Free Suzanne Robinson by Lady Hellfire Page A

talking to the professional man. Rich bronze curls were pulled away from her face to fall down her back. He grew impatient. He wanted to drag her over to a window and watch the sun turn her hair to fire. She moved, and he noticed the freedom and grace with which she did so. She wore a black gown with lace at the neck and sleeves, but she didn’t make him queasy as some women did by swaying their skirts like church bells. She wasn’t wearing one of those damnable crinolines, he realized. A lady with sense. And one whose body was worth plowing through twelve petticoats to reach.
    She was still talking to the Adam’s apple. Irritated, Alexis shoved his chair back under the table with as much noise as possible. Miss Grey glanced at him, but continuedto talk without smiling. Alexis stalked toward the two and heard what she was saying.
    “Since all of the family but Great Aunt Emeline are dead now, I’ll have to arrange things myself. I believe she left Maitland House to my mother, so I’ll have to take care of the repairs and the servant arrangements. Now, about those railroad shares. I want to get them on their way back to New York as soon as possible, so you’d better leave today.”
    The professional man said something Alexis didn’t catch. He bowed to Miss Grey, nodded respectfully in Alexis’s direction, and left.
    Alexis’s stalking took him directly to his guest. She gave him a nod that was much less respectful than the one Adam’s apple had given him.
    “Good afternoon, Miss Grey.”
    “Yes, good afternoon.”
    She was staring at him. Alexis smiled. She kept staring at him. It wasn’t like the concealed stares of appreciation he was used to. It was an honest, what-are-you? stare. She must have realized her gaffe, for she dropped her gaze to the sleeve of his coat.
    “Please excuse me,” she said. “I must go to Maitland House and see about repairs.”
    Surprised, Alexis spoke before she could move away. “I was going to walk in the gardens.”
    “Enjoy yourself.”
    His eyes widened. It was he who stared now. She hadn’t jumped at the chance to accompany him. She hadn’t even sounded interested in where he was going or what he was going to do. She really was going to Maitland House. And she didn’t call him “my lord.” She didn’t call him anything at all. Perverse little barbarian.
    “There’s no need,” he said.
    She was turning from him and stopped. “I beg pardon?”
    “My cousin and I will arrange everything for you, Miss Grey. There’s no need for you to overset yourself with details best left to others more fit to deal with them.”
    Alexis was distracted by the sight of Miss Grey putting her hands on her hips. It was a gesture well-bred women of his acquaintance avoided, yet Miss Grey seemed at home using it.
    “Thanks for the offer, but if I can manage a gold mine, a shipping firm, and all the other family interests, I think I can direct the reconstruction of one house.”
    With that, she walked away. Alexis stood and watched her. She was actually going to leave him standing there like a dismissed servant. Three long strides brought him even with her.
    “I’ll escort you, Miss Grey.”
    “I have a maid.”
    He grasped her elbow and turned her toward the stairs. “I’ll have the carriage brought round.”
    “My lord.” Meredith came toward him followed by Valentine Beaufort. “I’ve found Mr. Beaufort for you.”
    “Why?” Alexis asked. He tightened his grip on Miss Grey’s elbow so she couldn’t get away.
    “The Dower House,” Meredith said. “Your lordship said you—”
    “I’ll be going to Maitland House first. Have the carriage brought around.”
    Meredith gave him a confused look and hurried away. Alexis turned to Val and introduced him to Miss Grey. Val balanced on his cane and bowed. Taking advantage of the presence of a third person, Alexis sent Miss Grey upstairs to get a wrap. He guessed—rightly—that she wouldn’t be rude to him in front of