Page 32 of Married to the Rake

Chapter Twelve

“Mr. Waverley, what an unexpected pleasure!” Mrs. Joanna Lockhart had a smile on her face that passed for mischievous. Between her and another girl whom Brook could not remember the name of, was Chloe. Her cheeks were still flushed from the kiss. She had insisted on leaving the book shop before him and catching up with her friends. She was not wrong to do so but he’d be damned if he wanted to break from her company so soon.

“Mrs. Lockhart.” He bowed his head. “And Miss Larkin and…”

“Miss Snow,” the petite dark-haired girl said softly, dipping to him.

“We were just walking back to my carriage. Will you not join us for a moment?” Mrs. Lockhart asked.

Brook did not miss the look Chloe shot her friend’s way but Mrs. Lockhart ignored it as did Brook when it was darted his way. “I would be delighted.”

Brook inserted himself into the gap between Mrs. Lockhart and Chloe and they strolled along the main road that cut through the village, leading straight between the scattered shops—a chandlery, the old forge, a tea shop, and an odds and ends shop. Some medieval buildings remained, their whitewashed walls contrasting with the more modern red brick structures. The road leading between them all was not paved and large ruts cut a groove through it from the many carriages that passed through daily.

“I am surprised to see you here, Mr. Waverley,” Mrs. Lockhart commented.

“Oh, why is that?” he asked nonchalantly. The attractive woman gave him an appraising look. He could not say what Chloe had told them about their acquaintance but it was apparent she was interested in him—and not for herself. He rather liked that Chloe had a protector in this friend.

“You are normally in London at this time of year, are you not? Or Bath? I believe that is where the most…funis to be had.”

“Mr. Waverley’s father has fallen ill, remember, Joanna?” Chloe said quietly.

“Oh yes. Are you remaining to nurse him back to health? Or is there someone else keeping you here?” Mrs. Lockhart’s smile tilted.

“I am, of course, concerned for my father,” he replied, keeping his expression neutral.

“And there is no other reason for you to remain?” Mrs. Lockhart pressed.

“Joanna,” Chloe hissed.

“There are several reasons for me to remain in Hampshire. After all, there are many wonderful people here—much like yourself, Mrs. Lockhart.” He shot her a bold smile.

They came to a stop by the fountain at the end of the town. The one cobbled section allowed carriages to circle around and collect passengers. Two empty hacks awaited passengers and a small private one that he assumed belonged to Mrs. Lockhart’s family was tucked behind them.

“Spoken like a true gentleman.” Mrs. Lockhart eyed him. “I hope you are a true gentleman, Mr. Waverley. I would so hope for all those stories of you not to be true.”

He met her gaze firmly. “I was not aware you read stories such as those, Mrs. Lockhart. I am certain you are aware such stories are greatly exaggerated and I would never cause harm to any woman’s reputation.”

A moment passed and the woman nodded. She leaned in a little and dropped her voice. “If you ever cause hurt to my friend, I shall ensure that you never touch another woman again.”

Brook chuckled. “I believe you wholeheartedly.”

“Good.” She affected a pleasant smile. “Well, it was wonderful to see you, Mr. Waverley. Will you be walking Chloe home? You are neighbors after all.”

“But—”Chloe spluttered.

Miss Snow frowned. “Should she not be—”

“A fine idea,” Brook agreed. “Then you shall not have to travel so far out of your way, Mrs. Lockhart.”

“Do I not—” Chloe started.

“We shall see you for supper soon!” Mrs. Lockhart gave Chloe a wave and tugged Miss Snow away, practically pushing her into the carriage.

He pressed his lips together to suppress a grin. It seemed whatever he had done, he had done enough to assuage any of Mrs. Lockhart’s suspicions. He would have to buy her something nice as a thank you for engineering some time alone with Chloe.

“Shall we?” he asked Chloe.

She glared at him for a few seconds then sighed. “Very well.”

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