Free Anne Barbour by A Man of Affairs Page A

Mama! Mr. Lindow has come here in search of horses, not a bride. I'm sure if he were seeking one, our tiny corner of the world is the last place he would think to look. He may be only the adoptive son of a duke, but I'm sure he can look as high as he pleases for a parti."
    Lady Beckett sighed. "I don't know about that, but—do you think Zoë really has a chance of snaring a peer? That is," she amended hastily, "I would not have her marry for position, but as I've heard it said, one can fall in love just as easily with a rich man as a poor man. Zoë is such a taking little, thing, I'm sure—"
    "Yes, she might. She might also gravitate toward precisely the worst kind of man." Eden's thoughts again went to the Marquess of Belhaven. "You know the possibilities of getting up to no good in London are almost endless."
    "There is that, of course. However, I shall be there, and you..."
    "I'll do my best. Mama," replied Eden, "but I would so much rather stay here."
    "Ah," spoke a voice from the doorway. "You have no desire to partake of the delights of the Metropolis, Miss Beckett?"
    Eden whirled to observe Mr. Lindow enter the room, with her father close behind. The gentlemen had concluded their game, he explained, and were now ready for a spot of tea, or perhaps something more fortifying.
    "You dislike London, Miss Beckett?" repeated Seth, after the game had been replayed, with vigorous commentary, for the benefit of the ladies.
    "Oh, no," replied Eden. "1 enjoy the galleries and museums—as Zoë said—and the shopping and the parks. It is the endless social round that I cannot abide. One sees the same persons night after night, and the conversation is always the same, with the result that one stands about mouthing the most tedious nothings to persons who are bored with them before one even begins. I do enjoy the dancing, though," she added as an afterthought.
    "Of course," he said softly, and Eden knew without knowing why that he was recalling the dance they had shared at Lady Saltram's ball. She felt her cheeks heat again and reflected angrily that she had blushed more often since the arrival of Mr. Lindow than she had during the entire previous year.
    The tea tray made its appearance then, after which the Becketts and their guest sought their beds.
    Morning came early, and Seth greeted it less than enthusiastically. He was beginning to have grave doubts about the suitability of Miss Zoë Beckett as a bride for his tiresome younger brother. Moreover, except for Eden Beckett, he was finding the occupants of Clearsprings more than somewhat trying. He would make a decision within a day or two, he decided, and return to London.
    After dressing, he made his way to the stables and after an invigorating gallop felt his spirits rise. He rode into the wood, but did not see Eden there. On his return, surprisingly disappointed and feeling rather at loose ends, he headed for me nursery wing. When he reached the schoolroom, he tried the door, only to find it locked. He turned away to retrace his steps to the lower floors, but was stayed by the sound of footsteps approaching. He experienced an odd surge of pleasure as Eden approached. How did she always manage to look so impossibly neat? wondered Seth. Not a hair was out of place, and her simple muslin morning gown of a muted amber, while not particularly becoming, was crisp and fresh.
    She lifted her glossy brows on observing him at the door to her sanctum, and Seth launched into an awkward explanation of his presence.
    "... and since your father is busy with a matter brought to him by one of his tenants, I thought I would inflict my company on you for a few moments. I had hoped to observe you at your painting, if that would not discompose you. I know some artists cannot bear to be watched."
    "I... I don't know," she replied after a moment. "No one has ever wished to do so. But, do come in."
    She unlocked the door and ushered him inside. It soon became obvious that she found his presence