Page 14 of Bargaining for the Barrister
With a slight turn of her head, she found Mr. Sheldon standing next to Lord Reynolds at the empty fireplace. She studied him momentarily. Did he know something of their arrangement? His behavior made her suspicious. But surely he could not know the particulars about her. No, it was not possible. If he knew about her sizeable dowry, he would not be frowning in the corner with his friend.
“He has potential,” Logan said, following her gaze. “I cannot speak for his ability to impress a woman, even if his appearance is adequate, but he seems sensible and even intelligent. We spoke for a time yesterday in the drawing room when you left to read your letter. And we’ve had a few conversations since as we have crossed paths.”
“You interrogated and threatened him, didn’t you?”
“Only a little. He knows where I stand now.”
If Logan had taken more time to interact with Mr. Davies or Mr. Turner, he might realize how much better Mr. Sheldon was in comparison. But Louisa knew her brother had had far too much on his mind this last year and could not blame him. “I am happy to hear you are attempting a friendship with him. Your approval of his character is important to me. And I am already sure of his parents. I have no doubt they will treat me quite well.”
“Two points in his favor, then. Shall we go speak to him and hurry this errand along?” Her brother was all business as usual.
She linked arms with him. “Very well. Lead the way.”
As they approached the gentlemen by the fire, Lord Reynolds saw her first. “Ah, Miss Cox, we were just speaking of you.”
She raised her brow at his candidness. “Good things, I hope.”
“Sheldon was just telling me how pleased he is to have guests at Rothbrier. But he did not say how long you will be in residence.”
Of course he wanted to know how long her presence would be inflicted upon them, but she was not sure herself. She stole a glance at her Mr. Sheldon, who looked rather dashing with his hair combed back and in his dinner clothes. She might have been understating her opinion when she had told herself that she thought him only a mite attractive. He was tall, which added an impressive air, and from this near distance, she could admire his eyes and his unfair long lashes. He immediately redirected his hazel eyes away from her to avoid her gaze, and heat rose to her cheeks to be caught staring.
Logan answered for her since she had clearly been distracted. “I will know in a week if my business is complete here or if we will have to extend our stay.”
“A week?” Lord Reynolds asked. He eyed Mr. Sheldon. “A week is tolerable enough.”
“Pardon?” Logan asked, his tone threatening.
Louisa squeezed her brother’s arm to keep his temper in check. “We are so pleased the Sheldons opened their home to us.” When her gaze connected with Mr. Sheldon’s again, she maintained her composure, willing herself not to blush again. “But we would never dream of inconveniencing anyone.”
“You are not,” Mr. Sheldon said firmly. Lord Reynolds glared at him, but Mr. Sheldon ignored him. “You and your brother are welcome to enjoy our hospitality... until your business is resolved.”
The emphasis on the word business further suggested he knew why they were here. Despite his insinuations, she grinned. He knew something of her reason for being there, and yet he did not send her packing. Lord Reynolds could not even persuade him to do otherwise. She had always trusted her gut and had rarely been wrong. Mr. Sheldon’s potential was simply hiding beneath a layer of uncertainty—surely about her. She would do her best to remove it as soon as possible. “Thank you, kindly, Mr. Sheldon.” She was far too well-mannered to stick her tongue out at Lord Reynolds, so she widened her smile instead. “Lord Reynolds, I hope you are not now going to contest your host’s generosity.”
His frown deepened. “Never his generosity but always his rationale.”
“Lord Reynolds,” Logan said. “Will you give me a private moment of your time?”
Lord Reynolds looked between her and her brother and responded with a single nod.
Logan did not mean to do anything to the man, did he? He must have sensed her concern, because he gave her a reassuring look as he unthreaded her arm from his and left her with Mr. Sheldon.
She glanced up to see Mr. Sheldon staring at her, questions dancing behind his eyes. She studied him for a moment. “You know, don’t you?” How he had discovered her reason for being there was beyond her. His parents had said nothing.
“About what?” The skepticism in his voice did not deter her.
“About why I am here.”
His brow rose. “Tell me why you are here, and I shall answer yes or no.”
She noticed the red hues of his hair were absent in the dull light. She opened her mouth to tell him about the matchmaking scheme but stopped herself. What if she were wrong? Besides, discussing it would take away her only chance at making a natural connection. It would be better to wait until he brought it up for her to be sure. She looked away. “As I said before, I am here for my brother’s business.” It was not the full truth, but it was not a lie either. Her marriage had suddenly become Logan’s top priority.
Mr. Sheldon narrowed his eyes and stepped nearer, causing her pulse to race. “And precisely what business is your brother conducting in Brookeside?”
He meant to intimidate her into confessing, but she held her ground. It was easy to see at times like this how he would be a decent barrister. When she answered him, her voice wavered at his nearness. “I thought a gentleman never discussed business with a lady.” Why was his presence affecting her so much? It was likely the power of suggestion. She wanted to see him as her husband, and that is why her blood pounded recklessly through her veins.
His nod was barely perceptible. “But when a lady is the one to bring it up, it is only good manners to pursue the conversation.”
Why did he not step back? The warm evening meant there was no fire behind the grate, but the intensity of his gaze made her cheeks burn just as hot as if there had been. She swallowed, her eyes entranced by his. “I concede your point. I will not bring it up again.”
