Page 90 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
Mrs. Johnstone lifted a brow. “My, I do find that surprising.”
A slight smile played on his lips as he threw Cleo a glance. “Too many cats.”
“Oh, dear,” Macie said lightly. “Not an aficionado?”
He shrugged. “When I was a lad, my family owned hounds. I understand their motivations far better than those of felines. Cats display a certain aloofness, wouldn’t you say?”
“Most definitely,” she agreed.
“This cat is a fitting pet for you. Intelligent. Observant. And fiercely independent.”
“I consider that a high compliment.”
“Indeed.” He moved to the door. “Miss Mason, I do have another request. Before I depart for Greece, I would like to review your grandfather’s journals. His research has served as an inspiration for my own endeavors.”
“Of course. Grandpapa would be pleased to know you continue to value his work.”
“Valueis putting it mildly,” he said. “I have no doubt I will find precisely what I need within those pages.”
*
Before Finn hada chance to ring the bell to announce his arrival at Macie’s townhouse, the door opened with a groan of its hinges. The housekeeper, a woman whose expression seemed fixed in an ever-present frown whenever he was in her presence, looked even more sour than usual.
“You might’ve used the servant’s entrance, as we agreed,” Mrs. Tuttle said, tersely, as if the words pained her to speak.
“And miss the sight of yer smiling face?”
“Ye must be confusing me with someone else,” she said in a flat voice, though a touch of cheek brightened her eyes.
“Never,” he said with a shake of his head. “Ye’re an original, Mrs. Tuttle.”
“That I am.” Her expression softened. “Miss Macie’s in the garden. With the she-devil and the bird wit who fancies herself a coquette.”
“She-devil, eh?” He scratched his chin, debating whether to suggestdragonin its place. “Ye’ve had prior experience with Mrs. Johnstone, haven’t ye?”
“Experience?” Mrs. Tuttle waved away the word. “Misfortune is more like it. Quite some time ago, my dear sister was employed by the she-devil and her husband. Bess suffered aninjury to her foot, so I came to assist. Worst five weeks of my life, I tell you.” She scowled. “The woman runs a household like a captain commands a ship. So precise and perfect.”
“I do understand,” he said with a little grin.
“Will you be dining with Miss Macie tonight?”
“Ye know I would not pass up a chance to eat yer cooking,” he said.
“Flattery comes natural to rogues, doesn’t it?” Mrs. Tuttle flashed a wry grin.
“Actually, it’s a required course of study,” he said with a quick smile, then headed to the garden.
“Oh, it’s you,” Nell said casually, glancing his way as he stepped through the French doors.
He folded his arms and leaned against a sturdy column. “An enthusiastic greeting if ever I’ve heard one.”
“I was hoping Professor Aylesworth had returned,” Nell said. “Sadly, I missed my chance to speak with him.”
Finn hitched a brow. “Returned?”
“He paid a visit to follow up on an idea he’d mentioned at the ball.” Macie’s tone sounded deliberately bland.
“The professor will soon embark on another research trip to Athens,” Mrs. Johnstone spoke up. “It’s rather exciting.”
