“Indeed. If she chooses to accept him because he’s got a title, then I have no chance.”
“Then don’t give him the upper hand. Be more charming and be certain to reserve her time before he can.”
William blew out a breath of frustration. “I’ll see what I can do. What do you know of Wainwright?”
“Not much. From what I can gather, he’s the typical young lord about Town. Chasing women, wagering some of his coin, drinks when appropriate.” His cousin shrugged. “Doesn’t have much to recommend him other than the title. I don’t believe the coffers are full.”
“I see. I wonder if Miss Bancroft knows that.” William narrowed his eyes as he looked at his cousin. “She’s acting as a society reporter just now.”
Andrew chuckled. “That’s rather at odds with her personality.”
“She’s working on discovering her confidence and bravery.” He made a silent promise that he’d help her achieve her goals. “In fact, she’s quite bored with the emptiness of ton affairs and wants to move on to more powerful stories. So, I’ve given permission for her to interview me and my work as a Bow Street Runner.”
“Interesting.” For long moments, Andrew stared at him. “I have to wonder why you’re opening up to her as well as the press.”
William shrugged. “It’s a tiny little thing to help further her goals.” But his chest tightened with anxiety.
“Is it? Or did you feel sorry for her during your conversation the other night?” When William didn’t comment, Andrew continued. “It’s not a failing to have compassion for a woman. However, have a care just how much you give to her, both personally and professionally. People tend to take advantage of a situation.”
“You think she’s using me to further her career, even though she agreed to let me court her?” He hadn’t considered that possibility before, would never have thought it of the sweet, shy woman he’d met three days ago.
“Who can say? I’m merely reminding you to go into this with your eyes wide open. You’re an inspector and therefore have a natural wariness.” Andrew sighed. “I don’t want you hurt. Women can either lift us up or shred us alive. It’s a fine line and depends largely on their mood.”
“I understand.” William nodded, and the pressure in his chest relaxed slightly. His experience with women was limited to the occasional affair when it had been convenient in his Bow Street schedule or whenever the need for carnal relations had gotten the better of him, but those relationships hadn’t gone beyond the physical. “However, I’m in no immediate danger of having my heart involved. This is a preliminary courtship to see if we’ll indeed suit, if at all.”
“Obviously there’s an interest there if both of you are open to the chance, yes?” Again, that detestable eyebrow rose.
“I won’t deny that. As of yet, that’s as far as it’s gone: interest.”
“No attraction or desire?” Andrew’s tone of voice suggested that perhaps William had withheld vital information.
A trace of heat went up the back of his neck. “There might be some small amount of attraction on my part, but nothing else.” He shrugged. “As I said, we’ll see what comes of it. As it is, this will mollify my mother for a time, even if the time doesn’t suit my schedule.”
“Ah, but then, if you don’t make time for a personal life, you’ll never have one. If this is truly an opportunity you want, don’t let it pass you by.” Andrew leaned back in his chair. He rested an ankle on a knee and steepled his fingers together beneath his chin. “Keep me abreast of new developments.”
“I will.” William blew out a breath of relief. He wasn’t ready to go under the firing squad of Andrew’s questions. He glanced toward the doorway. Compared to the noise at his own house, this one was surprisingly peaceful. “How does Lady Hadleigh fare?”
Immediately, his cousin’s expression softened. “Very well. Thank you for asking. Currently, she’s out attending a luncheon for one of her charities with my mother. It’s perhaps ones of the last times she’ll appear in public before she’ll try to stay off her feet before the babe arrives.”
“I hope she has an easy time of it. My congratulations to you both.” The earl and his wife were expecting their first child in two months. William hadn’t given much thought to setting up his own nursery, but he couldn’t deny the tiny splinter of envy that moved into his heart, for the pair were very much besotted with each other.
“Thank you. I’m trying to have everything in readiness, so Sarah won’t worry.” Andrew shook his head. “There’s much to think about.”
“I can imagine. Having a child… holding new life in your hands when it’s such a fragile thing…”
“I know.” Concern and a trace of fear clouded Andrew’s eyes. “I often wonder if I’m good enough to be a father. Or worse yet, that I’ll fail as one like my father did upon occasion.”
“Or mine,” William added in a choked voice. “It’s a heady yet staggering responsibility.” Did he want children of his own? It was a dream he hadn’t given thought to, but suddenly in his mind’s eye, an image of two chubby children appeared, both possessing ice-blue eyes and the full sweep of Francesca’s bottom lip…
“It is, but I’ll fight hard to do my best, to be better than what I knew.”
“Good man.” A frown pulled at the corners of William’s mouth. Why the devil had Miss Bancroft taken root so easily in his thoughts? In an effort to give himself a distraction, he asked, “What of Caroline? If she’s being intrusive, I’d be happy to take over her care, since she is my sister.” Ever since Andrew’s order that brought Caroline out of the mental asylum and into his keeping at Hadleigh House, varying degrees of bitterness had taken hold of William. Why shouldn’t he be allowed to watch over his own sibling?
I’d like to have a relationship with her before life tears us apart again.
Andrew grunted. “Your sister mostly keeps to herself. I rarely see her. She remains in her rooms, filling her days with drawing and painting. I don’t dissuade her, for the activity seems to make her happy… and calm. She does join us for dinner every once in a while, but we don’t force her to do anything she doesn’t wish.” He leaned forward and planted both feet on the floor, rested his forearms on his knees and let his hands dangle between his legs. “Honestly, she’s the least of my concerns. Visit when your schedule permits. She might come down to tea.”
“She might, but after the Christmastide house party, I rather doubt it.” Two months before, his sister didn’t much wish anything to do with her siblings, and for good reason. That didn’t relieve the guilt filling his chest, though.