Page 28 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
“Your knowledge was invaluable to him. My grandfather’s intellectual curiosity never abated. Up to his last days, he learned as much as he could about the beautiful items he collected and donated.”
“Mr. Bennington—your grandfather—was a brilliant man. I was deeply saddened to learn I would never again have the opportunity to discuss my latest explorations with him.”
“He relished those conversations. At times, he could become a bit fixed in his opinions, but he so enjoyed an invigorating debate.”
“My colleagues at the university could not have kept pace with him.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that. Not one whit,” Macie said. “How long will you be in London before adventure calls?”
“I expect to remain in the city for at least six months. I am working on a new field of study and will be involved in research before I return to Greece.”
“Someday, I shall travel to Athens,” she said. “I’d love to prepare an exhibit there.”
“Don’t put it off.” His expression grew serious. “I’ve seen the mood you can invoke with your camera.”
His words caught her by surprise. “You’ve attended one of my exhibits?”
“I cannot say as I have. But I shall seize the first opportunity.” He smiled. “Your grandfather was very proud of your talent. He showed me some of your photographs. Very impressive, Miss Mason.”
The thought of her grandfather proudly sharing her art warmed her heart. “Thank you.”
Aylesworth’s gaze trailed over her shoulder. His expression shifted. “It would appear we have company.”
Finn strolled toward them, his strides long and relaxed. “Aylesworth, it’s been a long time.”
A cryptic smile tugged at the professor’s mouth. “I’d heard you were squiring Miss Mason about town in Jon’s absence.”
Finn’s gaze hardened. He moved closer to Macie. Possessively so. Her pulse raced, and she pulled in a low breath.
“That’s not the only reason I’m here with her tonight.” His voice was low, with a flinty edge.
Aylesworth shrugged. “I’m not surprised Jon enlisted you to watch over his sister. You do know how to make a man rue the moment he decided to raise his fists against you.” His gaze hardened. “But then again, so do I.”
“Raised fists?” Macie spoke up. “I don’t much like the direction this conversation has taken.”
“My apologies, Miss Mason.” To her surprise, a brief grin played on Aylesworth’s lips. “Caldwell and I are old acquaintances. We shared a mutual interest in pugilism.”
“Good God, man. Ye make it sound so blasted civilized.” The tension on Finn’s face eased into a look of familiarity. “Neither of us played by gentlemen’s rules.”
Aylesworth pointed to the slight crook in the bridge of his nose. “At times, I can still feel the crack of your knuckles. You left your mark, my friend.”
“Ye got yer payback. Cracked my rib, as I recall.” Finn uttered the rather unpleasant reminiscence in a casual tone.
Macie marveled at the scene. Two intelligent, educated men, looking rather pleased over memories of pummeling one another. Would she ever understand the male of the species?
“Two of them, if memory serves,” Aylesworth corrected.
“That’s right.” Finn’s hand went to his side, indicating the site of the injuries. “But enough reminiscing. I would not want Macie to think me a brute.” He gently placed his hand on her forearm, the gesture proper. Yet somehow, rather intimate.
Aylesworth quirked a brow. “Not a brute. But definitely a fighter.”
“Which ye’d do well to remember,” Finn said, his tone cocky.
Macie’s breath caught. Throughout the evening, Finn had showed little interest in their charade. But now, he was playing his part a bit too well.
“Ah, there you are!” Nell’s voice cut through the quiet tension. Thankful for the distraction, Macie turned on her heel to see that she was not alone.Gads.Lord Drayton walked by her side, looking as if his toes were rather pinched.
“Mr. Aylesworth, I had not expected to see you here,” Nell sounded a bit too pleased at the unplanned reunion. Yearsearlier, she’d harbored a girlish crush on the professor. Judging from the excitement in her eyes, it would not take much to rekindle that flame.
