Free A Most Unconventional Match by Julia Justiss Page A

sensibilities and his concern over propriety.
    â€˜Oh. Well, no, I hadn’t been aware of the connection. That would render his calling upon you entirely proper, I suppose.’ Somehow Sir Gregory didn’t look as relieved by the knowledge as she might have expected.
    â€˜Nicky—Lord Englemere—has also told me on several occasions that Mr Waterman is most astute in matters of finance. Englemere and my sister hold Mr Waterman in the very highest regard, so you may rest easy knowing that everything dealing with the will and the estate will be handled by someone of absolute skill and integrity.’
    â€˜As I already said, I have no reason to question either Waterman’s skill or integrity. However…well, how can I put this delicately? He isn’t the best ton . ’Tis said he often keeps quite common company and involves himself personally in financial dealings that a gentleman ought to leave to the bourgeois tradesmen bred to handle them. I just hope that association with him won’t taint you with the odour of the shop.’
    Had she any desire to figure upon the ton ’s stage, Elizabeth supposed such a warning might give her pause. But since she’d never had the least interest in society, Sir Gregory’s caution left her unmoved…except once again to amusement. The baronet’s countenance was so grave, as if Mr. Waterman’s fashionable failings were of genuine importance, that she had all she could do not to smile.
    â€˜I shall be on my guard,’ she replied, working to keep the mirth from her expression.
    â€˜In addition, competent though he may be, I fear you will hardly be able to comprehend any information Waterman tries to convey. It amazes me that anyone manages to understand his cryptic utterances. Even his mother, dear lady, confesses she finds it difficult to grasp his meaning. Indeed, ’tis almost beyond believing that he could be the son of the incomparable Letitia.’
    Elizabeth’s momentary humour faded. Apparently Sir Gregory did not much like Mr Waterman. Regardless of the reasons for his disapprobation, Elizabeth was becoming rather annoyed by his subtle disparagement of a man who was not only highly esteemed by her sister’s family, but whom she herself found to be sympathetic, helpful—and quite attractive.
    â€˜How disappointing for Mrs Waterman,’ she said, an edge to her voice. She’d never met Mr Waterman’s mother, but she could not think very highly of a lady, incomparable or not, who would publicly disparage her son. ‘Though I find her difficulty somewhat surprising. I myself had no trouble whatsoever in understanding Mr Waterman.’
    â€˜Truly?’ Sir Gregory blinked, clearly taken aback. ‘Well. You always were rather observant for a female. But,’ he gestured to the mantel clock, ‘my time remaining is short, so let us proceed to a more pleasant matter! I understand there was a sad accident a few days ago. As distressed as the lad already is at losing his papa, I thought he might appreciate this.’
    Sir Gregory picked up a wrapped parcel from behind the sofa and handed it to Elizabeth. ‘Go ahead, open it. If it meets your approval, you can give it to the boy.’
    Inside the wrapped package, Elizabeth found a new toy soldier, all gleaming paint and shiny brass. ‘How considerate of you, Sir Gregory!’ Elizabeth exclaimed. The gesture was even more impressive when one considered that the baronet was not a man used to dealing with children.
    Though she still could not approve his unkind words about Mr Waterman, Sir Gregory could have chosen no better way to redeem himself in her eyes than by this kindness to her child. ‘How can I thank you?’
    â€˜I take it you do approve, then? To bring you pleasure, ma’am, is all the thanks I desire.’
    The fervour of his gaze made her a little uncomfortable. ‘How did you know about David’s