The rasp of his voice alerted her he was searching for a distraction. A good thing as someone entered their aisle, turned the corner, and disappeared between two more sets of bookcases. “These here”—she skimmed her fingers over the spines—“all have illustrations. The stories are simple. This book”—she leaned partially in front of him, taking satisfaction with his hand coming to rest on the small of her back, steadying her—“has several of Aesop’s fables in it. They’re short enough to hold her interest while you read them to her.”

“Your hair’s come loose of your bun.”

“Has it?” She lifted a hand, and he wrapped his fingers around her wrist, stopping her actions.

“Allow me.”

She didn’t move a muscle while his knuckles skimmed over her cheek as he captured the few rebellious tresses between his finger and thumb before gently, carefully tucking them away. “You have the softest hair.”

“What a shame every strand of yours is in place.”

His hand came around to cradle her cheek. “Aesop’s Fables, you say?”

“Yes. Here.” She pulled it from the shelf and handed it to him. “The illustrations are lovely.”

“As lovely as you?”

“You can’t tell me in one breath that things between us are going too far and then in the next flirt with me.”

“It’s only flirtation if the words aren’t uttered with all sincerity.”

She was vaguely aware of the jangle of the bells. “Matthew—”

“Miss Trewlove! Miss Trewlove! Ah, there you are.”

Glancing over her shoulder, at the entry to the aisle, she saw Aslyn’s maid, smiling brightly and breathless. Fancy quickly shoved herself to her feet, Matthew hastily following suit. “Nan.”

“Lady Aslyn sent me for you. You have a gentleman caller. Well, two actually.”

Fancy stared at the maid as though she’d spoken in a foreign language. “Gentlemen callers?”

“Yes, miss. Lady Aslyn is entertaining them until you arrive.”

“Well, this is a surprise.”

“Would you like me to help you change, maybe tidy your hair a bit?”

She suspected Nan thought she should have it styled a little more elaborately than in a simple bun. As for her clothing, it was serviceable. Both reflected who she was, and she wanted to be completely honest with any gentleman who might have an interest in her. Sometimes she wore plain attire and her hair had not been fiddled with for more than an hour to ensure that every curl dangled just right. “I appreciate the offer, Nan, but I don’t think we need to go to such bother for afternoon tea.”

The woman looked stricken but didn’t say anything. “If you’ll give me a minute to finish with this customer, I’ll be right there.”

“I’ll wait by the door.”

“Thank you.” She turned to Matthew. “I have to go, but I think your niece will very much enjoy that book.”

“Go boating with me tomorrow.”