Page 142 of A Dangerous Scheme (Regency Spies & Secrets 4)

His eyes roamed her face. “It is best that Stewart left.”

“Why do you say that?”

“He doesn’t deserve you,” he said. “You are an heiress, and he has nothing to offer you.”

“You are wrong about that, but it matters not,” she remarked. “He has left Anmore, never to return.”

“I’m sorry he lied to you.”

“As am I.”

Phineas leaned back in his seat. “That is why a sensible person does not marry for love. It is fleeting, and only seems to complicate matters.”

“I disagree.”

“You do?” he asked. “Even after everything that transpired between you and Stewart?”

“I would change nothing.”

He shook his head. “You are being rather foolish, then.”

Barrow stepped into the room and met her gaze. “Mr. Stewart is here to call upon you, Miss. Are you available for callers?”

She stared back at the butler in surprise. “Mr. Stewart is here?”

“He is,” the butler replied.

“And he wants to speak to me?” she pressed.

Barrow’s lips twitched. “He does.”

Phineas interjected, “Inform Mr. Stewart that Miss Locke does not wish to see him. He is a liar and a brute.”

“No!” Daphne exclaimed. “Please don’t do that.”

Phineas gave her a curious look. “Are you seriously thinking about meeting with him?”

“I am.”

“Why?” Phineas asked. “Do I need to remind you that he used you for information?”

“Because I want to hear what he has to say for himself.” She turned her attention back to the butler. “Will you send him in?”

Barrow tipped his head before he went to do her bidding.

Phineas rose. “I will give you some privacy, but I will be on the other side of the door.”

“Thank you, Cousin,” she said, rising.

Mr. Stewart stepped into the room, wearing a tattered brown suit with a blue waistcoat. It was a far cry from the fine apparel that he had been wearing only the day before. His eyes met hers, and they stared at each other for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. “Thank you for agreeing to see me, Miss Locke.”

She gave him a weak smile. “Would you care for some refreshment?”

“No, thank you.”

Phineas spoke up as he glared at Mr. Stewart. “I will be nearby, so you best not try anything with my cousin.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Mr. Stewart replied, his eyes not straying from hers.

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