Her heartbeat sped at the idea of having a reason to speak with him in private again, not to mention the connection it offered. “Of course. May I ask why?”
“Henderson has befriended my father, much to my dismay. I don’t agree with many of his views, nor do I trust him.” He glanced at the book he held. “Of course, I wouldn’t want to cause any problems for another guest, including him. I’d prefer to have this remain between us.”
“Of course.” But she intended to ask Frances at the first opportunity. It might be ridiculous of her to latch on to a reason to speak with Garland again, but she couldn’t help it. Not when she found him so appealing.
Chapter Six
Afew hours later,Frances paced the length of Harriet’s bedroom, her brow puckered with concentration. “If only I could think of something clever to say to him.”
They had dressed for the evening and were ready to go to the drawing room to gather with the guests before dinner.
“As I mentioned before, you need only relax and be yourself,” Harriet said, nearly dizzy from watching her friend. “You are charming just as you are.”
Frances halted, the bustle of her pale green gown swinging at the abrupt movement. “My mind goes blank when he’s near.”
“Oh?” Harriet’s curiosity was caught as she had suffered a similar problem. “Do you experience other physical symptoms as well?”
“Other than embarrassment?” She shook her head, her frustration obvious. “I seem incapable of putting two words together in his presence.”
That didn’t exactly answer the question but maybe she was better off not knowing. Yet she couldn’t help herself. “What is it about him that appeals to you?”
For Harriet, there were numerous qualities, from his handsome appearance to the warmth and humor in his hazel eyes to his willingness to take her into his confidence earlier today. Then there was her reaction to him even when she wasn’t looking at him. She knew him to be kind and respectful, and she enjoyed speaking with him as well.
The worrisome issue was that she could go on.
And on.
“He’s quite handsome.” Frances sighed.
“True. What else?”
“He played charades in good humor.” She turned to look at Harriet, worrying her lower lip. “It’s difficult to explain.”
Harriet nodded. On that, they could agree.
It was apparent Frances didn’t know Garland well, but Harriet couldn’t claim to either.