neatly rolled maps and papers. Light streamed through the tall, mullioned windows, catching the golden edges of a globe perched atop a stand in the corner. Despite himself, Shelby couldn’t help but admire her beauty as the sunlight cast a warm glow around her.

Robyn chuckled outright, thoroughly enjoying himself. “I do believe she’s got you there. It would certainly hint at impropriety, and can you imagine what the rumormongers would do with such a juicy tidbit?”

“Don’t you have something useful to do? Other than vexing me?” Shelby leveled his cousin with another scorching glare.

“Probably.” Robyn nodded. “But I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Roxina sent Robyn a droll look. “Normally, I enjoy you tormenting Shelby, but I have something important to discuss with him. I would appreciate some privacy.”

This didn’t bode well.

“As you wish.” Robyn gave a mocking bow. “We shall see you in the dining room for the midday meal when you are finished. I believe Cook made lemon syllabub for dessert.” As he turned to leave, he tossed Shelby a knowing grin over his shoulder. “I do hope your tête-à-tête goes well.”

Oh, do put a pipe in your gob.

Shelby bit his tongue from speaking aloud.

He considered the open door.

Should he shut it to ensure no one eavesdropped?

After a moment’s hesitation, he decided against it.

No.

A closed door might give the appearance of indiscretion, though if anyone wanted to push the point, being alone with Roxina for hours upon hours yesterday would send tongues flapping harder and faster than a northeasterly gale—neither Dash nor Atherstone counted as a chaperone.

Roxina shook her head, the corner of her mouth quirking.

“Your cousin is a rapscallion, Shelby.”

Not the word Shelby would have used.

A single lock of hair slipped free of its pins, brushing against her cheek before she tucked it behind her ear. She moved to the far window and edged the heavy velvet drapery farther aside. “I presume Mr. Atherstone made it home without mishap?”

“According to Robyn, his driver deposited Atherstone at his London residence, where a remarkably tolerant manservant escorted him inside.” Shelby joined her at the window, clasping his hands behind his back. The study’s quiet dignity drew a stark contrast to the tension curling between him and Roxina. He swallowed, acutely aware of her nearness, the way her lashes trembled slightly before she looked at him, as if bracing herself.