Page 43 of The Duke of Kisses
“Well done,” Ware said. “You’re in for next week.” Then he took himself back to the platform, where he apologized for the delay.
Next week. When he wouldn’t have Fanny as his passenger. Hell, he might never have Fanny next to him ever again.
That was a possibility he didn’t want to consider. And yet he had no other choice.
Hell and the devil.
* * *
“Idon’t know,” Fanny said, surveying the large main room of the former warehouse. “Do you think this is too dreary?”
There were few windows and the light that made its way in was feeble and woefully inadequate. It would be expensive to keep illuminated, particularly in the winter months.
West stood in the corner, staring up at the ceiling. “Perhaps. A fresh coat of paint would go a long way, but the cost of candles would still be great,” he said, echoing her thoughts. Then he frowned. “However, my primary concern is the water coming in here.” He removed his glove and poked at the wood as Fanny made her way to the corner.
“Is it bad?” There were streaks down the plaster, discoloring the wall. “As you said, paint would improve it.”
He flaked some of the paint and plaster off. “It’s more than cosmetic. We’d have to repair this, and I’d wager the wood beneath is rotten.”
Fanny exhaled. It was only the second potential property they’d visited today, and there would be others. The first had been too small, and this one was just too…depressing. Or did she think that because she was still upset about what had happened at the park the day before?
She’d told Sarah and later Ivy what had occurred with David and Miss Stoke. Then she’d endured an evening, which she’d spent at home with Ivy, imagining them dancing at Almack’s. Miss Stoke would be graceful and elegant, and people would remark on what a marvelous couple they made.
“Fanny?” West’s question drew her from the pit of her thoughts.
“Yes?”
He laughed softly. “I asked if you were ready to leave.”
“I am, thank you.” She turned and started across the creaking wood floor.
“You seem rather distracted,” he said, walking alongside her. “Ivy said you might be.”
Ivy had stayed home with Leah, who hadn’t wanted to take her nap. They feared another tooth might be coming. “She told you about what happened?” Fanny asked. She expected Ivy would have since she and West told each other everything.
“About St. Ives courting Miss Stoke?”
It was a bit more than courting—he’d promised to marry her. However, Fanny didn’t correct him. Courting was just as bad.
She could practically hear her mother’s voice:“You’ve no reason to be angry. He didn’t promise you anything.”But he’d kissed her! And Mother would say that was her fault, not his.
“His father and her father wanted to unite their families. His lordship promised to marry her.”
“Then why the devil was he calling on you?” West’s question held a note of irritation, and while it made her feel good to have another ally, it wasn’t as if he could do anything about it.
“If I knew that, I might not want to kick him in the—” She snapped her lips shut.
West laughed and patted her shoulder. “That’s our girl. Don’t think I will let this pass. I’ll look for him at the club later.”
They stepped out into the gray sunlight. The day was thick with clouds, but still remarkably bright. Fanny blinked after coming from the dim interior. “I feel much better being outside. That property won’t suffice.”
“I don’t think so either.” He guided her to his coach, which waited for them on the street.
“West, I’d rather you didn’t speak to Dav—St. Ives about this business. He’s free to do what he likes or feels he must.”
Offering her his hand, West helped her up into the coach. “You are an understanding and generous young woman.”
She settled herself on the seat. “What else should I be?”
