Page 9 of Impeccable
Her words hit him straight in the heart. His father had said something similar as he lay dying. He’d told Gregory that he wished he’d been the heir. And he’d asked Gregory to look after his brother, to try to ensure the marquessate didn’t suffer under his custody.
Gregory would try, but he doubted he’d be much help. Clifford had made it clear since their father’s death that he was glad to be free of his management, that he was eager to establish himself as the marquess.
“I am not the older brother, however,” he responded. “Do you have siblings?”
“Yes. A sister.”
He was reminded of how she and Mrs. Creighton looked as though they could be related. But if they were, Mrs. Renshaw surely would have said so. “I hope you are closer than my brother and me.”
“Based on what you’ve said, I would say so. I admire her very much. This garden is beautifully laid out,” she said, effectively changing the subject. He didn’t mind.
“My family has supported it for generations. It is far more stunning in the summer, as you can imagine.”
“I’m sure. What a wonderful thing for your family to do.”
Gregory only hoped it would continue. Alas, regardless of what his father wanted, Gregory couldn’t control what Clifford would do. In the end, if he wanted to cease the marquessate’s support of the garden, he could. Very soon, Gregory was going to have to get back to his own life and pursue a career. For the first time in months, he was eager to do so—and he credited meeting Mrs. Renshaw.
“I didn’t realize you were a patroness at the Phoenix Club,” he said, impressed. “That is where we met?”
“Yes.”
“I apologize for not remembering you. Indeed, I can’t understand how that is possible. I must have lost my wits just before making your acquaintance.”
She let out a soft, short laugh. “I am not offended to be found unremarkable. On the contrary, there is peace in anonymity, I think.”
“It is statements like that one that make you utterlyremarkable.” Feeling inexplicably bold, he added, “I find myself captivated by you, and that has never happened before.”
Color flamed her cheeks, and he was sorry to have caused her any discomfort. He rushed to say, “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“It isn’t that,” she said. “It’s just… You aren’t like any gentleman I’ve met. They don’t typically reveal what they are thinking in such a direct manner. It also seems as if you genuinely mean it, that you aren’t offering an empty platitude.”
“Idomean it. Flirtation and subtlety are somewhat beyond me.” He shook his head, smiling faintly.
“I should be equally frank. While I am flattered, I am quite happy in my widowhood, and I’ve no plans to change my status.Ever.” She spoke kindly but firmly, leaving no question as to her intentions.
Now hewasembarrassed. “I didn’t mean to suggest anything. I like you. Perhaps we can be friends.” Unless she preferred not to have male friends. Except Creighton was obviously a friend. Or was his wife her friend, and he just came with the bargain? Didanyof that matter?
“I would like that.” She gave him an arresting smile, and he began the disappointing process of telling himself not to react, either externally or internally. “Then I’ll be able to visit Ash.” She winked at him, and he nearly asked her not to do such things, that it wasn’t fair. Except, he feared everything she did drew him to her.
“Perhaps you’d like to take a ride with me tomorrow?” he asked.
“I don’t ride.”
“Oh.” Stupidly, he hesitated, as if he didn’t know how to respond to her statement. Plenty of ladies didn’t ride. “How about a drive, then? I’ll bring Ash.” That would actually be much better than a ride. He should have suggested it straightaway.
She stopped and turned toward him, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I’d planned to see you tonight and ask my favor regarding your brother and his wife. That was supposed to be the end of our association.”
“You just said you wanted to be friends.”
“I do, which is surprising and perhaps a little frustrating. After hearing Lady Witney the other day, I’d decided to avoid your family entirely.”
“While I can appreciate your desire to stay clear of Susan—Lady Witney—I can assure you that I am nothing like her. Or my brother.”
“I’m learning that.” She studied him a moment. “Furthermore, you perplex me. You look as though you should be a confident rake swanning his way through London. Yet you are thoughtful, caring, and perhaps even a trifle, dare I say, awkward?” She shook her head. “Forgive me, that isn’t the kindest word. I mean you seem slightly ill at ease.”
Gregory couldn’t help grinning. “I am most definitely awkward, particularly around fascinating, assertive women such as yourself. It was a problem when I was searching for a wife last Season.”
“We can work on that.” She pivoted back to facing forward in the direction they were taking along the path. “If you want to. I’ve been known to help people with certain things. Granted, they have all been women.”
