She almost thought he wouldn’t answer when he said, “My relationship with my brother is very valuable to me.
He is the only person that does not believe that my ability to top a woman defines my masculinity.” Eve flushed crimson.
How was he discussing such so openly with her?
“If you manage to jeopardize it, I would lose even that.
And as such, I am wary of your existence.” “I mean you no harm.” “I am not above harming ‘harmless women’, Lady Whitmore.” Her mouth rounded into a circle.
“Then you have no chivalry left in you.” He met her gaze and held it.
“Chivalry stops men from doing what needs to be done.” Everetta reached for her own fork and picked up an apricot as well.
This was the longest conversation she had ever had with him in her entire existence, she realized.
A few months ago, she would never have considered dining on the same table with him as possible.
“What did the letter from your brother say?” He glanced up at her while taking a bite of the cheese on his plate.
“Nothing that concerns you.” She swallowed a morsel before asking, “Did he inquire after me in his letter?” His gaze snapped up to hers once more.
“He did, but I doubt you care.” “What were his exact words?” He closed his eyes for a full second before opening them.
“He asked about your health and your general wellbeing.” “Can I see for myself?” He dropped his fork and dipped his hand into his knee-high boots, producing a well-folded piece of parchment.
“See for yourself.” He slid the parchment across the table.
Everetta read through it very quickly.
There was a whole paragraph written concerning her.
Why didn’t he write one to her at once?
The rest of the letter was concerning the renovation of the house and the organization of the ball which was to be held in five days.
The family would be returning a day before the ball, instead of the following day according to the letter – the Duke and Lady Kent both came down with severe coughs and colds simultaneously.
Her brow arched as she read it again.
Candace had to stay and take care of her mother while Friedrich had to oversee things at Lennox.
Which meant… She would be alone with him for five more days… How interesting.
“How would you manage planning a ball all by yourself?” She asked as she handed the letter back to him.
He shrugged as if she was asking him how he combed his hair in the mornings.
“I am not afraid of extra responsibilities.” She set her fork down.
“Have you ever planned a ball before?” “No.” “And you think you can get it done just like that?” He stopped eating altogether.
“You think you can handle it?
Then,” He pushed away from the table.
“By all means, handle it.” “That is not what I was trying to-” He was gone before she could finish.
Why was he so upset?
Did she say something wrong?
But if he was serious about allowing her to plan the ball, how did she even go about it?
Where would she get the coin to pay for the expenses?
She pushed away from the table and ran after him.
He was walking too fast for her to catch up with him.
“Theo!” The name slipped out.
He stopped.
Then he slowly spun on his heel.
She stopped a few feet from him and waited.
He looked completely calm, but when she glanced at his eyes… they looked darker than usual.
She didn’t recognise the man that stood in front of her.
Did she even know him at all?
What in the world had she said to provoke him so much?
“I did not mean to usurp the responsibility or question your ability, Sir Theodore.” He glanced at her clenched fists before meeting her gaze.
Colouring, she loosened her hands and hid them in the folds of her dress.
“I did not become a social illiterate just because I am no longer a member of the fine society, Lady Whitmore.” Oh.
“I apologise if I gave you the impression that I thought so.
I was merely impressing upon you the fact that you cannot single-handedly manage the restoration of the house and the planning of the ball at the same time.
You need help… and I can give it to you.” His eyes narrowed to slits.
“What do you stand to gain from this arrangement?
To tell my brother that I overworked you instead of spoiling you and allowing you to recover as you should?” Her lips thinned.
“If I do so, feel free to tell him that I asked for the responsibility.” “And if I refuse?” She took a step closer.
“You are a wise man.
I don’t expect you to do otherwise.” A slow smirk curved his lips and her heart flipped in her chest.
“Very well, Lady Whitmore.” He held out his hand for a shake.
She just stared at it, unused to the formality.
Men never offered women handshakes.
Just when he was about to withdraw his hand, she clasped it.
The contact sent a rush of warmth up her arm.
She could not believe that she was finally touching the very hands that never failed to prove their skills in her dreams.
Their eyes met and locked.
Please kiss me, she thought.
“I must inform you that I am not very easy to work with.
Expect to be up by dawn and to sleep late at night.
And,” he let his gaze rake over her appearance.
“do something about your hair, we begin today.” She touched her hair instinctively, letting her hand slide down to the tips that caressed her waist.
“What is wrong with my hair?” He extended his hand.
“May I?” She nodded hesitantly.
He reached forward and wrapped a few strands of her hair around his finger.
Then he yanked it forcefully and she yelped.
“Theo!” He released her hair.
“That’s what happens to hair that is left to its own devices while working.” Then he narrowed his eyes at her.
“I don’t remember us being so familiar, Lady Whitmore.” Eve gulped.