Page 21 of The Scholar's Key
She had never told the four friends who formed part of the club with her that she had spent hours at the circulating library, hidden where no one could see the titles in her pile, reading a few pages of many different books to try to decide which they would all most enjoy.
Now she was waiting for Noah to arrive with the same anticipation. She had been impressed with his attempt to speak with Mrs. MacNall yesterday. She could tell that it wasn’t easy for him to approach strangers, most particularly a woman with such experience who could very likely ascertain that Noah was not a man who was well versed in seeking out such company.
Or maybe he would, she thought with a shrug. It was hard to know with a man who remained so closed off from others. Sometimes she would just love to look inside that head of his and discover what was happening, what was driving his responses and his actions – but she knew better than to ever ask, for she guessed he would keep that to himself. Besides, it was kind of fun that he was such a mystery.
“Persephone, I am leaving now!” her mother said, and Percy rushed to the door with quick steps, eager for her mother to depart before Noah arrived. If her mother was gone when he came, then she would have no reason to suspect a thing and Percy wouldn’t have to explain his visit. “Are you sure you do not want to accompany me?”
“I am far too tired from yesterday. I do hope you have fun, however!” Percy said, feeling bad about the lie but eager that her plan had a chance of working out.
She had ideas for Mr. Rowley – ideas that she was sure would make him most attractive to the skeptical Mrs. MacNall.
A knock sounded, and before Percy could think of what she was doing, she was rushing forward to the entrance, opening the door before the butler could.
“Noah!” she said with a grin when she saw him standing there, hat in hand, his expression all kinds of concern. “You came.”
“You didn’t give me much choice,” he murmured, and she reached out and pulled him into the house before he could decide to leave.
“There is nothing to be worried about. We will have a lovely time. I promise,” she said, hoping that she was telling the truth and he would, if nothing else, enjoy his time with her. “Come along to the back parlor. I have asked my maid to meet us there so that we will not be completely alone.”
“Very well.”
“I also have my father’s valet joining us.”
“Whatever for?” he asked, tugging slightly on her hand, and it was only then she realized that she was still holding onto it. She dropped it, unsure if he enjoyed such close touch.
“He is skilled in grooming.”
“Grooming?” They entered the parlor now, and when he removed his cloak, she realized that she hadn’t even given him time to provide his hat and cloak to the butler. No matter.
“Yes,” she said with a smile, folding her hands in front of her. “For your hair.”
“What’s wrong with my hair?” he asked, running a hand over it as his brow furrowed.
“It is…” She wasn’t sure how to convince him to change it without insulting him. “It is very suitable for you, but for Mrs. MacNall, I think we should slightly change it.”
“You do not like it.”
“I like it just fine,” she said, “and afterward if you would like to return to it, then please do so.”
“Very well,” he grumbled.
She began to circle him. “Your spectacles make you look rather distinguished, so they can stay.”
He snorted. “They were never an option. I can hardly see without them.”
“For your dress, I have invited Bath’s finest tailor to visit you tomorrow.”
“Percy—”
“You do not need much from him, and I have told him what to style for you,” she said. “Then you should be ready in that regard.”
“I hadn’t realized that there was any issue in how I look,” he said wryly, clearly insulted.
“There is nothing wrong! Nothing at all,” she said hurriedly. “We just do not want you looking so… respectable.”
“Very well,” he said, although he appeared somewhat placated.
“Mary, there you are,” Percy said as her maid came in the door, her timing fortunate for Percy no longer had to explain herself. “I am helping Mr. Rowley here with his charm, so please do not think anything of our exchange as anything to gossip about.”
