Glancing around at the reading parlor of Miss Trewlove’s shop, Matthew remembered one of Aesop’s fables warned that when a man faced temptation, he was likely to give in to it. That had certainly been the case yesterday afternoon. He never should have approached Fancy Trewlove, and he most certainly should not have stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. Even now, if he had pen in hand, he would be able to outline exactly where her body had nestled against his.

With her in his embrace, his sister’s remark regarding finding a woman well suited to him had bounced around his mind like tumblers at a circus.

Her hunt for a title aside, what if Fancy Trewlove was well suited to him? Where was the harm in exploring the possibility? He couldn’t deny being intrigued by her and enjoying her company. It was unlikely she would attempt to trap him into marriage, because she was unaware he possessed that which she yearned so desperately to acquire.

Or what her family wished her to acquire, if she’d spoken true about her own dreams.

He was fascinated by her makeshift classroom. And it was makeshift. No desks. No proper tables. A few low ones designed as a place to set a cup and saucer or a glass. Or a pair of feet if a rude person took up position on one of the nearby settees, sofas, or chairs.

Yet a coziness enveloped the room, very much like that found in a library. In the corner rested a mound of pillows that he knew children sat upon while listening to Miss Trewlove read. On the walls throughout were the paintings her brother had created. Whimsical forest animals and mythical creatures reading. Although he was most intrigued by the hanging over the mantelpiece. It reflected Miss Trewlove lounging on a sofa with books scattered on the floor around her.

When he’d peered into the room a few days earlier—was it only a few days?—he’d not noticed the artwork or the shelves lined with books on either side of the fireplace. He’d been arrested by her, all his attention devoted to her. It was always that way with her.

Even at the park, after he’d noticed her, he was lost. He’d intended just to take a late-afternoon stroll through the green, and instead he’d received a lesson on kite flying. Even if their relationship didn’t develop into anything permanent, he wanted to become one of the memories she spoke of in later years, wanted to be more than on the periphery of her life.

“I’m truly glad you’re here, to get a feel for all we accomplish with the lessons we offer,” she said, coming up alongside him.