I felt I owed you an apology, for I know how I should feel if someone were to force himself into my life and start ordering me about."
There was no resisting his offhand candor. A reluctant smile flickered at the corners of her mouth, but was quickly suppressed. "Yes, you were rather overbearing about it, weren't you?"
"I suppose I was, rather. May I make amends by inviting you and Lady Walden to accompany me to view the collection of Lucien Bonaparte's pictures that will be offered for sale later in the Season? There will also be a public showing just prior to the sale, but Mr. Stanley, knowing that I am particularly fond of the Flemish School, has invited me to view them privately, as there are some very fine pencil sketches by Vandermeer and Jofdaens."
This about-face was rather too much for Diana, and she could not help but wonder what was behind it. The combative attitude previously exhibited by her caller had been all too genuine for this new approach to be equally so, and Diana was wary.
She had no intention of being maneuvered into anything by anyone, whether they did so by browbeating her, deceiving her, or charming her. And furthermore, she was not such a green girl that she did not know something of Justin St. Clair's reputation as a man of considerable address. However, she did not wish to be accused of being farouche either. It was something of a dilemma, and she paused for a 100
The Willful Widow
by Evelyn Richardson
moment examining her possible responses and their implications.
It was Justin who came to her rescue. Seeing her hesitation, he could not help gloating over her discomfiture. At last he took pity on her, offering her an excuse in the most gentlemanly way. "Of course, you must be prodigiously busy, what with Lady Walden as your guest, and undoubtedly, you still have a great deal to do concerning Lord Hatherill's affairs."
It was completely untrue, but Diana seized upon this gratefully, stammering, "Yes, things are still at sixes and sevens. I only go out on the rarest of occasions. However," she added conscientiously, "it is most kind of you." Though it was not in the least kind, she thought resentfully. One could just tell from the faint glint in his eye that he was thoroughly enjoying the disordered state to which he had reduced her. Now she did not know what to think—a most disconcerting feeling for one who had always been entirely sure of herself and her ability to cope with anything.
"Well then, perhaps another time. Actually, all I truly came to do was to acknowledge that I had, to coin a phrase, been an insufferable arrogant man, eh Boney, and to see if we couldn't try to be, if not friends, at least not enemies, or perhaps even civil acquaintances, since my nephew holds you in such high esteem."
The man actually seemed sincere and, after all, the quarrel had not been of her making. Diana inclined her head graciously. "Yes, I believe we could." 101
The Willful Widow
by Evelyn Richardson
Justin took her hand, bowing low over it. "I look forward to improving our acquaintance." A quick penetrating glance, and he was gone leaving her to a welter of confused thoughts. Which was the real Justin St. Clair: the arrogant uncle bent on preventing his nephew from making a disastrous mésalliance, the clever banterer who could top one Latin quotation with another, or the man she had met just who seemed to appreciate and sympathize with her? There was no question the man had considerable poise and charm. He had correctly interpreted Boney's remarks with aplomb and had responded with a graceful humor that she could not but admire. And yet ... and yet, Diana still sensed the unstated competition between the two of them that had led her to believe he enjoyed his ability to throw her and gain the upper hand.
Diana had to admit that she was rather looking forward to their next encounter. Though she told herself, it was merely that she disliked being bested by anyone and that she wished to regain
There was no resisting his offhand candor. A reluctant smile flickered at the corners of her mouth, but was quickly suppressed. "Yes, you were rather overbearing about it, weren't you?"
"I suppose I was, rather. May I make amends by inviting you and Lady Walden to accompany me to view the collection of Lucien Bonaparte's pictures that will be offered for sale later in the Season? There will also be a public showing just prior to the sale, but Mr. Stanley, knowing that I am particularly fond of the Flemish School, has invited me to view them privately, as there are some very fine pencil sketches by Vandermeer and Jofdaens."
This about-face was rather too much for Diana, and she could not help but wonder what was behind it. The combative attitude previously exhibited by her caller had been all too genuine for this new approach to be equally so, and Diana was wary.
She had no intention of being maneuvered into anything by anyone, whether they did so by browbeating her, deceiving her, or charming her. And furthermore, she was not such a green girl that she did not know something of Justin St. Clair's reputation as a man of considerable address. However, she did not wish to be accused of being farouche either. It was something of a dilemma, and she paused for a 100
The Willful Widow
by Evelyn Richardson
moment examining her possible responses and their implications.
It was Justin who came to her rescue. Seeing her hesitation, he could not help gloating over her discomfiture. At last he took pity on her, offering her an excuse in the most gentlemanly way. "Of course, you must be prodigiously busy, what with Lady Walden as your guest, and undoubtedly, you still have a great deal to do concerning Lord Hatherill's affairs."
It was completely untrue, but Diana seized upon this gratefully, stammering, "Yes, things are still at sixes and sevens. I only go out on the rarest of occasions. However," she added conscientiously, "it is most kind of you." Though it was not in the least kind, she thought resentfully. One could just tell from the faint glint in his eye that he was thoroughly enjoying the disordered state to which he had reduced her. Now she did not know what to think—a most disconcerting feeling for one who had always been entirely sure of herself and her ability to cope with anything.
"Well then, perhaps another time. Actually, all I truly came to do was to acknowledge that I had, to coin a phrase, been an insufferable arrogant man, eh Boney, and to see if we couldn't try to be, if not friends, at least not enemies, or perhaps even civil acquaintances, since my nephew holds you in such high esteem."
The man actually seemed sincere and, after all, the quarrel had not been of her making. Diana inclined her head graciously. "Yes, I believe we could." 101
The Willful Widow
by Evelyn Richardson
Justin took her hand, bowing low over it. "I look forward to improving our acquaintance." A quick penetrating glance, and he was gone leaving her to a welter of confused thoughts. Which was the real Justin St. Clair: the arrogant uncle bent on preventing his nephew from making a disastrous mésalliance, the clever banterer who could top one Latin quotation with another, or the man she had met just who seemed to appreciate and sympathize with her? There was no question the man had considerable poise and charm. He had correctly interpreted Boney's remarks with aplomb and had responded with a graceful humor that she could not but admire. And yet ... and yet, Diana still sensed the unstated competition between the two of them that had led her to believe he enjoyed his ability to throw her and gain the upper hand.
Diana had to admit that she was rather looking forward to their next encounter. Though she told herself, it was merely that she disliked being bested by anyone and that she wished to regain
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