“Better,” she said, “but it seems rather strange as well. I shouldn’t have laughed.”
Henry shook his head, indicating he was unbothered. If he had done even a hundredth of what passed through his mind, she’d be panting right now, not laughing. But he hadn’t come here to debauch her. He had his flaws, but deflowering virgins wasn’t one of them. Though he was beginning to see the appeal…
“I assume you didn’t risk life and limb just to steal a kiss. I’m not the sort of woman men risk life and limb for.”
“You could be,” he said. “Your father has kept you hidden away. If the men of thetonknew what you really looked like, they’d be knocking on your door.”
“Don’t tease me. I know what I look like.”
“Do you think this makes you any less attractive?” He touched her birthmark lightly. “Any man who thinks that is an idiot.”
“You’ve just called my father an idiot.”
“I’ve called your father far worse.”
“So have I. Why did you climb up here if not to have your way with me? You don’t have another painting set, do you?”
“No, I have a proposition.”
Her eyes went cold. “Is this about the land in France again?”
“I need access to that library, Katie.”
“Did I ever give you leave to call me by that sobriquet?”
“Of course,” he lied. “And if I’m to be your first kiss and you’re to allow me into the library when the household is asleep, I think we can exchange Christian names. Mine is Henry.”
“I’ll call you Carlisle, because we won’t be kissing again, and I won’t be allowing you into my library. I will, however, sneak you downstairs and out the front door. I don’t want you landing on your head as you leave.”
“What if I help with the tenants? I can help with repairs to the cottages, improvements to the farms. I know something about agriculture. My father made me read books and tour the land with his steward.”
But Katie was shaking her head. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Speaking of stewards, my mother told me you are looking for yours. I’ll find Mr. Gillett for you.”
Katie stopped shaking her head. “You know where Gillett might be?”
“No, but I could look. I have a few ideas, most of which involve the village and the public room of the inn.”
“I want to go with you.”
He liked that idea. If she went with him, he’d be less likely to end up in a card room instead of searching for Gillett. “Can you get away?” he asked.
“I’ll figure that out.”
“Then we’ll go. If…” He trailed off and waited, waggling his brows.
“If I allow you to search the library.”
“Do we have a deal?”
“Help me find Gillett and then I’ll allow you access to the library. If you want continued access, you have to help the tenants.”
Henry gave her a long look. “I didn’t expect you drive such a hard bargain.”
“Four brothers,” she reminded him. “I know something about making bargains.”
“I agree to your terms,” Henry said. His gaze dropped to her lips again. “Should we kiss on it?”
