“Then you’re accustomed to unmanageable behavior,” he said.
“I am.” Memories of the unmanageable Kent rose to bedevil her again, making her wonder if she’d have to contend with them for the rest of her life.
Upon reaching the suite, Winston opened the door and Ada asked, “How long have your aunt and uncle been married?”
“They recently celebrated their fifteen-year anniversary.”
“They look to be very happy.”
“They are.” Not wanting to say anything else that might encourage Ada’s attempt at matchmaking, Portia said, “I hope you enjoy your stay with us.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Winston Jakes replied.
Ada eyed them both. “Five days, Winston. Good night, Portia.”
Amused, Portia said, “Good night.”
Ada went inside. Winston lingered for a second longer. “Good night, Portia.”
“Good night to you as well, Winston.”
She turned and struck out for her return to the main house.
Later, Regan and Portia sat talking in Portia’s room.
“The widow is going to be a bother,” Regan said from her spot on Portia’s bed.
Standing by her open doors and looking out at the night, Portia turned. “I agree.”
“I enjoyed the look on her face when you were done with her, though.”
“I don’t like being challenged.”
“I think she knows that now. She seems pretty anxious to make a run at Kent.”
“Hopefully, he’ll simply ignore her the way he did at the depot.” She knew it wasn’t her place to tell him not to fraternize with the guests but it was obvious that Elvenna wanted to make herself available and she did wonder how he would respond.
Regan interrupted her thoughts. “Wondering whether Kent’s going to help himself to the widow’s buffet?”
“No.”
“Liar. He likes you, Portia. I doubt he’d be so disrespectful as to pursue another woman right under your nose.”
“It doesn’t matter to me who he pursues.” That, too, was a lie.
“It does, so stop being a ninny.”
Portia blew out a breath and changed the subject. “Winston Jakes is a doctor, unmarried, well-spoken, and very forward thinking where women are concerned. You might consider getting to know him better.”
“The man spent the entire dinner looking at you. I could have been wearing my nightgown and he wouldn’t have cared.”
“His mother thinks I’d make a great daughter-in-law. She’s given him the duration of their stay to win me over. I suppose were I in the market for a husband, he might fit the bill.” And if she knew how long it would take for the memories of Kent’s kisses to fade.
“He doesn’t fit mine. I’m going to be a mail-order bride, remember?”
Portia laughed softly. “You’re just not letting that go, are you?”
“No, and I’m still scouring the newspapers.”