Page 4 of Kiss Me Lady One More Time
“I assure you, it can.”
He heard the serious note in her tone and stopped to meet her gaze. “Perhaps you are right,” he conceded. “But in this case, the freedom and the opportunity we have to pursue the matter are not equal.”
“I fear you underestimate me, sir.”
“I would not presume to do so.” He shook his head. “It’s less to do with you and more to do with the fact that this was no trifling crime.”
“I know,” she agreed. “Your wound.” She shuddered. “There was so much blood.”
“I meant that this theft was organized and planned ahead of time, although, yes, their willingness to do violence is also worrisome. Not for my sake, you must understand. It was Tensford who was truly wounded.” He turned away to look over the railing again. “He’s waited years to find a fossil of such magnitude and completion. Not only was he robbed of the specimen, but also of the acclaim he deserves for his dedication and scholarship. Not to mention the money promised from the sale to the British Museum.” His shoulders slumped. “He trusted me—and I failed him.”
Penelope drew a deep breath. She was dealing with injured male pride here, and that was something that complicated matters with every species. She straightened her spine. She had her own pride, as well.
“I will find the man who had the audacity to pull off such a theft, in the midst of a ball, no less,” Sterne said with determination. He was all purpose and fire, now. “I will restore Tensford’s property. I will reclaim my honor. It would be my privilege to restore yours, as well.”
She smiled at him. Stepping closer, she took his hand between hers and patted it, gently. “You must worry over your own honor, Mr. Sterne, and allow me to worry over mine.”
At his surprised look, her smile stretched wider. “Let’s plan to check in with each other soon? We can compare notes on our progress.”
She took up her basket again and walked away, her spine straight and chin high. She could feel the weight of his stare between her shoulder blades.
She had her answer—or at least a partial one. Mr. Sterne’s physical presence still called to her. Just standing next to him sent warmth curling into all of the secret places inside of her. But would he be good for her in the long run? It would depend. She was going to have to adjust her next few moves. His reaction would hopefully be illuminating.
She mused over her plans and nodded to Lord Tensford when he passed her—and didn’t realize until she’d nearly made it home that she’d forgotten to go on to the village to deliver her gift of honey.
* * *
Sterne stoodand watched her go. He was still standing there, lost in thought, when Tensford came down the lane.
“I passed Miss Munroe,” the earl called. “Did you see her?”
Sterne nodded.
“Did you speak with her?” The earl watched him while he waited for an answer.
“Hmm? Oh, yes. We spoke.” He fell in with his friend and they set out for the village.
Silence held for a bit. Sterne was recalling her dark hair, confined only by a dainty confection of a hat and wondering what percentage of ladies in England had lush, dark locks paired with such vivid green eyes. Not many, he would—
“What did you speak of?” Tensford asked.
“What?”
“With Miss Munroe?”
“Oh. Badgers.”
“Badgers?” Tensford stopped walking. “You met a lively, lovely young lady, alone on a picturesque bridge, and you spoke of badgers?”
“Well, yes.” Sterne frowned. “It was not justanyyoung lady. You know Miss Munroe is interested in the natural sciences.”
“So I recall.” Tensford fell silent as they entered the village and headed for the tavern. “Why have we come here again? We could be settled in the parlor with Hope and some of that fine brandy that Keswick sent.”
“We could.” Sterne’s mouth twisted. “We likely will. But first, it’s time we had a serious discussion,” he insisted. “Privately. We might as well indulge in a pint of honeyed mead while we do it.” He held open the door to the Cock and Crown and ushered his reluctant friend in.
“I’ve told you before, it’s not necessary.” Tensford entered with a sigh.
“It’s entirely necessary,” Sterne began. He paused as Mr. Thomkins, the tavern keeper, approached.
