“Will you please take the platter way?”
“Tea.” Lottie managed to get out. “I would like some tea. And I’m finished with my food.”
“And please remove my companion’s plate and bring tea.” Mr. Westbrooke turned to her once the waiter left with the dishes piled in his arms. “I am sorry you’ve lost your appetite. I do believe it was the eels and kippers that did you in.” He offered her a soft smile that made her want to cry.
He was such a nice man. So thoughtful and caring. Someone that she would have wanted to marry before her life changed forever. Although she didn’t expect to become involved with a man, she had the feeling if things were different, Mr. Westbrooke would be someone she could care for.
Or even love.
She would not weep.
Carter continued with his lunch but kept a close eye on Miss Danvers. Something had definitely upset her. The only thing he could think of was when he mentioned his brothers and father. Did she have some sort of dislike of the nobility? Had her heart been broken by a member of the ton? That would certainly explain why she left London to strike out on her own.
No matter what the reason was, the remainder of the lunch was stilted and uncomfortable. Miss Danvers didn’t eat any of the tarts or biscuits that were placed on the table with the tea but did down two cups of the brew. She responded to all his questions with one-word answers until he began to feel as though their time together was turning into the Spanish Inquisition.
Reluctantly, he called for their bill, paid it and assisted her outside back to his carriage. The sun had peeked through the clouds while they were in the restaurant, which should have cheered him since he loved the sunshine, but he still had the let-down feeling of having lost Miss Danvers.
They said very little on the way back to the store. He helped her from the carriage and escorted her to the door. She took a ring of keys from her reticule and slid one of them into the lock. Before she opened the door, she turned to him. “Thank you for lunch.”
“You are welcome, but I feel as though you really didn’t enjoy yourself.” He placed his knuckle under her chin and moved her head so he could look into her eyes. “What happened?”
She pulled back and began to fidget with her reticule. “Nothing. Everything was fine.” She smiled, but the effort didn’t reach her eyes. Her sad eyes.
“Then may I ask you to attend the Assembly with me this Saturday?”
She turned the knob and moved so quickly to enter the store that she almost fell over a small table with a display of books. He reached out and grabbed her and she quickly pulled away. “I am afraid I will be unable to attend.” Her face was flushed, and she looked about to cry.
It was time to withdraw. Whatever had upset her continued to bother her and he seemed to be making things worse. “Very well. I am sorry you will not be able to attend.”
When she said nothing in return, but looked away, waiting for him to leave, he gave her a short bow and said, “Thank you again for spending time with me, Miss Danvers. Have a pleasant day.”
She nodded and he left the store.
Carter went over in his mind the entire time they were together and concluded that the lunch was truly a surreal experience. No matter how many times he considered their brief conversation, the only thing that stood out in his mind was when he said his father was an earl and his brother held his courtesy title of viscount.
Even if she’d had a bad experience with someone from the ton, her reaction to knowing about his family was excessive. However, not the sort to give up easily on something that had become important to him, he decided not to take her actions today as final. When he wanted something, he did not give up until it looked hopeless.
It was far too soon in their acquaintance for him to assume Miss Danvers had no interest in him. He’d known enough women to sense when there was interest, and Miss Danvers was not immune to him. He would retreat, give her some time, then forge his battle again.
4
As impatient as he was, Carter still managed to wait several days before again visiting the bookstore. However, he was disappointed to find Lady Pamela in charge and Miss Danvers nowhere in sight.
“G-g-good afternoon, Mr. W-w-westbrooke.” Lady Pamela greeted him as he entered. He tried very hard not to show his disappointment since he didn’t want to insult Lady Pamela.
“Good afternoon to you as well, Lady Pamela. You are looking quite well.”
She blushed. “T-thank you.”
He glanced around the store, then casually asked, “The last time I was here, Miss Danvers was in charge. Do you take turns?” Hopefully that question wasn’t too blatant, but by the slight smile she offered him, he didn’t think he’d fooled her.
“Yes, we d-do take t-turns. Her d-day is t-t-tomorrow.” Although it was quite painful to listen to the poor girl, Carter allowed her to take her time to say what she wanted to say. Stuttering must be a very annoying affliction.
Trying to dispel the real reason for his visit, he nodded. “I will take a look around.”
He browsed for about fifteen minutes finding two books he would add to his library, when the door opened, and Miss Danvers entered. His heart sped up and he chided himself for his foolishness.
She didn’t see him at first, and to keep it that way, he moved behind a bookcase that blocked him from her view. She pulled off her gloves and having spotted Lady Pamela, moved toward her. “How is business?”