Page 36 of Return to Satterthwaite Court

If this was how she behaved when she believed him indifferent, Lord only knew what she’d do if she learned how thoroughly she’d already captured his attention.

And not only his.

The pasty-faced law clerk who greeted them appeared similarly smitten. On seeing Kate, he turned a dull red, cleared his throat, and rose hastily from his chair, nearly knocking over the cup of tea on his desk in the process. “May I help you, madam?”

The plain black wool of Kate’s form-fitting riding habit and the fine net half-veil of her little black hat did nothing to disguise her beauty. “We have come to see Mr. Arbogast,” she said with all the imperiousness of a duchess. “Please inform him we’re here.”

“May I have your name?”

Kate opened her mouth to answer.

“Charles Heywood,” Charles informed the man before she could do so. He wouldn’t have her bandying her name about the town unnecessarily. Not when she was in company with a gentleman unchaperoned. The less attention she called to herself the better.

“Heywood?” The clerk checked the leather-bound diary on his desk. “I don’t seem to have you down—”

“We don’t have an appointment,” Charles said. “But we’d appreciate five minutes of Mr. Arbogast’s time. It’s a matter of some importance.”

“Yes, of course, sir. One moment, if you please, while I see if he’s at liberty.” The harried clerk scurried off through the door to the interior offices.

“A matter of some importance?” Kate echoed under her breath. “Pray he won’t ask us to explain what that matter is. I’d have to tell him—”

“You’ll tell him nothing,” Charles replied quietly. “I’ll do the talking.”

“But—”

“No buts. Count yourself lucky I’ve permitted you to accompany me this far.”

She glowered at him. “It’s you who have accompanied me. I’m the one who—”

“Mr. Heywood?” The clerk came back through the door. “Mr. Arbogast will see you now. If you’ll follow me?”

Kate’s mouth clamped shut. Chin held high, she preceded Charles through the door.

He came after her, ignoring the tantalizing hint of her perfume that drifted to his nose as she passed.

The little termagant.

Didn’t she realize the mess she could be getting herself into? Tiverton wasn’t so far from Beasley Park that gossip about her behavior wouldn’t reach her parents.

“Mr. Heywood?” A stocky gentleman in a neatly pressed suit stood from behind the curve of a large mahogany desk to extend his hand to Charles. A row of bookcases stretched to the ceiling behind him. The shelves were lined with leather-bound law books. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”

Charles shook the man’s hand. “No indeed. Thank you for seeing us.”

“Not at all. You find me quite at my leisure.” Relinquishing Charles’s hand, Mr. Arbogast acknowledged Kate with a bow. “Mrs. Heywood. How do you do.”

Kate inclined her head. “Mr. Arbogast,” she replied without missing a beat. “My husband and I are pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Charles’s stomach clenched.

Her husband?

Good Lord.

“Please, sit down.” Mr. Arbogast directed them to the pair of leather-upholstered chairs across from his desk.

Charles briefly met Kate’s gaze as they took their seats. She looked back at him, a flash of devilry in her eyes. He could have happily throttled the woman. No matter that her words had unexpectedly fired his blood.

Mr. Arbogast resumed his seat. “I was led to believe I might expect interest before I announced the listing.” He riffled through a disorganized stack of loose papers on his desk. “But I never imagined I’d be visited quite so soon. You do realize the property won’t be vacant until the spring?”