Page 170 of From Rakes to Riches

Wexford clasped his hands on the table. “A fortnight to secure a betrothal with the wedding to follow three weeks later. We’ll make sure you find a wife, Overton.”

“Thank you.”

But would she be the woman he’d always dreamed of?

3

Didn’t he have any maps at all?

Since breakfast, Fiona had searched all of the lower shelves in the library. Time to employ the ladder and see what she could find up high.

Pushing the ladder to the end of one long shelf, she began her methodical investigation. Perhaps there was a book of maps. Or a book with at least one map.

She pulled a large tome from the shelf and balanced it on her hand as she opened the cover and read the title,The British Isles. That looked promising. Carefully turning pages, exultation bloomed within her as she finally came upon a map.

“What are you doing up there?”

Startled, Fiona lost her grip on the heavy book and watched in horror as it tumbled to the floor. She scrambled down the ladder and, in her haste, slipped.

It was an absolute miracle that the earl managed to reach her in time, catching her in his arms before she landed on the floor. And it was an absolute shock to find herself in his embrace. The rich scent of sandalwood washed over her along with a surprising heat.

Embarrassment. It had to be embarrassment, of course. What else would it be?

Overton set her on her feet. “All right?”

She nodded. “Yes, thank you. You surprised me is all.”

He bent to retrieve the book and studied it for a moment.

“Did I damage it?” She’d feel just awful if she had.

“Not that I can tell.” He flipped open the cover. “The British Isles.” He looked over at her. “You’re interested in learning more about your homeland?”

“I was looking for maps, actually.”

“Maps?”

“I like them. Very much.”

He smiled as he set the book on a table. “Well, then let me delight you.”

Something about the way he said those words sent a shiver along her spine. She didn’t want to be delighted by him or any other gentleman.

He’s your guardian. Think of him like a father or an older brother. It’s perfectly natural to be delighted by a family member and not at all dangerous.

Dangerous? Is that how she thought of gentlemen? No. But maybethisgentleman was different.

The earl went to a bookcase with drawers beneath the shelves. He opened the lowest one and pulled out several oversized pieces of parchment. “It’s not a large collection, but it’s better than none.” He set the maps on the table next to the book and opened one, laying it flat.

Fiona rushed to join him, any hesitation she might have possessed forgotten. “This is the Empire of Russia.” She paused in reaching for the map, her fingers hovering above the paper.

“Unfortunately, it’s from before Catherine the Great, so it’s no longer accurate.”

“That’s all right. I like maps of all kinds, even if they are out of date.”

“You can touch it,” he said softly, eyeing her hand.

“I’ll be careful. Not like I was with the book.” She winced. “I’m terribly sorry about that.”

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