Page 182 of From Rakes to Riches

“Lord Overton, Miss Wingate,” a gentleman Tobias recognized as Mr. Rowntree called as he strode toward them.

Tobias tipped his head slightly toward Miss Wingate and whispered, “Didn’t you dance with him the other night?”

“Yes,” she murmured as they came to a stop.

Young and spry with a sharp chin and a warm smile, Mr. Rowntree bowed to Miss Wingate and inclined his head toward Tobias. “Good afternoon. Lovely day to visit the museum. Are you enjoying the exhibits?”

“Yes, thank you,” Miss Wingate replied. “Do you have a favorite?”

“I do love the Greek antiquities. I’m just headed there.”

“Miss Wingate likes maps,” Tobias said. “We’ve just come from the library.” He felt her stiffen and wondered if he’d said something wrong.

“Oh, indeed? How marvelous. Are you interested in travel, Miss Wingate?”

“I think so, yes. For now, I’m enjoying exploring London. There is so much to see and do.”

“You would like my home near Durham. It has a large library with many maps.” He winked at her. “And Durham is a lovely city. The cathedral is perhaps the finest in England.”

“Durham is quite beautiful,” Tobias said. “And your library sounds magnificent.”

Miss Wingate turned her head toward him and gave him a puzzled stare. She returned her attention to Mr. Rowntree and gave him a pretty smile. “I’m keen to see Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s.”

“Both are splendid. Perhaps I may escort you to one of them. Or both?” He looked at her with unabashed hope.

Tobias felt a surge of glee—this was a definite suitor! Or potential one, anyway. He glanced over at his ward. She could do far worse. Rowntree wasn’t titled, of course, but she couldn’t really expect that. Tobias imagined her father would have been quite pleased with this match, as would Tobias’s father. The latter was almost annoying. Tobias hated doing anything that would please his father.

Yet wasn’t that precisely what he was doing by looking for a wife? No, Tobias was holding on to the best parts of his life—his mother and his memories of her.

Tobias belatedly realized that Miss Wingate was staring at him. He couldn’t imagine why. Pursing her lips, she returned her gaze to Rowntree. “It seems as though my guardian must consider whether I may be escorted to Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s.”

Damn, had he missed a question while he’d been congratulating himself on finding a potential husband for Miss Wingate? He thought back…Rowntree had suggested escorting her…

“I’m sure we can arrange something,” Tobias said.

“Well, if it isn’t Lord Overton!” Two ladies came toward them, the older of whom had spoken.

Tobias bowed to the new arrivals, recognizing Lady Fairweather and her daughter, Miss Fairweather, whom he’d danced with the other night. “What a pleasure to see you here, Lady Fairweather, Miss Fairweather. Allow me to present my ward, Miss Wingate.”

After a brief curtsey, Miss Wingate gestured to Mr. Rowntree. “This is Mr. Rowntree.”

Rowntree bowed. “I believe we met at the ball the other night.”

“We also danced,” Miss Fairweather said, her dark lashes fluttering.

“Ah yes, we did.” Rowntree smiled. “I was just on my way to the Greek antiquities. If you’ll excuse me.” He bowed again, extending himself deeper toward Miss Wingate. “I look forward to our next encounter, Miss Wingate.” He looked toward Tobias with a slight nod. “Overton.”

As Rowntree departed, Tobias couldn’t help but notice that Miss Wingate relaxed beside him. Did she not like the gentleman?

Lady Fairweather directed her animated gaze toward Tobias. Her blue eyes were so intense that he nearly took a small step backward. “What have you toured at the museum today?” she asked.

Tobias needed to direct his attention at the petite and pretty Miss Fairweather, not her somewhat intimidating mother. “Just the library.”

Before he could say anything about maps and Miss Wingate, she said, “And we are on our way out. I’m quite fatigued. I hope you’ll pardon us.”

Well, damn. He couldn’t suggest they take a walk through the Egypt gallery now. While Miss Fairweather was a bit young for his taste, he acknowledged that he ought to at least attempt to see if they would suit.

Lady Fairweather’s mouth turned down in a distinct pout. Suddenly Tobias was quite happy to avoid a promenade with the lady and her daughter. The only thing worse than an immature bride was an overbearing mother.

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