“I confess to keeping a list of them, as well.”
“A list? You, too?” Winston chuckled as he sent Millie a warm look. “I should’ve guessed.”
Used to such teasing given the numerous cousins she had, Millie grinned. “I keep them on numerous subjects as a matter of fact. I like to stay organized.”
Perhaps she shouldn’t have admitted that as it made her sound boring. Tendencies to do things like write lists proved how unlikely she was to inspire love in a rogue like Winston. No doubt he preferred ladies who were adventurous and exciting. She couldn’t claim either of those qualities.
Unable to think of anything intelligent to say, Millie held her silence, wishing she could take back the words and the embarrassment they made her feel.
As if sensing her upset, Eliza eased closer. “Did you already find a book?” She glanced down the aisle from which they had emerged. “I don’t know that I’ve looked there before.”
Nor had Millie, and she certainly couldn’t claim to have done so today when she couldn’t recall a single book she’d seen.
“Rather dry, dusty tomes in that row from what we saw,” Winston answered. “You never know until you look, I suppose.”
“I believe I will wait to make a purchase.” Millie glanced at those displayed on a nearby table. “I don’t seem to be able to decide on one.”
To her surprise, Winston picked up the farming book they had first looked at upon entering the store. “I have. Then I am off to my club.” He nodded to them both. “I hope you ladies have a nice day.” He strolled to the front counter and handed the clerk the book.
“I should be going as well.” Millie caught Alice’s eye who remained by the door then looked back at her friend. “It was lovely to see you, Eliza.”
“And you.”
“Goodbye, Eliza.” Winston had already put the book on his account and carried it with him as he also moved toward the door. “That was a close one, eh?” he murmured to Millie.
“Too close.” She only hoped Eliza didn’t think anything of seeing them together.
“With luck, she won’t think further about it.” He held the door for her then dipped his head, his charming smile tugging at her heart. “I look forward to our next rendezvous.”
Suddenly, all the subterfuge, from the secret messages to the clandestine meetings, was worthwhile and quite an adventure—one she would never forget. “As do I.”
Chapter Nine
“To what do Iowe the honor of a visit?” Winston asked late the following morning after Eliza and Trentworth had been announced and shown into his study, a careless smile firmly in place.
Clouds colored the day gray and a chill in the air had chased him into his study to work. A fire in the hearth provided additional warmth, but now that his sister and brother-in-law had arrived, he felt overly heated since he knew their arrival wasn’t purely social...or completely unexpected.
He’d hoped Eliza’s suspicions hadn’t been roused when he and Millicent encountered her at the bookshop. Now he knew better.
“Oh, I think you know.” Eliza directed him a pointed look as she sank gracefully onto the settee before the fire, her husband settling beside her. She looked every inch the duchess today. Though her blue silk gown and matching hat weren’t extravagant, they were well made and in excellent taste, but it was her poise that showed her position. She was obviouslygrowing accustomed to being a duchess and confident of her place in the world.
Though he’d been a marquess for well over a decade, he didn’t know that he could say the same.
“Did I miss some social engagement?” Winston sat in a nearby chair and stared across the room, pretending to search his memory. “Terribly sorry if I did.”
“No.” Eliza smoothed her skirts as she shared a worried look with Trentworth. “It is the fact that I saw you dance with Millie at the ball the other night and then you were together again yesterday at Hatchards. What on earth is going on?”
Winston smothered a groan. He’d thought he and Millicent had played the moment in the bookshop casually enough to convince his sister they’d only happened upon one another by chance. Apparently, she was too observant by half.
That didn’t mean he was willing to admit to anything. He intended to protect Millicent and himself.
“I came upon her outside the shop, we entered together and enjoyed a brief conversation.” He frowned as he looked between her and Trentworth. “What else would there be to the matter?”
Eliza studied him for a long moment, clearly undecided if he told the truth. “Are you sure?”
Based on Trentworth’s expression, he was also uncertain whether there was more to the situation. Blast it.
“Why so many questions?” Winston always found it better to turn inquiries back onto the person asking.