Page 89 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
The door to the garden opened, and Mrs. Tuttle came onto the terrace. “I do hope I’m not interrupting, but you have a guest. He says his name’s Aylesworth, and he’s of the opinion you will wish to speak with him.”
“Indeed,” Macie perked up at the news. “Please, do show him in.”
Moments later, Macie greeted the professor as he joined them in the garden. “Good afternoon. What a pleasant surprise.”
As he offered greetings in turn, Cleo fixed him with a curious gaze. Stretched out to her full length on a chaise, the cat regarded him with a look of feline annoyance.
“I know my visit here was unexpected, but I needed to speak with you,” Professor Aylesworth said. “There was no time for formalities and protocol.”
“Think nothing of it,” Macie replied. “Formalities and protocol are highly overrated.”
“I thought you might see it that way,” he said. “I wanted to discuss my upcoming journey to Athens. There is a strong possibility that I may be able to bring you along to document the expedition.”
“How very exciting.” Macie’s pulse beat a bit faster. “Of course, I do have my work here in the city.”
“I’m willing to arrange the timing in such a way that you may finish preparing for your planned exhibition.”
Mrs. Johnstone gave a strategic little cough. “Am I to understand ye’re suggesting that Miss Mason—an unmarried woman—travel with a contingent of researchers to another country?”
“It goes without saying that she would be accompanied by a companion. A woman of experience and maturity.” The grin he flashed could melt the sternest of hearts. “Perhaps a woman like you, Mrs. Johnstone.”
“Oh, dear. How I would treasure another opportunity to see Athens,” she said, her tone surprisingly wistful.
“Very good,” he said. “We shall see what arrangements can be made.”
“Professor, this all so very unexpected,” Macie said. “Before our conversation, the possibility had never entered my mind.”
“Your expertise would be a true asset to our research, Miss Mason.”
She met his warm gaze. Peter Aylesworth was an accomplished scholar, a man her grandfather had held in high regard. And now, he’d proposed a golden opportunity.
By all rights, she should be giddy with excitement. Yet the thought of leaving London twisted Macie’s emotions into knots. This was all so very sudden. She’d come to thrive in the bustling city. There was so much for her to see. So many fascinating locations and intriguing people to portray with her camera. Could she leave it all behind, even for a few months?
Oh, you can tell yourself that’s why you don’t want to leave.
As Finn’s oh-so-appealing grin flashed in her thoughts, she had to admit the truth. At least to herself. The prospect of parting from him—especially now, when she was coming to know the real man behind the tempting smile—well, that was another story, entirely. How could she put aside the longings of her heart?
“I understand my proposal is rather audacious,” Professor Aylesworth went on. “But I’m confident you will find the experience rewarding.”
“It is audacious, isn’t it?” Macie agreed. “But also quite exciting. I shall give the matter serious consideration.”
“Excellent, Miss Mason.” He raked his fingers through his straight dark hair. “I do not wish to hurry your decision, but the plan has changed. Time is of the essence.”
“Is it, now?”
He gave a solemn nod. “I am expected to leave for Athens within a fortnight. I should be able to delay my departure for a few additional days if that would allow you to make arrangements to accompany the team.”
“My, that is rather soon.” Macie took it all in. “I will inform you of my decision without delay.”
“I do hold hope the answer will be ‘yes.’” The professor frowned as Cleo leapt from her perch. The cat crept up to him, her expression both wary and exceedingly curious.
Macie grinned. “I think she likes you.”
As Cleo brushed against the professor’s trousers, he quirked a brow. “Do you, now?”
“Professor Aylesworth, I have perused yer latest research,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “We share an interest in ancient cultures. I find the history of the Nile Valley particularly fascinating. Have ye considered an expedition to Egypt?”
“I must confess, I’ve never developed a keen interest in the civilization,” he explained.
