Page 28 of A Gentleman's Reckoning
“I am glad you stopped to greet me,” she said, absently tidying the pile of books on the desk. “I was wondering if you have had any luck in finding masons to repair the wall in the stable?” She held her breath, hoping the answer was no.
“I am sorry to say I did not have the time to search.” His look was one of pure chagrin as though he disappointed her by not being in advance on his duty. How little he knew! It was precisely what she had hoped to hear.
“I inquired because I took the liberty of asking my father’s steward if he knew of any masons in London, and he gave me two names. I was wondering…” Her voice trembled, causing her to pause, suddenly aware of how forward she was acting and doubting whether it was indeed wise.
“What is it, my lady?” His eyes were intent upon hers. She had never been so drawn into the depth of a stare before, but his held kindness and warmth. There was also a familiarity that should not have been there with so little time to be acquainted, and yet it was. This was what gave her the courage to continue.
“I thought perhaps I might accompany you to visit them. Or at least we can try to see if we can find one at home. I can instruct my groom to take us there now if you wish.”
He set the chalk tray on the desk, which he had still beenholding, his grin suddenly boyish. “That would be excellent. I am ready to set out whenever you are. I am much obliged to you for inquiring on my behalf.”
She returned the smile, adding shyly, “It is only that you do not know London well, and I wished to help you.”
A shadow flashed over his face that she couldn’t read, creating an odd, uncomfortable moment. She did not know why it would be. Perhaps he felt embarrassed by how little cosmopolitan he was. She would reassure him that such a thing mattered little if only she knew how. It was a brief pause, however, before he turned and gestured toward the door.
“Shall we go?”
She nodded.
Chapter Ten
They went to the stable together, Mr. Rowles claiming he wished to see the wall for himself once more so he could accurately describe it to the mason. Geny had considered asking Charity to accompany her for propriety’s sake, but after wrestling with what the correct course of action should be, she decided against it. Charity would be teaching the duties of a lady’s maid to a small group of orphans, and Geny feared to make a bigger deal of the outing than it truly was. She was merely performing a service for the asylum alongside one of the workers. It was like going somewhere with a footman, she reasoned, and then tried not to think about how little she viewed him in the guise of a footman or any other worker. She also refused to admit how much she was looking forward to their conversation during the short outing.
Geny went to the carriage house where she found her groom and gave him orders to have the horses put to again. Mr. Rowles then excused himself to see the wall before retrieving his hat and cloak, and she found herself pacing nervously inside the stable as she waited for him, unable to stay still. Her unrulyemotions were somewhat akin to a runaway carriage; she had no control over them and no idea where they were headed.
He returned just as the groom had readied everything. When a stable hand stepped forward to assist her, Mr. Rowles put up his hand, indicating that he would do it. He held her hand in a firm grip, allowing her to climb in, and she was suddenly seized by some nonsensical notion of the princes and princesses she’d read about as a girl. She slid over on the seat, and he took the place across from her, then closed the door. With an inquiring look, he raised his hand to tap the ceiling, and she nodded. The carriage started forward.
Her goal had been to assist Mr. Rowles in finding a mason, with the added benefit of spending more time with him. But now that they sat across from each other, all she could focus on was how nervous she was. This did not extend to mistrust; although she did not know what they would discuss, she knew she could trust being alone with him in the carriage.
“So this Adam Cook is located in Clerkenwell?” Mr. Rowles asked. He had overheard her giving instructions to the groom.
“Yes. And John Smith lives only a few streets away if Mason Cook cannot do the job. This was one reason Mr. Laurier recommended them both, besides their skill. The odds are greater that at least one of them will be free to take on our project without traveling the whole of London.”
He nodded and brought his gaze to hers, a smile lurking in his eyes. “I am happy to have your company, although I fear I am abusing your goodness.”
“You are not. I do precisely what I wish to, and I wanted to come.” It was forward of her to admit to it, but she could not lie. Never had she behaved thus in the presence of a man—with so little filter for saying exactly what she thought.
A silence settled between them until his lips turned upwards. “You look very fetching today, Lady Eugenia. I should not say it, but I keep thinking it.”
Geny ducked her head to hide the smile that sprang instantly to her lips. “You have a sweet tongue.”
He chuckled softly. “I do, perhaps. But in this instance, I am only stating the absolute truth.”
“Hmm.” She pinched her lips together and attempted to plug the joy that bubbled over.
Mr. Rowles took a deep breath. “Have you given any thought yet to which orphans will train under my supervision?”
“As a matter of fact, I did wish to speak to you on the matter, because I have two boys in mind. I suppose I should consult Mr. Dowling first since it is his domain.” She let out a sigh. “I confess that I have not been eager for that conversation.”
A dry laugh escaped him. “I think I can imagine why. Although, I would rather hear it from you than assume I know its cause.”
“Mr. Dowling is a strange mix of familiarity and fawning, and I find it uncomfortable. On one hand, he will easily approach me on any matter he deems must interest me and will stand closer than I would like him to. And in the same instant, he will speak of the social distance that separates us as though he is not worthy of breathing the same air. It shows how little he knows me, for social disparity is not something that offends me. Being overly familiar, on the other hand, does.”
“He does not look upon me with any fondness,” Mr. Rowles admitted. “But the feeling is mutual. I suppose I should be the one to ask him about the orphans to train. After all, we do work together.”
“Perhaps. If he gives you a difficult time, please let me know.”
Geny fiddled with her gloves and glanced at him under her lashes. When he caught her regard, he smiled wordlessly. His smiles were open, but she wished he were not so mysterious about the details of his life. The only thing she knew about him was that he was from Surrey and that he had a brother.
