Page 38 of Romancing the Heiress
Mr. Mercer shifted, and his gaze flashed with discomfort. “Not precisely.”
“But you don’t deny it completely. You’ve been aggressive from the start. I am not inclined to help you.”
“Then help your friend. My offer was more than fair. If you truly are his friend, you should encourage him to take it.”
Leah withdrew her hand from his arm. “I’ll speak with him, but I can’t recommend your offer. For someone outside Marrywell to come in and manage, as well as own, the botanical gardens… It’s unthinkable.”
His gaze turned cool. “You mentioned I am aggressive. How else do you think I’ve been this successful?”
She cocked her head to the side, wondering what price he’d paid for that success. “Do you have any friends, Mr. Mercer?”
Shock widened his eyes for the barest moment before he inclined his head toward her. “Probably not as many as you, Miss Webster. I do appreciate your assistance if you’re inclined to give it.”
“I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for your offer to be accepted. Good day, Mr. Mercer.” Leah turned and started down the hill, careful not to walk too fast lest gravity carry her along into a heap at the bottom.
She wanted to find Phin immediately. As upset as she was with him, she needed to know what was going on with the gardens. Why were they…failing? How she hated that word. And she wouldn’t use it when she spoke with him.
Just before she reached the bottom of the hill, Phin strode toward her. She braced herself for the difficult conversation ahead.
Chapter12
Deciding it was time he look for Genevieve, Phin forced himself to go to the lake where the picnic area was situated. Many brought their own blankets and food, but there would be blankets to use, provided by the kind people of Marrywell, as well as food and drink to purchase.
The overall air was that of amusement and joy, with the hope of love dashed on top. But Phin felt none of those things. He was still too upset about his encounter with Leah last night. That couldn’t have been goodbye, not after all they’d shared.
Including a particularly delicious kiss that he would give anything to repeat.
Instead, he needed to find the heiress he hoped to win. Ugh, that made it sound like a contest. And he supposed it was.
As he neared the picnic area, he saw a familiar couple walking up the hill: Leah and Mercer. That blackguard wouldn’t be satisfied until he’d taken everything that belonged to Phin.
He stopped short. Leah did not belong to him. At all. Did he want her to?
Shaking the question away, Phin fixed on them as they paused to talk. He moved closer until he could see that Leah looked…annoyed. However, he couldn’t see Mercer’s face. What was he saying to upset Leah? Phin’s hands clenched into fists. Then he flattened them against his thighs. How could he be angry with Mercer for upsetting her when Phin had done a fantastic job of that himself?
Suddenly, Leah was walking swiftly down the hill. Alone. Phin rushed to intercept her. She seemed to have to catch herself as she saw him.
Her features were impassive, except for her gaze, which was cool. “Excellent, you’ve saved me the trouble of having to find you.”
“Is Mercer courting you?” Phin blurted. Where had that come from? That wasn’t at all what he’d planned to say.
She blinked at him, her expression turning quizzical. “No. Not that it’s any of your business. I think I told you he didn’t come here to find a bride.”
“Yes, you’ve said that. But have you never noticed the way he looks at you? He sees you as an attractive woman.” Which she was. Phin could scarcely look away from her. Why had he not spent more time assessing her remarkable features? From her blue-gray eyes that could sparkle with joy and, as he’d learned yesterday, heat with desire to the faint dimples in her cheeks to the small freckle near the edge of her left eye. And of course that delightful bump in her nose that made her appear undeniably superior. Because she was. In every way.
“He can find me attractive or, say, even kissable, without wanting to marry me,” she said with an undeniable hint of sarcasm.
Perhaps it was more than a hint. And he deserved that. But marriage? Why would she even want him to marry her? She’d left Marrywell and found happiness as a companion. Did she not want that anymore?
He was so confused. About a great many things. “Mercer grates on my nerves,” Phin grumbled.
“I am not surprised. He just interrogated me about the gardens. May we walk for a moment? I can’t be too long. Mrs. Selkirk is expecting me back.”
“Isn’t she always?” Phin muttered. He gestured for Leah to precede him, then fell into step beside her. He didn’t bother offering his arm. He doubted she would take it.
“Yes. Mercer pointed out—correctly—that the gardens are not up to their usual…glory. I hadn’t noticed this until he told me, then I realized it was true.” She looked over at him as they walked. “Phin, what’s wrong? It isn’t like you to let things slide.”
“That isn’t what’s happening. The weather was devastating last year.”Just tell her the truth. She would understand. She would sympathize. She would help if she could.
