Quin returned to his seat as well but was quite at a loss for how to have a private conversation in a public venue. He was aware that other gentlemen had mastered the art of innuendo and allegory, but he was a professor, a student of clarity and facts.
“How is your mother?” Catherine asked, serving herself tea.
“Scheming for your arrival tonight.”
Though he had his own plans.
“Sounds about right.” She blew across the cup, drawing his eye to the way her lips made a soft O. The color of her lips heightened, and he licked his in response, the flavor of their kiss filling his recall. He tore his stare away, not wanting to lose his wits over a bloody cup of tea.
“I hear you’ve met the trustee of your estate?” he asked, staying on a safer topic.
Quin kept his expression impassive as Catherine all but scoffed into her teacup. With any luck, Mrs. Burke wouldn’t have heard the soft sound. He certainly wouldn’t give away Catherine’s expression by mirroring it.
“Yes,” Catherine replied, arching a brow. “It’s amazing how one meeting can teach you so much about a person.”
Quin nodded. “There’s a reason first impressions are important.”
“Indeed.” She sipped her tea. “How is the weather?”
Quin frowned at the quick change of subject. “It’s quite fine.”
“I feel like it’s been an age since I’ve had a decent walk through the park…” Catherine lowered her chin and speared him with a pleading expression.
“Allow me to remedy that immediately.” Quin quickly understood and rose, offering his arm.
“Delightful! I can’t think of anything I’d love more.” She beamed at him, and Quin held back a chuckle at the manner in which she was playing the game. Minding propriety was imperative, and Catherine understood the need to maintain good standing before her trustee’s delegate.
And Quin did too. He led her from the parlor and out the door into the bright sunshine, thinking,Let the games begin. It certainly wouldn’t be the last time he’d need to read the cues, and he was determined that if Catherine needed an ally…
It would be he.
Mrs. Burke trailed them as they rounded the bend toward Hyde Park. Quin could hear her footsteps and knew she was near enough to be proper, but perhaps not near enough to overhear their conversation.
Quin leaned toward Catherine, guiding her closer by drawing in the arm which she held as they walked. His body relaxed at having her close, as if finally at peace. Her eyes darted to his at his subtle movement, locking in, stealing his breath momentarily. How could a mere look move him so? Her hand tightened on his arm as a blush stole across her features. Quin memorized the hue of her tinted cheeks, the glow of her intelligent eyes and marveled. Struggling to keep his tone light, he leaned in slightly as if about to impart a great secret.
Her eyes danced with merriment as she followed suit, waiting.
“Any particulars you wish to impart?” he asked in a low voice.
Catherine turned back to him. “Nothing that I should say as a lady.”
Quin’s brows arched in surprise before he let out a snigger. “And why am I not surprised? I promise not to think less of you for your frankness.”
“Why, thank you,” she said graciously. “Honestly, it’s more that my own anger at the situation has made me ungracious and cross. Of course, that Mrs. Burke haunts me like a shadow hasn’t improved my disposition.” Her tone turned impatient.
“I don’t blame you for that. I trust a saint would be found ungracious in such a situation. She certainly doesn’t seem to possess a warm personality.”
“Blizzards have more warmth,” Catherine retorted.
Quin bit back his amusement at her apt statement. “If I may inquire, when do you meet with your solicitor and cousin?”
Catherine’s grip tightened on his arm as her attention flickered to the ground, betraying her tension at the prospect. “This afternoon. As much as I am dreading it, I’m also thankful for the clarification it will afford.”
Quin nodded, his thoughts inward. “Do you wish me to stay?”
Catherine answered, “I appreciate the offer, but I think it would be best for me to be alone this time.” She squared her shoulders as she spoke. “I have considered every angle, and I feel that Lord Bircham will be less on guard if he feels he is in control. I wish to uncover as much about the man’s character as possible, and that won’t happen if he’s trying to impress a duke.” She gave him an apologetic expression.
“I’m growing more accustomed to the title,” Quin confided. “It doesn’t make it easier, but I’ve made peace with it.”