“Barbados.” He gave her the tiniest wink as her eyebrows flew up and her mouth parted. Damnation, the woman was tempting.
“How delightful.” She gave a tinkling laugh, coming alive before him. “Tell me what it’s like.”
He chuckled despite himself, her enthusiasm infectious and interesting. He’d discovered another facet of her. A frightened doe turned adventurer. “It’s w
onderful. Warm, bright, sunny. There is often an ocean breeze so as not to be too hot. I have to confess, I should have taken a carriage today. I’d forgotten how often it rains here.”
She let out the softest sigh. He wanted to stroke the column of her neck and feel that breath vibrate through his fingers while it blew across his cheek. “It would be wonderful to see such a place.”
“Violette,” her mother interrupted. There was a chastisement in the tone and Violette immediately straightened away from him. All affect returned to what it had previously been. Before him once again sat a perfect lady.
He swallowed, clearing the rest of the words he’d wanted to share about Barbados out of his mouth. It would only do to upset Lady Bradford and make Violette more at odds with her mother. “A lady like you would have a dreadful time keeping her skin that lovely shade of ivory in such a place. The sun can be relentless.”
She dipped her chin in acknowledgement and silence fell again. He searched his mind for an acceptable topic. He wished, for the first time in years, that he was at a ball. He’d never had much patience for those sorts of affairs, but he’d gladly dance with Violette. Rather than talk, he could imagine holding her in his arms, the feel of her tiny waist clasped in his hand.
“Did you have a particular reason for being in Barbados?” Violette asked, her voice even, more reserved than it had been before.
“One of my investments is a sugar plantation,” he answered. “I went down a few years ago to check on its operation and found the weather suited me.”
“How delightful,” Mrs. Bradford said. It was the older woman’s turn to lean in. “One of your investments, Mr. Riley? Do you have many?”
Her sudden attention made Theo clear his throat. They most certainly were trying to make a match, or Lady Bradford was, and she was now considering him an option. Her interest had perked up the moment he’d mentioned having an income. “I have a small shipping company I’m building on the islands as well.”
“Of course,” she said, her eyes keen upon him. He was glad when the innkeeper brought their plates of food. “How convenient to not have to pay someone else to ship your goods. Very economical.”
It was. He had several other ventures as well, though it didn’t seem prudent to mention them. He’d peaked Lady Bradford’s interest enough. “Quite.”
“Tell me, Mr. Riley.” Lady Bradford hardly touched her food as she cocked her head to one side to assess him. “Are you married? Have any children?”
Here it was. Did he lie? Make up a wife? But he glanced over at Violette to find her gaze also fixed on him. Somehow, he couldn’t do it. “No, my lady, I am not.”
Lady Bradford’s eyebrows rose. “Really?” Her lips curved into a small smile. “A man with your business holdings must want an heir.”
“My mother certainly thinks so.” He took a bite of his food, hoping to end the conversation. He had no intention of allowing a marriage-minded mother to try and coerce him into a match. He had his own mother for that.
“She’s right, of course.” Mrs. Bradford nodded, agreeing with her own point. “And the right wife could increase your business holdings and standing in society all the while aiding you…personally.”
His lamb stuck in his throat. The words were suggestive but he had a sudden image of Violette’s more personal attentions. He’d only just met the woman. What the bloody hell was wrong with him?
Three men walked into the tavern. The tallest swept the room with his gaze and then stopped on Violette. He understood the man’s interest. She was lovely but all the same, such attention was rude at best.
They took a table just behind Violette, with the tallest staring at her back. Theo looked to her. Her posture was still perfect, but her mouth had turned down. She took a delicate bite of her food and then gave a subtle glance backward.
All three men had turned to her. He didn’t want to think about what he was about to do. “Darling,” he rumbled and all three sets of male eyes focused on him. “How’s your dinner?”
Both women started in surprise, but Violette recovered first. “Quite good.” Her brown eyes held his, a question turning down the corners of her mouth. “Thank you.”
He gave a nod and then glared at the largest man in the group. Their attention was too focused and he wanted them to know he could and would challenge them. The other man stared at him for several seconds before finally looking away.
They finished their meal in silence and then Theo tossed several coins on the table. As they stood, Theo circled the table offering Violette his arm. He’d worry about the ladies’ expectations from his words and actions later.
* * *
Violette slipped her hand into the crook of his arm feeling the muscle that lay underneath. The touch made her flutter inside. Those men had been looking at her. Their unwarranted attention had, quite frankly, filled her with discomfort. She had appreciated Mr. Riley’s intervention, though just hours ago he’d been the man she had been concerned about. Odd how quickly that had changed. Now, she felt safe in his company. Protected.
Her mother apparently approved of him as well. She was attempting to secure another meeting with him to assess him as a suitor. Her mother had wanted a titled gentleman. One who would raise their social standing but, as their funds diminished, she was sure her mother would consider someone who could help carry their financial burden.
She gave him a sideways glance and her insides fluttered again. He was tall and handsome, strong, with just a touch of danger about him, or perhaps it was simply excitement that he exuded.