The Baron and the Lady Chemist (The Grantham Girls Book 2) by Alissa Baxter

Author:Alissa Baxter [Baxter, Alissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc
Published: 2023-08-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

James realized his mistake too late. He had been so focused on outlining his idea to help his grandfather that he hadn’t thought about how Thea might interpret his actions. James had decided to court his love slowly and with care, as she was clearly not of a mind to accept a proposal from him at present. Therefore, he had decided to wait until later in the Season, when he could be more sure that she reciprocated his affection, before asking for her hand in marriage. But the guarded expression on her face revealed she believed he had been paying attention to her only because he wanted her expertise to register his patent.

His suspicions were confirmed when Thea rose to her feet and, without looking in his direction, said in a low voice, “I should like to return home now.”

Her voice sounded formal, and she refused to meet his eyes when he stood. And, although she placed her hand on his proffered arm, she made vague replies to his attempts at conversation as he led her back along the path. Then, as the gate came into sight, she quickened her pace, clearly in a hurry to get away.

Lady Longmore’s footman followed close behind them, and soon they were back at the house.

“May I take you driving in the Park tomorrow?” James asked as the front door swung open.

She met his gaze fleetingly. “Very well. I shall give your proposition some thought and let you know my decision.”

“Thank you.” He frowned. “I’m afraid—.”

But he never finished the sentence. Lady Longmore entered the hallway, and Thea moved away with a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Goodbye, Lord Castleroy.”

He wanted to talk to her, to reassure her that his offer of friendship had not been clouded with ulterior motives. However, after a smiling look in his direction, Lady Longmore began speaking to her granddaughter about an engagement they were due to attend later in the day, and the moment was lost.

With a brief bow in the ladies’ direction, he took his leave and descended the stairs. He would have to wait until tomorrow to clear things up.

When James called at Longmore House the next day, Thea appeared even more distant. She allowed him to hand her up into the curricle, but she did not speak until they entered the Park. Not that this was unusual for her. When he took her for a drive, she usually sat immobile, striving, no doubt, to keep her composure. A short while later, James drew the curricle to a halt and handed over the ribbons to his groom. “Let us walk on the grass, Miss Grantham, so you can be more comfortable.”

He helped her down from the conveyance and studied her aloof features before tucking her hand into his arm. After walking a little way, Thea came to a halt and turned to face him, dropping her hands to her side. “My lord, I have given your idea careful thought, and I am afraid I have some reservations.

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