Page 11 of Impeccable
Heloise narrowed one eye at her and cocked her head. “You didn’t tell me about him because youlikedhim. You didn’t worry I’d cast you in a relationship—you worried thatyouwould.” She gave Evie a sympathetic smile. “It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, you know.”
Thankfully, the butler came in to say that Lord Gregory had arrived.
“See you later.” Evie turned and breezed from the room, ignoring what her sister had just said.
Snapping up her hat from a table in the entrance hall, Evie set it atop her head, then grabbed her gloves. A footman opened the door, and she stepped outside into the cool gray afternoon.
Lord Gregory stood next to a smart gig. He wore a dark blue coat over brown wool breeches. His waistcoat was also blue, nearly the exact same shade as the coat. His cravat was simple, but she liked that. It was a welcome contrast to the fussier styles she typically saw in London.
“I think someone is excited to see you.” Lord Gregory stepped aside to reveal Ash sitting in the gig.
Evie instantly forgot about Lord Gregory and strode straight to the puppy. “There’s our boy! Have you been such a good pup?”
Ash barked in response, his brown eyes fixing on her as she stroked his head, glad she hadn’t yet put on her gloves. After repeating more happy puppy nonsense, she finally recalled that Lord Gregory was there. “I suppose we should go.”
“Or we could just stand here and fawn over Ash. I don’t mind.”
Evie smiled at him. “You are a patient man.”
“Yes, but mostly I am just as smitten with Mr. Ash as you are.”
Evie wanted to disagree. She really didn’t want to be smitten with the dog. Or with anyone.
In the end, she said nothing as Lord Gregory handed her into the gig. As soon as she was seated, Ash climbed onto her lap.
“That’s how it is, then?” she murmured, petting the back of his neck and shoulders.
Lord Gregory chuckled as he climbed in beside her. “That’s how we drove here. Him sitting on my lap.”
Evie set her gloves on the seat between her and Lord Gregory. Though it was chilly, what was the point in wearing them when she was going to be snuggling a puppy?
Smitten,her mind whispered. She clenched her teeth.
The gig moved forward, and Ash sat up to look out at the passing scenery.
“He seems to appreciate the view,” Evie said.
Lord Gregory nodded as he steered the gig along the drive. “Yes. If you want a blanket, there’s one tucked behind the seat.” He glanced over at Evie. “Since you overheard Susan the other day, you must have heard what she said about Ash.”
“I did. That’s why I tried to subtly ask you about where he was sleeping.”
“The subtlety you were telling me about in action.” He smiled. “I wouldn’t ever let her dictate what I do with our dog.”
“Ourdog?”
“We found him together, didn’t we?”
“Yes, but we can’t share him. He’s your dog.” She stroked Ash’s back lest he think she didn’t care about him. “I will simply visit as long as we are neighbors.”
“Then I shall have to endeavor that we are neighbors when we are both in London. What is your address?”
She slid him a look of appreciation and let out a short laugh. “Now, that is some smooth flirting.”
“I didn’t even realize.”
She suspected he really didn’t. “I probably shouldn’t tell you my address.” She definitely wouldn’t if he were any other man.
“Why not?”
