Page 14 of Tempting Mr. Townsend
“So the building is sound?”
“It's rundown. That's how I persuaded old Grantley to sell. He didn't have the cash for repairs. Now I plan to turn this into a place Carey will be proud to come home to.”
She couldn't fault his concern for his nephew. And knowing how he cared, she found the courage to catch his arm as he turned away to check the horses. At her touch, he went stock still. Whereas her words faded to nothing under the heat sizzling through her at the contact.
She snatched her hand away and stared bewildered at him. She was acting like a silly schoolgirl. And it wasn't as if they'd never touched before. In her opinion, there had been far too much touching since Mr. Townsend had blown into her drawing room like a tropical hurricane.
She swallowed to ease the inexplicable tightness in her throat. “You'll think I'm presumptuous.”
His mouth quirked. “I'm a plain man who appreciates plain speaking. Surely you've worked that out, Lady Deerham.”
“In that case, I hope you'll listen to a little well-meant advice.”
“Go ahead,” he said neutrally as a groom ran out from the side of the house to take charge of the horses.
She lowered her voice. “I know you're angry with Carey, and you think he ought to be punished.”
Mr. Townsend folded his arms and regarded her with an unreadable expression. How she wished the light was better so she could interpret his reaction to her interference. “He's caused needless inconvenience and upset. I'm hoping that's all he's caused, and there are no other unfortunate consequences from this prank.”
“Yes, he has. But you love the boy and want to build his trust.”
“You're asking me to tiptoe around what he's done?”
“I'm asking you not to go in with all guns blazing.”
“The way I did with you?”
What was the point of lying? “Yes.”
“So I just pat him on the head and say no harm done?”
She sighed. “If they're both safe—and I pray they are—no harmhasbeen done.” When he didn't answer, she plowed on.“Just give him a chance to explain before you start tearing strips off him.”
“What a poor opinion you have of me.”
“Not at all. Not…now.” She stopped before she said too much. Anyway, this was about Carey, not her mixed-up responses to Mr. Townsend. “Because your emotions are engaged, it would be so easy to make a fatal misstep and create a gulf between you. I want what's best for Carey. And…for you.”
During a tense interval, he stared into her face as though he probed her soul. Then he nodded briefly. “I promise I'll listen to him. Beyond that, we'll see.”
That was the best she'd achieve, she could see. She must be satisfied with his promise and pray that his temper didn't win out.
In most things, he was a reasonable man. But there was such guilt and anger, sorrow and love wrapped up in his feelings for his nephew that she wasn't sure which way he'd jump when he saw Carey.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, and let him take her arm as they mounted the wide steps to the imposing front door.
Chapter Five
The winter dawn was a pale glow on the horizon when Anthony strode up to the door and brought the heavy lion-headed knocker down with a crash. At his side, bonny, brave Fenella Deerham stood silent, but he felt her willing him to tread carefully. Odd how she could do that. He'd never in his life been so aware of another person's thoughts. If anyone asked him, he'd wager he could repeat every word that shewasn'tsaying right now.
By the time the bolt scraped back, he was half frozen and stamping his feet to restore circulation. In the growing light, Fenella looked pale with cold and worry. He wished propriety permitted him to put his arm around her—purely for warmth, of course.
But one did not hug a lady without invitation. Even if she'd been snuggled up against him all night, soft and fragrant and alluringly female.
The door squeaked open to reveal an old man. “Mr. Townsend. We were expecting you.”
The butler's words roused tentative hope. “Good morning, Probert. Are the lads here?”
“Yes, sir. They arrived last night.”
