Page 26 of A Heart Worth Loving

“I hope that you can trust me, Miss Brodrick.”

She smiled a smile she hoped emulated the soft smile Margaret had perfected, and said, “As long as you are not a smuggler, sir, we will be happy to trust you.”

He chuckled. Oh, this man was a dangerous charmer. What match was she for him?

Margaret entered, and Kyla sent up a silent prayer of thanks when Mister Laurent’s jaw dropped open. Her father was right. Men were simple creatures. A beautiful woman was really all a man needed.

“Margaret,” their mother said, “please meet Mister Harris.”

He rose and took three steps to where Margaret had stopped. He grasped her hand and brought her fingers to his lips. Kyla resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Brodrick.”

“Sir,” Margaret said.

He released her hand.

“Mister Harris has informed us that there is a smuggling ring in the area,” their mother said.

Margaret looked at him in genuine surprise. “Oh my, that is terrible. Have they hurt anyone?”

“Do not worry yourself, Miss Brodrick,” he said. “Smugglers rob shipments of goods. They do not typically harm people.”

Why did men persist in telling such ridiculous lies to women?

“I hope they are caught soon,” she said.

“I am sure they will be.”

“May I ask how you know of this smuggling ring, Mister Harris?” Margaret asked.

Their mother explained that he was interested in purchasing Baron Carrs’ estate, and Margaret sat on the divan between Kyla and their mother, and they chatted.

Kylan wanted very badly to return to her room and report to her father, but to leave while a guest visited was rude and she feared he would become suspicious. He was clearly so smitten with Margaret that he didn’t want to leave. Of course, their mother was canny enough not to mention Margaret’s upcoming marriage.

At last, forty-five minutes later, Mister Laurent said, “I have overstayed my welcome. It is time I go.” He rose.

“It was so nice to meet you,” their mother said. “Margaret, would you mind seeing Mister Harris to the door?”

Margaret smiled and stood. “Of course.”

They left the room. Kyla waited until their footsteps faded, then she rose and closed the door. She turned and said to her mother, “Constable Hamilton has learned of Papa’s smuggling ring.”

Her mother shrugged. “This is not the first time a constable has been on your father’s trail. He is too smart for them.”

Kyla wasn’t so sure.