Her brow scrunched. “What?”
He chuckled. “Well. I understand that I already handed your funds over to you but we’ve other…things…to discuss.”
They did indeed. “What time is it now?”
He cleared his throat. “Half past ten.”
“Oh dear,” she looked down at her bare toes. “I’m late.”
He laughed and reached out to softly stroke her cheek. “I’ll send someone up to help you dress. The Earl of Baxter returns at noon, and truth be told, I’d like to discuss his offer with you before I see him.”
Was that what they needed to discuss? “Somehow, I thought the topic might be a bit more…personal.”
He stepped closer and his lips grazed her forehead. “They are part of the same conversation, I can assure you.”
Heat filled her cheeks all over again even as he placed a light kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll see you very soon. And don’t worry about breakfast. I’ll have a tray in my study.”
“Thank you,” she said as he backed away again. Was it wrong that she wished to stay in his embrace?
But as he retreated down the hall, she turned to begin getting herself ready.
If she wished to be near him, she’d have to attend their…meeting.
That made her smile. So like Logan to wish to discuss their relationship at an appointed time and place.
But then she straightened. How did he see their future?
All her doubts still existed.
She winced. She wasn’t fit to be a countess. Not really.
And he had many duties and obligations his wife should be aiding. Instead, she had her own path she planned to tread.
She waved her thoughts away and began to wash herself. The only way to gain any answers was to finish dressing.
Chapter Fourteen
Logan sat
at his desk waiting for Penny to arrive. With little else to do, he began sorting through the morning’s correspondence.
His hands worked almost without thought. Updates from his solicitor in one pile, legal documents in another. Finally, he came to a plain note. As he flipped it over, he saw the seal of the Marquess of Humphries. The man he’d written to about an introduction to his daughter.
Turning it over, he broke the seal and pulled out the fresh sheet of parchment.
Quickly scanning the contents, Logan nearly barked with laughter.
The family would be delighted to make the introduction and requested his presence at their upcoming ball. A Christmastide celebration set a fortnight from this Friday.
He shook his head as he dropped the note onto his desk. He’d not be attending.
Logan had already chosen a bride. A gorgeous woman with a heart of gold.
His heart flipped in his chest. Lady Goldthwaite. It had a lovely ring. And as a countess, she’d be most able to gain any amount of funds she’d require to run her orphanages.
He let out a breath. But Natty, Ethel, Fran, and Clarissa would stay here, of course. They were family now. He knew that.
Warmth filled his chest.