Page 64 of The Recluse of Wolfeton House (Ladies of Devon 4)

Bentley cleared his throat. “Did he stay long?”

She scrunched up her face in apology. “He waited for a good deal of time before I arrived, so I did not feel I could leave without visiting with him.”

“I understand.”

She drew in a breath, focusing on the drawing instead of Bentley’s face. “Mr. Warren accepted Lucy’s invitation to our dinner party next week.”

“I would expect nothing less.”

“He accepted on behalf of both of you.”

The loft grew silent, the only sound was the whistling wind traveling through cracks in the walls and the horses huffing down below. She hazarded a look up and caught him staring at her intently, his mouth in a firm line.

“You may write to Lucy today and explain the misunderstanding,” Hattie suggested. “I think she would understand.”

“No,” Bentley said softly. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”

Hattie put down her pencil. She said nothing, only stared. He was going to attend? Had he gone mad? “Do you realize the implications of attending this dinner? There is more to the party than just my household.”

He shifted in his seat. “Is it a great number?”

“No more than a dozen, but is that not a great number when you’ve spent so long in isolation?”

Bentley ran a hand over his face, then he speared her with a look. “I think it is time I put an end to my isolation.”

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