“Um, what will become of Mr. Smythe’s body?”
“The duke’s men will transport it to a local graveyard, where it will be buried.”
“Did he have family?” Would they even know where he was?
Royce shrugged. “Who can say? No one claimed his body. That’s often the case with convicted criminals or those who’ve lost their way.”
“There is so much I don’t know about our society, and the more that’s uncovered, the greater my disdain grows.” Perhaps she could use that as motivation to make a difference. Somehow. “Will you join the others in the library?”
“It would probably be best.” He came around the bucket, approached her, and didn’t stop until a mere two feet of space separated them. “Unless you had other plans?”
Heat slapped at her cheeks. His blatant flirting yanked her from the maudlin thoughts. “I did, of course, especially after that kiss from yesterday.” When he grinned, clearly unrepentant, desire tripped down her spine. “However, I’d rather not get up to mischief with you while you’re wearing the same clothes you did to explore that corpse.” Despite her hope to remain unaffected, she gave into a shiver. “Additionally, I’m unable to banish the scent of death from my nose. That is not conducive to other more… pleasurable endeavors.” And when next she kissed him, she wished to have use of all her senses.
“At least you’re honest. I appreciate that.” He began the task of rolling down his sleeves, and she frowned from the unfairness of covering up those forearms. “Then that merely gives me an excuse to see you again.”
Isobel nodded. Her throat went suddenly dry, and as odd as it was, the lingering scent of the astringent soap left her craving more of him. “When?” The word came out on a squeak. What was wrong with her? She usually had no difficulties flirting with men.
He shrugged. “Surprise me. Isn’t that what you excel at?” The delicate skin at the corners of his eyes crinkled with a grin. In the illumination from the drawing room, they’d darkened slightly. From the dimness of the night or from the thought of being with her again? “You should go. It won’t do for someone to catch us here alone, and with me in this state of dress.”
“Right.” That would ruin her plans for the intriguing man. And the last thing she needed was Cousin Andrew’s wrath before she’d had a proper scandal with the doctor. “Until the next time, Doctor Marsden.” Already her mind spun on how she could come up with an idea to land in his company without doing so in polite society.
Oh, the planning would be so much fun!