Page 39 of How to Cross a Marquess (The Way to a Lord's Heart 3)

The way she saidhimin the final sentence told Arthur a good deal. Best to abandon the subject of dogs for now, he decided. “So Chatton and Miss Fairclough,” he tried instead. “I couldn’t help but notice something between them.”

“I’d be glad,” she admitted. “But that would be a complicated piece of matchmaking. I told you their history.” She tapped the handle of her parasol. “What shall I do?”

“You wish to be involved?”

“In helping Roger find happiness? How not?” She held up a finger. “Whatever that may mean. There’s to be no forcing.”

“Out of the question,” replied Arthur. “I wouldn’t consider it.”

Helena nodded. “So what is your plan?”

“Ah.”

“You don’t have one, do you?”

“I tend to respond to circumstance.” She laughed at him. Arthur joined in. “I try to, uh, provide opportunities for matters to develop,” he added.

“Opportunities.” She looked doubtful. “I’ve been doing something similar for months, and nothing has come of it.”

Just then the subject of their conversation appeared at the castle door. The marquess surveyed the garden and then began walking toward them.

“Roger looks very satisfied with himself,” said Helena.

“He does?”

“Yes. He’s walking with a spring in his step. And he’s trying not to smile. He’s been up to something.”

“I accept a mother’s keen perceptions,” Arthur replied. Chatton did have a lively air about him.

“Hello, Mama, Macklin,” said the younger man when he reached their bench. He stood before them, hands behind his back. He looked up at the clouds racing across the sky. “Not really a day for the outdoors,” he commented.

“I thought you went riding,” said his mother.

“Well, yes,” he said, as if this was a different matter.

“I would have accompanied you if I’d known,” said Arthur.

“Oh, ah, I set off early, you know.”

Helena was right, Arthur thought. Chatton had definitely been up to something, and he’d avoided having a companion in order to do it.Andhe was very glad that he’d done so. All this was evident in his manner and expression.

“I believe Mrs. Burke is looking for you, Mama,” the marquess added.

“Is she?” Helena’s tone acknowledged what they all knew. If the housekeeper wanted her, she could easily find her. Nonetheless, Helena rose. Arthur stood with her as she said, “I had better see what she wants then.” She strolled away toward the castle. The two men watched her go.

Chatton shifted from one foot to the other. “Are you flirting with my mother?” he asked abruptly. His tone held the awkwardness of posing such a question to a distinguished elder.

“We’re old friends,” Arthur replied.

“She thinks you came up here to see her.”

“She did have an idea about that, but we cleared it up. Quite amiably, I promise you. We’ve agreed that friendship is the right thing for us.”

“Agreed?” Chatton looked skeptical.

Arthur nodded.

“I won’t have her hurt.”

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