Her breath felt trapped in her chest. She didn’t know when he’d ever looked better. He had already divested himself, no doubt, of a dripping coat, and stood before her in a jacket the same bark colour as his fashionably styled hair. He paired it with buff breeches and chocolate-coloured boots—all set off with a starchy ivory cravat his valet must have labored over for a considerable period of time. His appearance was sheer perfection.
She couldn’t quit staring at him. He was not an exceptionally big man, but he emanated a remarkable strength. This was a man capable of protecting the women in his life.
How she longed to be such a woman.
Since her father had taken to his bed, she instinctively knew she should not be permitted to entertain a single gentleman caller all by herself without benefit of a chaperone. All she could think to say was, “Where is Miss Appleton?”
“I thought it best not to expose the fairer gender to such miserable weather.” He cleared his throat. Why did he look so nervous? “And, I wished to speak to you today on a private matter.”
She’d been petting Fur Blossom, who curled up purring loudly on her lap. With Lord Appleton’s statement, Dot flung away her cat and leapt to her feet. Dare she hope her father’s prophesy was coming true? Could Lord Appleton really be seeking her hand in marriage? Her heartbeat drummed.
“Do come, let’s stand by the fire,” she said. “It’s beastly cold today. I can tell from the red in your cheeks that you’re cold, my lord.”
Surely nothing immoral could occur between two people standing in front of the hearth.
“I pray you did not get out in this dreary weather merely to call upon me, my lord.”
“Indeed I did, Miss Pankhurst.”
They stood silently, the only noise the hiss of the fire on the grate.
“It’s been such an awful week,” he finally said. His brows lowered as he looked downward, his leg twitching.
She followed the movement and saw that Lover Boy was rubbing himself on his lordship’s leg, back and forth like a saw.
Because of the gravity of the topic they were discussing, she chose to ignore her kitty’s actions. “Yes, it has. And I didn’t even know Miss Macintosh.”
He gave her a wondering gaze. “It’s remarkable how well you’ve come to know me. I have dwelt on Miss Macintosh’s murder.”
“Me, too. It’s a ghastly business.”
“It’s a wonder your father has permitted you to continue in Bath.”
She wouldn’t lie to him. Precisely. “I’ve hidden all the newspapers from him.”
“Does that mean you’re in favor of staying in Bath even though your life could be at risk from that madman?”
“It means I wish to stay in Bath, but have you forgotten, my lord, that you vowed to protect me from the wicked man?” She was so nervous she feared her voice was trembling, like the rest of her.
He chuckled. “So I did.”
“It’s a pity no one has discovered anything that will lead to the beast’s apprehension. I’ve a mind to make inquiries myself.” She looked up at him. “Together with you, of course.”
“Do you think because Ellie was just a hostess in a gaming establishment with no family to speak of, no one cares?” he asked.
“I think that could be a sad reality. Were she a duke’s daughter, I daresay everyone within a thirty-mile radius of Bath would be questioned, and everyone would be searching for the killer.”
He nodded. “You’re probably right.”
She placed her hand on his forearm. “Do let us make some inquiries. After the rain ceases.”
He turned to her and smiled, then placed his hand over hers. He made no effort to remove it.
He also made no effort to speak.
Perhaps she needed to help him. “What is the private matter that brought you here today?”
He let out a sigh. “It may have come to your attention that I prefer spending my time with you more than with any other young woman.”
“Yes. A most perplexing choice, I must say. I wondered about that. I can’t imagine why you would single me out. Surely there are other women in Bath more worthy of your attentions.”
He shook his head. “Oh, not at all, Miss Pankhurst. You are a most singular young woman.”
She was happy that he hadn’t praised her beauty which she would have known to be unmerited. But singular she did know herself to be.
“And,” he continued, “I have exceedingly enjoyed every moment I’ve been in your company.”
“And I yours, my lord.”
He cleared his throat again. “I have found in you much to admire, and it would be my greatest wish and a very great honor if you would do me the goodness of consenting to become my wife.”
Chapter 7
Ever since she’d seen him standing there in her drawing room, Dot had known why he’d come alone today. Still, she was completely unprepared for the magnitude of his proposal. Its impact was as powerful as a visit from the departed Ellie Macintosh would have been.
How could being singular outweigh beauty and pedigree? That must indicate Lord Appleton himself was a most singular man.
Then it occurred to her that somehow, he must have learned of and have need of her fortune. Such knowledge stung.
But she was not about to deny herself this chance at happiness because of potentially bruised pride. For now that she’d met Lord Appleton, she knew no other man would ever appeal.
It wasn’t as if she knew him that well. Yet she intrinsically did know him. When he’d spoken with such compassion of the unfortunate Ellie Macintosh, she had come to know all she needed to know about the purity of his heart. He was more than a caring brother to Annie. He was a caring person.
And that was all she needed to know. He would be a fine husband—even to an unsophisticated daughter of a wealthy country squire.
It had not
