They’d nearly finished their circuit of the garden. “I suppose we should go back inside,” he said with great reluctance.

“I’m in no hurry. Let’s go round again, and I’ll do my best to convince you that your brother and sister-in-law must not come to dinner.” She flashed him a coy smile.

“That looks like flirtation. Is that what I should do?”

“Certainly not. Men and women flirt differently. Believe it or not, many women find an aloof gentleman to be very attractive. Then, when you do cast your attentions toward a female, she’ll be enthralled that you chose her over anyone else.”

“That sounds rather manipulative.”

“It is.” She cocked her head as they started their second circuit. “I can see you aren’t that sort of gentleman. You will woo a lady with your honesty and charm, your kindness and consideration. Conversation is your tool. You have the ability to put people at ease, I think. I predict you’ll find an exceptional wife. That is your goal, isn’t it?”

“Ultimately.”

She slowed, her gaze settling on him for a moment. “Perhaps you aren’t entirely forthcoming. I sense more to that single-word response. I won’t press you tonight, but tomorrow, you can tell me what your real aspirations are.” She’d seen through him.

“And if I don’t know?”

Her lips spread into a breathtaking smile, and once more, he had to remind himself not to react on any level. “Don’t you think it’s time you find out?”

Chapter 3

Heloise held Henry on her hip. He had a terrifying grip on her coral necklace. “You’re going for a drive with Lord Gregory?”

“Aren’t you worried Henry is going to tear your necklace off?” Evie couldn’t look away from the impending disaster.

“He hasn’t yet. It’s the coral. I need to find his gummy.” Heloise carefully pried his fingers away. “Are you trying to avoid answering me?”

Evie nearly laughed. “You would never let me get away with that.”

“Doesn’t stop you from trying. Why are you going for a drive with Lord Gregory?”

“If you must know, I am teaching him how to flirt. He’s also bringing the dog we rescued so I can visit with him.”

Heloise gaped at her. Henry grabbed her necklace again. This time, he leaned forward and tried to put it in his mouth. Once more, Heloise expertly extricated him from causing damage, all while keeping her focus on Evie.

“Is he courting you? It sounds as though he’s courting you.”

“He is not.”

“Does he know that?” Heloise asked wryly, transferring Henry to her other hip.

“He knows I am content to be a widow.”

“Which you are not,” Heloise muttered. “A widow, that is. I’d argue you are also not content.”