Page 28 of Married to the Rake

He straightened at the sight of something. Or someone. Definitely female, with a parasol shielding her face. It had to be Chloe, surely? Who else would it be?

“Chloe!” He lifted a hand.

She turned toward him and his heart dropped low into his stomach down to his toes. It was most certainly not Chloe.

It was her mother.

Damn, he had given away their acquaintance. Chloe really would have something to scold him about now. He glanced around and debated his next move. He could run or pretend he had not seen her, though neither move would exactly improve his standing in her mother’s eyes. If they were ever to mend the relationship between the families, he would hope to be civil with her too.

He sighed. There was nothing he could do but try to explain away why he had called Chloe’s name. He straightened as Mrs. Larkin neared and gave a courteous nod. She looked so like an older version of Chloe, with ashy strawberry hair and a full figure, that it was almost eerie. “Mrs. Larkin.”

“Mr. Waverley.” She peered at him from under her hat, tilting back the parasol to look him up and down. “Whatever are doing out here?”

“Oh just…uh…”—he kicked the fence—”checking the boundaries.”

“I see.” She narrowed her gaze. “As you can see, they are not yet moved.”

“Yes, yes I can see that. Excellent.” He cleared his throat. “Well, I shall be—”

“Mr. Waverley,” she called before he could turn away.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Why exactly did you call me daughter’s name?”

“Your daughter’s name?” He shook his head vigorously. “I believe you are mistaken, m—”

“If you are trying to call me old and of poor hearing, I should watch your tongue, Mr. Waverley.”

Brook had to resist a smile. So that was where Chloe got her fire from. “Forgive me.”

“Tell me the truth now. I saw you two dancing together at Mr. Benedict’s ball and Chloe never dances with anyone. Would you say you are acquainted?”

He clasped his hands behind his back. He could not lie to her but he could hardly tell her the truth either. From what Chloe said, her mother would not be happy about them interfering in their fathers’ business.

He nodded slowly. “Yes, we are acquainted.”

“Well, that explains my daughter’s demeanor of late.” She pursed her lips. “I hope you understand that Chloe is naïve but far cleverer than either of us. I trust her not to make a fool of herself. I hope I can trust you to be a gentleman.”

“You can, ma’am. I swear it.”

“Very well. We shall say nothing more on it.”

“Mrs. Waverley…uh…is Chloe at home today?” He spilled out the question before he had thought it through properly.

The hint of a smile curved the woman’s mouth. “She is not. And even if she was, you would certainly not be welcome there, Mr. Waverley.”

“Ah. Of course. Yes—”

“She is in the village with her friends. No doubt she shall be visiting the bookshop,” Chloe’s mother said airily.

“I—” Before he could thank her, she turned and headed away from the fence.

Brook watched her leave then let his shoulders drop and unclasped his hands. He peered at the back of his hands. Nail marks were etched into the back of them. He needed to be much, much more careful. If that had been Mr. Larkin, he’d likely have a bullet in him or be facing a duel.

Still, he quite fancied a stroll into the village. After all, nothing could be said if he just happened to be in the same shop as Chloe. He grinned to himself. He was as entitled to browse for books as the next man.

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