Page 5 of Revealing a Rogue
“Theo is not young and definitely not representative of the ladies I’ve been subjected to meeting these two years past.”
“In any case, Lord Hadfield should marry a lady, not someone like me.” Bronwyn stopped herself from declaring that countesses are supposed to be refined, well mannered; not brazen, and outspoken.
“I don’t follow. Explain your reasoning.”
“He needs a gently bred wife to host parties and balls, not a shopkeeper’s daughter.”
“Then your exceptional communication and organizational skills will come in handy.”
Communication skills, ha! It had taken hours, days, and weeks of practice to eliminate all traces of her cockney accent and colloquialisms from her speech. Bronwyn suspected her abilities with a dagger, and legal knowledge would be of little interest to the ladies of the ton. Those ladies would be unlike the women within the Network, who were always eager to learn self-protection and ways to keep their men out of trouble.
Bronwyn shrugged. “Mr. Neale, you are not helping and are clearly mistaken.”
“Am I not? In fact, after considering the matter, I fully comprehend Landon’s reasoning for selecting you as the next Countess of Hadfield. Also, you shall have to start addressing me as Christopher and not thinking of me as Mr. Neale.” He grinned, winking at her—her future brother-in-law was a rogue at heart, exactly like his brother.
“I am curious how you came to such a conclusion,” Bronwyn said. “Care to share your wisdom?”
“You shall have to figure it out on your own. I’m confident it won’t take you long.” With one hand on the door handle, Christopher turned to say, “Might I suggest you pay a visit to your friend Ms. Lennox.”
“How do you know of Emma?”
“While I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting the woman, Theo speaks rather highly of her.”
“Mr. Neale…” At the man’s scowl, Bronwyn corrected herself. “Christopher, you are a genius. Emma will know exactly how to handle the situation.”
“And you can advise her on your trousseau.” Christopher left and closed the door before she could respond.
The mountain of files on her desk would take hours to complete.
The latch of the door clicked and she jumped as Christopher popped his head back in. “The reports can wait. Landon will not.” Her employer disappeared as quickly as he had reappeared.
Sliding her chair back to stand, Bronwyn was hit by a thought—life from this day forward will never be the same.
* * *
The wind picked up,sending Emma’s store sign swinging forward and back. Bronwyn peered up at the harped angel, a symbol of seniority amongst those in the Network, and smiled as it glittered against the sunlight. Her best friend’s family had served PORFs for generations, as her own had.
What would her parents say when she returned home?
Her dad remained skeptical of Landon’s worth, despite him being the holder of the rondure. Bronwyn grinned as she recalled her dad’s grumblings the night Lord Archbroke had brought Landon to their home to receive the mark.
A small hand wrapped about Bronwyn’s arm and tugged her toward the door. “Lawd above. Why are ye loiterin’ on me stoop?” Emma asked.
“I was…”
Emma shut the door behind them and turned the sign over to indicate her store was closed for the day. “Well, how long do I have?”
She shouldn’t be surprised Emma had already learned the news. Word traveled at precipitous speed within the Network. “When did you find out?”
“About an hour ago.” Emma bustled about moving bolts of fabric. “Lady Theo sent over a missive I found intriguin’.”
“What did it say?”
“Somethin’ about ye bein’ the reason hernap”—Emma wiggled her brows at Bronwyn—“was cut short or somethin’ or other.”
“Emma!”
Her best friend stilled and scowled. “Don’t get all in a huff. Lady Theo said in her note she’d support ye no matter yer decision. I, on the other hand, will only support the bleedin’ correct decision.”
