Alex stopped briefly to pet the cat. The smug beast permitted his touch, much in the way a god might permit obeisance from a worshipper.

Miss Hayes advanced into the room. “And this is my brother, Edward Hayes.”

Near the window Miss Hayes’s brother was seated in front of a desk in a wheeled chair. He was in his shirt sleeves, a conspicuous ink stain on his right cuff. “You may call me Teddy,” he said, extending his hand. “Everyone does.”

Alex shook it firmly, surprised at the young man’s strength. “Then you must call me Alex.”

“Are you staying long in Lower Hawley?”

“If things go well.”

And they were going well. Squire Talbot seemed to genuinely like him. He’d taken Alex out on the estate more than once. Had shared brandy and cigars with him in his study. Had even solicited Alex’s opinion on installing a private gasworks.

Things with Henrietta Talbot were advancing at equal speed.

Not only had they progressed to addressing each other by their given names, only yesterday he’d come very close to kissing her. She’d been flirting with him all afternoon in that haughty way of hers. And he’d been flirting right back, inclining his head to hers to make some teasing remark. She’d swiftly turned her face up, bringing her pouting lips a fraction of an inch from his.

Her intention had been unmistakable—and very much in accordance with his plans. And yet…

And yet, he’d drawn back from her, as sharply as Miss Hayes had drawn back from him that day under the yew tree.

It had annoyed Henrietta. And it had left Alex angry and confused—and more resolved than ever to avoid Laura Hayes.

She stood at the tall window near her brother’s desk, her slim hands clasped loosely in front of her. Her dress was clearly her Sunday best. It was dark blue silk, with unflounced skirts, wide sleeves, and a delicate velvet ribbon belt. A dated fashion, but it flattered her figure, brought out the blue of her eyes, and gave her fair skin a luminous glow. “Mr. Archer has come to Lower Hawley to court Henrietta Talbot,” she said.

Alex stiffened. More than anyone else in the village, Miss Hayes saw him for exactly what he was. A fortune hunter. A villain. Even so, something about her blunt statement rankled.

“Miss Laura?” the housekeeper’s voice sounded from the threshold. “Your aunt is asking for you.”

“Yes, Mrs. Crabtree. In a moment.” Miss Hayes looked to her brother. “Will you—”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Very well.” She cast Alex a brief glance as she passed. “If you’ll excuse me.”

He inclined his head. “Miss Hayes.”

No sooner had she gone than Teddy met Alex’s eyes, his brows lifted in enquiry. “Henrietta Talbot? Not my sister, then?”