Page 30 of House of Thorns
Nicholas glanced up from the counter, where he flipped through the pages ofDelightful Summer Songs of the Heart. “I’m afraid Mr. Pitt has been called away on urgent business,” he said with a circumspect nod. “He asked me to convey the message that he would return on the original agreed upon date for the last payment.”
Olivia blinked. She glanced around the room, unable to believe his words. “Surely, you misunderstood.”
“Ah, here.” Nicholas fished in his waistcoat pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. It was Louisa’s crumpled letter, but there was new writing on the back. “He did remember to write it down. Signed it, as well, I believe.”
Astonished, Olivia read the spidery scrawl on the back. Indeed, it was Mr. Pitt’s recognizable script, though somewhat shakier than usual. “Why?” she wondered, aloud.
Nicholas yawned. “I couldn’t say.”
Olivia cocked a brow and looked him in the eye. He met her gaze easily enough, the corners of his chiseled lips quirking at the edges.
Then, the sight of Louisa’s name rekindled her anger. “You have a carriage, do you not, Lord Blair?”
“Indeed, I do.”
“Then I must impose upon you. I need a ride to Number Fourteen, Parsonage Square. As payment, I will willingly assist with your business with my cousin.”
His blue eyes gleamed as he executed an elaborate bow. “Then, I am at your service, Miss Mackenzie.”
