Leeds nodded. “It seems too much of a coincidence that both approached you at the same time.”
“I had the same thought. But Cromby was just spewing nonsense, and the duke didn’t say anything about the book, nor did he offer to escort me home.”
“I don’t like it.”
Harriet smiled. “Then next time take me with to your boxing match.”
“Training, love. And you’d be too much of a distraction.”
“Oh?”
“Don’t sound so intrigued. I was scolded today for a sloppy mind. Just imagine how much more sloppy it would have been if you were there.”
“I don’t know,” Harriet said with a teasing drawl. “If I’m with you, you might do even better for wanting to impress your wife.”
He paused, considering. “You might have a point.”
She grinned at him. “So take me with you next time. Or have your private trainer come here.”
“As you wish.” Leeds’s gaze searched hers. “Are you sure you are all right?”
“I’mfine.” Her gaze fell on the flowers. “Actually...”
His good humor instantly disappeared. “What?”
She pointed to the flowers. “Do you know what they mean?”
Leeds glanced at the flowers, then looked back at her and said slowly, “I do not.” A pause. “Should I? What do they mean?”
She snorted. “Patience.”
Leeds fell silent for a moment, and then a low chuckle filled the room. “The florist must have sensed my mood and decided to mock me.”
Leeds was impatient? Over what?
She wanted to ask, but his attention was suddenly drawn to the rows of books that covered the walls of the library. He motioned to the shelves. “Have you taken a look at my collection?”
Harriet followed his gesture to look at the books. “I have not.”
He straightened and held out his hand. “Come have a look.”
Curious, she placed her hand in his and joined him at one particular section, her eyes widening. She lightly traced the spine of the books with a finger. “Are these all...”—her gaze swung back to him—“Charles Griffin’s books?”
He nodded.
“You procured them for me?”
“Don’t you like them? I gathered you enjoyed his books. I also found some similar ones you might want to try. I’ve cleared an entire section for your books, too—books you may wish to choose for the library yourself, that is.”
He had noticed her book preferences from the first time they met? “I do... I do like these sort of books, thank you.” Her heart beat fiercely in her chest, as though it knew before shedid that she was about to do something truly bold. Bolder than everything she had already done up to now.
This was the moment.
In the solitude of the library, with the scent of old and new books filling the air and the hushed whispers of knowledge and stories that hung suspended around them, Harriet made a decision.
This is right.
Leeds, a tall and foreboding figure, a man she hadn’t chosen at the start but chose in the end, stood before a row of ancient bookshelves filled with her favorite books, looking devilishly handsome and absolutely clueless.
