Page 126 of The English Duke
“Lucky me,” he said, leaning close. “Dare I get an appreciative kiss for my brilliance?”
She put both hands on his chest and pushed him away.
“No. You said something about my working for the War Office. Would it be a possibility, do you think?”
He sat back and regarded her with some interest.
He and Jordan both had begun work at the Topographical & Statistics Department, collating military statistics. Recently, however, the department had begun assimilating other duties and taking on other missions. As such, perhaps women could be utilized. Hell, maybe they were being used now and he just didn’t know.
“You’re an heiress. Why do you feel the need to work?”
She made a little moue of dissatisfaction. “I’ve always envied Martha. She’s always had a goal, something to achieve. Other than a new wardrobe, I haven’t.”
He studied her for a few moments, wondering if she knew that with every new aspect of character she revealed he became more fascinated.
“It’s worth a try,” he said. “Shall I ask and let you know?”
She shook her head. “I’m afraid I’ve becomeimportunat Griffin House,” she said. “I’m traveling to London with you.”
“Are you?”
She nodded.
He gave the signal to his driver and they pulled away, gravel pinging on the undercarriage.
“I have a present for you,” she said, reaching across the seat.
Only then did he realize there was something hidden under a blanket in the corner. He stared at the crate with the nameGoldfishon it in amazement.
Slowly, he began to smile.
“It seemed only right they lose their precious ship.”
“How did you get it in the carriage?” he asked.
“It’s not heavy. Besides, the only person in the stables was Brian and he would do anything for me.”
He had a feeling most men would.
“Perhaps I should emulate Jordan,” he said, bowing slightly. “Shall I offer to make you an honest woman, Miss York?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “I have no intention of marrying you.”
Of course not. He didn’t possess a title. Perhaps he should tell her about his elderly uncle and how he would probably inherit an earldom in a few years. Or perhaps he would simply keep the information to himself. It would always be better to stay one step ahead of Josephine.
Once in the carriage Martha still held on to Jordan’s hand.
He smiled at her in such a way she lost her breath. Thankfully, he hadn’t smiled at her earlier. She might have fainted at his feet. But she couldn’t just sit there staring at him like a loon, all the while holding on to his hand as if it was a life rope.
“You have a tendency to do something wrong for the right reason,” she said.
“I do?”
She nodded. “Is this one of those situations?” she asked.
“Do you mean am I aiming to make reparations for my behavior by marrying you?”
She nodded again.
