Page 60 of The Recluse of Wolfeton House (Ladies of Devon 4)

“Yes, of course, Mrs. Naylor,” Hattie replied dutifully. She waited for the older woman to return to the apothecary to complete her business before climbing into her carriage and settling herself on the bench beside her maid.

Bentley stood at the door, his hand resting on the enamel siding as he leaned in slightly. “I needn’t ask, of course, but—”

“No, it was not real.” She grinned. “But there is no saying how long Lucy will be with the modiste, so I’m uncertain when I can get away.”

“I am a patient man,” Bentley replied quietly. He dipped his head to Hattie, then her maid, before leaving. He’d dropped his package of pigment supplies on the floor when he’d sprung into action, so he slipped back inside the shop to retrieve them.

“And the man,” Mrs. Naylor was saying to the apothecary, leaning forward against the counter with her back to the door. “Never seen him before in my life. But my, what shoulders. Did you see the way he lifted Miss Green so easily? It begs the question—”

The apothecary cleared his throat. Blast. Bentley was really interested in learning exactly what question his lifting Hattie had begged.

He bent to retrieve his package from the floor where it had fallen, and Mrs. Naylor looked at him over her shoulder. Two bright spots of color formed on her cheeks and he lifted the package to show exactly why he’d re-entered the shop. Dipping into a bow, he bade them a good day and left.

Gossips. That was all these country folk were—or any folk, truly. Was it any wonder he’d remained hidden away for so long?

The Green carriage sat idly where he’d last seen it, and he glanced through the window as he passed, noting Hattie speaking to her maid.

He was so impressed with her quick ability to fall into a ruse. He never would have considered fainting in order to draw attention away from their nearness. Bentley quickened his pace with growing anticipation. He merely needed to stop home to leave the package of pigments in his painting room, and then he was going to see Hattie. Nothing in the world sounded more enjoyable than that.

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