“As would I.” She held his gaze, wanting him to see her sincerity. She hoped he could see how well-suited they were for one another. That perhaps he might be tempted to rethink his plan to remain unmarried for the coming years.
He returned the book to its place with slow movements. “Maybe we can find another mutually agreeable meeting place.” He glanced around before turning back to her. “A more...private one.”
“I think I would like that.” She faced the books again in case anyone watched. “But my intentions haven’t changed, just to be clear.”
She bit her lip, hoping that didn’t change his mind even though she wanted to remind him of her expectations. If he only knew how often Viscount Dunthorpe’s name was mentioned by her parents. Yet how could she tell them to halt potential plans with the man without offering a reason?
Winston’s interest pleased her more than she could say, but she also knew it could end at any moment. He wasn’t known for longevity in relationships. His interest in activities tended to shift like the wind.
The idea that she, who so rarely caught a man’s eye, might be the one to suddenly anchor him seemed incredibly unlikely. Chances were she was a passing fancy, and he would soon seek amusement elsewhere. The trick was to make certain he didn’t break her heart if that happened. Or should she saywhen?
The thought had her heaving a sigh.
“Understood.” He gave a single nod. “We must take care and guard your reputation.”
“Hmm.” The words were hardly reassuring.
“I will send another message soon,” he said, his voice quiet. Then he turned to lead the way toward the front of the shop, pausing a few times to look at other books. He stepped to the side when he reached the end of the row to allow her to precede him.
“Millie?”
Millie looked over to see Eliza standing at the front counter.
“Oh. H-Hello, Eliza.” Her face heated with embarrassment as she managed a greeting.
“And Winston.” Eliza’s gaze darted between Millie and her brother, clearly uncertain what to think. “How...surprising to see you...both here.”
Millie’s heart leapt to her throat, thoughts racing as to what explanation she could possibly give. She glanced at Winston, hoping he might say something that sounded plausible.
“Eliza. Here for a new book?” he asked as he drew closer to his sister. “I happened to run into Miss Davies only a few minutes ago. No surprise that she is also looking for one.”
Millie nearly lifted her eyes to the ceiling at his unhelpful response, which would surely make Eliza even more suspicious. She feared his sister would see through his casual demeanor when he had to be as dismayed to see Eliza as Millie was.
“Yes, I wanted something new to read.” Her hands were empty, so perhaps she had only just arrived.
“Did you already read our latest pick for the literary league?” Millie asked, forcing herself to relax. Eliza would find it odd if she hurried out the door before conversing.
“I did, and I enjoyed it more than I expected. Did you?”
“Yes. I liked it as well. I thought to see what other books the author has written.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Eliza agreed, then turned to her brother. “The question is, what areyoudoing here?”
Winston had eased away while they spoke and turned back to face his sister. “I wanted a book.” He shrugged when Eliza cast him a doubtful look. “I read on occasion, just not as much as you.”
“Do you?” Eliza’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t remember the last time I saw you with a book in your hands.”
“For your information, I prefer to read at night before bed.”
The image of him doing just that filled Millie’s mind and caused her cheeks to heat. She could too easily imagine them side by side in bed, reading before they went to sleep. The sharp pang of longing that struck her took her by surprise. Fearing Eliza would see more in her expression than she wanted, Millie picked up the nearest book to feign interest in it, relieved it was a mystery and not another farming book that would reveal her ploy.
The siblings continued their friendly banter that soon had Millie smiling, especially since they were ignoring her. She was more comfortable in the role of observer.
“Come now, how many books have you actually read in the past year?” Eliza prodded as if determined to uncover Winston in a lie.
“Four or five, I suppose.” Winston lifted one shoulder in a careless shrug. “I don’t count them like you do.”
“I don’t—” Eliza began, only to laugh when both Millie and Winston sent her questioning looks. “Well, perhaps I do keep a list. I suppose it’s a way of tracking my progress. Do you count them, Millie?”