“Thank you,” Lisa murmured, accepting the flowers he held out. “They’re beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” he said solemnly, and then added, “I am glad to see you looking so well. I was worried when you didn’t attend the Norstroms’ ball last night. Your sister said you had a cough after getting caught in the rain. That’s all my fault. I should have been paying better attention to the weather. I am sorry.”

“Don’t be. I am fine today,” she murmured, trying to ignore the guilt his apology stirred in her. Sighing, she turned to lead him up the hall to the parlor, adding, “And it wasn’t your fault, anyway.”

“Still, I shall take more care in future,” he assured her and then they both paused as a maid rushed out of the kitchens with a vase of water.

“Mr. Handers said ye’d be wanting this, Miss,” the girl explained, holding up the vase.

“Yes, thank you, Joan,” Lisa murmured, setting the flowers in the vase and then taking it from the girl to carry into the parlor. She set it on the table in front of the sofa as she settled on it and immediately began to fuss with the flowers, arranging them more attractively as Lord Findlay settled on the chair across from her.

“These are for you too,” Charles murmured, leaning forward to offer her the books and the bag he carried once she was satisfied with the flowers.

“Thank you,” Lisa said, accepting the offerings. Peering quickly over the titles, she smiled wryly, “You have discovered my weakness, my lord. I do love to read. Though I haven’t had much chance to enjoy books since coming to London.”

“It is always busy in town,” Charles said, waving that away, and then added, “There is much more time to read in the country. I actually prefer life in the country for just that reason.”

“So do I,” she admitted. While this was her first trip to town, Lisa found the constant round of balls and teas a bit taxing. Of course, the rest of her time was not exactly relaxing, what with the kidnapping attempts, and with Robert’s constant attentions.

“There is something else we have in common then,” Charles said with a smile.

“Yes,” she agreed with a smile, setting the books aside and turning her attention to the bag he’d handed her. Opening it, she peered inside, her eyes widening as she spotted the hard candies inside. The sight startled a “My favorite!” from her, and Charles grinned.

“Really? They are mine too.”