Dangerous in Diamonds - Madeline Hunter [8]
“Other properties?”
“Four in all.”
She barely resisted the impulse to query him further about those other bequests. Their existence troubled her, however. They suggested that Becksbridge’s arrangement with her had not been unique. She had long suspected as much. She doubted she could quiz Castleford on it without him finding her curiosity peculiar, unfortunately.
“Why would you bother with such a small matter? You must have servants who could learn all that you have.”
“I doubt that. I decided to see to it myself because the bequest piqued my interest. Becksbridge disliked me heartily and disapproved even more. So I thought to see what it was all about. And now I know.”
There was no accusation in that last sentence, but she understood his assumption about why Becksbridge had allowed her to live here, and that he now believed he would find the same thing on the other spots of land.
The sky had darkened considerably. In the distance beyond the greenhouse roof, a flash of lightning heralded the approaching storm. She stood.
“I have kept you too long, Your Grace. You risk a drenching if you ride back to town. The inn at Cumberworth might be a wise choice for the night. I will await word from you, regarding your decision, after next Tuesday.”
He pulled himself to his feet and stepped out of the arbor. He checked the sky and dark clouds. A few large drops of rain splashed down on the path.
“Hawkeswell says the inn at Cumberworth has bedbugs. I clearly remember that warning, although I’ll be damned if I recall when or why he gave it.”
“Two miles east there is the town of—”
“I think that I will stay here instead.”
She searched his expression, wondering if this was another odd and inappropriate joke. He merely gazed up at the house with curiosity.
“We are a household of women, Your Grace. It would be—”
“—generous and gracious of you to offer hospitality. I know you have allowed male guests before. Our mutual friends have told me a few stories too. Besides, it is not shocking for a man to stay in his own property.”
Now, that was pointed. His blithe tone indicated that he assumed he would have his way on this and most everything.
“If you are going to insist on your property rights, I would be foolish to refuse you.”
“And, as I saw at first glance, Mrs. Joyes, you are not a fool.”
“I hope not. However, if we extend the hospitality that you expect, let us have a right understanding on one point, sir.”
“How stern you sound.” Again, that too-familiar gaze and slow smile. He possessed a talent for crossing lines without overtly taking any steps. “It must be a significant point.”
She tried to sound very stern indeed. “There is a young woman living here. If you in any way importune her in your ongoing efforts toward varied badness, if you even flirt with her, I will shoot you.”
The splats of rain picked up their rhythm while she spoke. One hit her nose, as nature conspired to undermine the authority she tried to convey.
He smiled, far too amused for her purpose. He reached over and flicked the little bubble of rain off her nose. “If I die, they will hang you.”
“No, they will not. My lawyer will pack the courtroom with other women you have seduced, and every father on the jury will vote to acquit me.”
He placed his hand over his heart. “I give my word as a gentleman that I will treat this young woman like she is my sister.”
He seemed sincere, even if naughty lights danced in his eyes.
“Then you are welcome inside to share our simple dinner and make use of one of the spare chambers.”
The rain began falling in earnest now. He joined her as she hurried to the garden door. He followed her into the house, peering this way and that at the new surroundings.
Katherine came in from the greenhouse, and Daphne introduced her. Katherine bobbed a curtsy and fled.
“I doubt you will see Miss Johnson again,” she said.