Tempting a Gentleman, Smith, Ann [best ebook for manga TXT] 📗

on her feet. “Ye want to walk back to yer shop or ride in a hack?”

Her dad hated cramped quarters. She gave him a smile and walked to the door. Hand on the latch, Emma said, “I fink I’ll take a hack…alone. Simon and the boys will follow—no need for ye to be traipsing about town at this hour.” She closed the door behind her, but not before she caught a glimpse at her dad’s broad grin and her mum’s sad but proud, watery eyes.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Aligning the sheets of parchment in his hands, Christopher tapped the bottoms to his desk. Four damn days of meetings and discussions with Lord Weathersbee and Landon had worn Christopher’s patience thin. He hadn’t managed to escape to spend a single moment with Emma. He’d tried to listen to the staff’s whispers, but none gave Christopher any clue what had been preoccupying his betrothed’s time. He had drafted a note explaining his absence, which had also included some rather intimate details of what he wanted and had been dreaming of doing with Emma, but thought better of sending it, knowing someone would have to read it to her. He’d thrown the love letter into the fire, and as it turned to ashes, so had Christopher’s hopes of her accompanying him. Instead, he relayed messages to Emma via her guard, Simon, hoping Emma understood how time intensive it was to prepare for his departure.

Christopher froze at the rap at his office door. “Enter.” It was Simon. A breath trapped in his chest, Christopher waited for the man to approach.

Bent at the waist so Weathersbee and Landon wouldn’t be able to hear, Simon said softly, “Mr. Neale, Miss Lennox wants ye to know she fully understands. And to let ye know she’s too busy to keep responding to yer messages. She asks ye to stop sending me back and forth for no reason.”

Christopher concentrated on relaxing every clenched muscle in his body. He calmly placed the papers flat upon the desk and turned to address Simon. “Tell Miss Lennox…”

“Mr. Neale, if ye don’t mind, may I give ye some advice?”

The bold request had Christopher narrowing his gaze at the man.

Simon’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Me mistress is no’ lying. She’s been running about faster than a hare. Don’t ask me wot she’s about cuz I don’t know, and she ain’t talkin’ to no one. If ye want answers, ye best figure out a way to go see her yerself.”

The fear that Emma would simply tell him to go to the New World alone had kept him hiding in his offices. He released a sigh. He could no longer avoid the discussion. “Please inform Miss Lennox to expect me later this eve.”

The relief that washed over Simon’s features was clear for all the men in the room to see. Simon nodded and rushed out of the office.

Weathersbee rose and tapped his knuckles on Christopher’s desk twice. “I believe I’ve accomplished all I wish for the day. I shall return tomorrow.”

Christopher raised his eyes to the man, who was proving to be rather resourceful and extremely proficient at learning the operations of the office. In less than a week, Weathersbee had managed to set the employees at ease regarding Christopher’s pending departure for an unspecified time period. They all believed Christopher to be planning an extravagantly romantic adventure for his bride.

Donning his coat, Weathersbee said, “Best wishes for your meeting this eve, Mr. Neale.”

Landon, who had remained mute for most of their afternoon discussions, said, “Will you be attending Hereford’s soiree tonight, Weathersbee?”

“Yes. I had planned on attending for a spell. At least long enough to garner any information that might assist us in Millard’s case.” Without waiting for a response, Weathersbee slid the last button into place and, with a curt nod, left Christopher’s office.

Landon stood and moved to the window as Weathersbee walked out. His brother carefully shifted the drapes to the side. “I suspect the old man’s motivations for attending this evening’s entertainment is not solely linked to our case.”

Christopher glanced up from the case file he’d opened. “What other reason could there be?”

“Did you know…Weathersbee’s papa’s estate was but a few miles away from our grandfather’s?”

Rolling his head to one side, Christopher kneaded his strained neck muscles. “What are you implying?” Landon was always suspicious of others’ motivations, but his distrust had multiplied upon claiming his position as Head PORF.

“Mama was renowned for her beauty before Grandfather disowned her for marrying Papa.” Landon’s breath fogged the window. He cleared the glass pane with his sleeve and intently peered out again.

“And what does that have to do with Weathersbee?”

“Hmph.” Landon let the curtain fall back into place and returned to his seat in front of Christopher. “I’m not sure, but the man’s gaze lingers on Mama a moment too long for my liking.”

What would it matter to Landon if Weathersbee was interested in their mama? A spark of ire at his brother’s meddling spurred Christopher to ask, “Are you opposed to the idea of Mama finding love and remarrying?”

“You know I’m not. But Weathersbee? He’s younger than Mama.”

Christopher chuckled at Landon’s appalled expression. “Brother, you are a stick in the mud. Mama is quite capable of taking care of herself. Now, promise to leave matters alone.”

“I promised not to interfere with Weathersbee running the firm. I will not make the same promise regarding Mama.” Landon shook his head and glared at Christopher.

Christopher was in no mood to debate the issue with his brother. “I’ll leave it up to Mama to sort you out. I have many matters of my own to rectify.”

“Like speaking to your betrothed about whatever issue has caused you to stay away from her for…well, too many days in my mind.”

Irritated, Christopher barked, “Unless you have any wisdom to impart, I suggest you leave.”

“Having married a former Network member myself, I shall impart my hard-won knowledge. The Network raises its girls to be strong and brave, but that doesn’t mean they do not