Christmas at Harcourt House by Fenella J Miller

Author:Fenella J Miller [Miller, Fenella J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-09-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Benedict could not recall an instance when he’d been disconcerted talking to a young lady but Miss Watson constantly tested his patience, threw him off balance, and spoke to him without fear, demanding answers to questions that he couldn't give.

'Fortunately, life here's usually tedious in the extreme. Why else would I spend the majority of my time elsewhere?' No sooner had he uttered these words than he regretted them.

'I'd heard that you're happier in Town than in the country. Another reason we wouldn't suit. I assume that the demise of your father a year ago brought you back to save the family.'

He bit back a sharp retort, if any other girl had said such a thing then he'd have given her a set down she wouldn't forget. For Miss Watson to ask such a question was obviously impertinent but he'd spoken indiscreetly himself, so he could hardly blame her for following his lead.

She didn't wait for him to reply but continued earnestly, completely unaware that she was treading on very thin ice indeed. 'Have you made your decision? I think Miss Hoskins would suit you best – she's the most agreeable and intelligent of all of them.'

This was the outside of enough. 'Miss Watson, you forget your place. I suggest you refrain from talking about things that are none of your concern.'

Her eyes widened while she digested his reprimand. 'I beg your pardon, my lord, it was unforgivable of me to ask you such a thing. I don't know why, but for some reason it's as if I've known you for months and not a few hours. I'd begun to think of you as an older brother, or perhaps an uncle, with whom I am able to converse about anything without fear of giving offence.'

'An uncle? Dammit, Thea, how old do you think I am?'

She giggled and his irritation vanished. 'Kindly moderate your language, my lord. I've no idea how old you are, I expect you're actually younger than you look. Racketing about London living a dissipated life has no doubt taken its toll.'

Her eyes were sparkling and she was trying hard not to laugh, well aware that she was being quite outrageous.

'How old do you think I look?'

'I should say in your mid-thirties but I expect you're a few years younger than that. Hopefully your appearance will improve now you're living a healthy life in the country.'

He couldn't prevent himself from joining in her laughter. This had to be the most ridiculous conversation he'd ever had with a member of the opposite sex and he'd enjoyed every moment of it.

'I'm five and twenty, you minx, and how old are you, might I enquire?'

'La, sir, a gentleman must never ask a lady her age it's really not done.' She batted her long, lustrous eyelashes at him and dared him to comment.

He moved closer. 'I would say that you're too young to be kissed but not too old to be spanked.'

'I think either sounds most unpleasant. Shall we go down?

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