She gave him a wan smile. "It is kind of you, but there is no reason to worry." Of course, she would never admit how many times she had gone over the events in her mind. She'd pinned the exact moment when Brentmoor joined her group at Vauxhall, uninvited. The lanterns had added a little ambiance as they'd walked along. When he'd dared her to set foot on the dark walk, she'd refused and dismissed him from her thoughts. That had not deterred his single-minded courtship, but it marked their first encounter, one she wished she could expunge permanently from her brain.

As time went on, Brentmoor had uttered all the right words and persuaded her that he was a changed man because of her, and yet, somewhere deep inside there had always been a seed of doubt. She'd ignored it to her detriment.

"You seem pensive," Colin said.

She didn't want to waste the day thinking about Brentmoor. "I've had more time to ruminate than I ever wished. Today I'm going to make myself useful. Hopefully we will encounter a great deal of potential and very few problems." Belatedly, she realized she'd revealed too much and made herself seem pathetic. So she added, "Mind, I rarely waste time ruminating." Liar.

"I'm grateful for your a.s.sistance," he said. "It's been years since I've been inside. It feels strange," he said.

Twenty-five years had elapsed. She hadn't considered that he might feel apprehensive about entering the house, but it would be perfectly natural. He'd been only six years old when his mother had died, and his father had never returned here.

"Whatever we find, promise you won't be disappointed," Angeline said.

"To be honest, I expect the house will need numerous repairs. Whatever is wrong can be righted." He paused and added, "Hopefully."

Colin opened a door and led her inside the anteroom. There was a dusty marble fireplace and a large bookcase-floor to ceiling. After he set the hamper on the floor, he pulled back the covers over a large round mahogany table.

"It is in excellent condition," she said.

"The carpet beneath is faded," he said.

"That should have been rolled up and stored."

"I believe my father left in some haste after my mother's funeral."

She felt a pinch in her chest at his words. Despite the many years that had elapsed, he must feel the void. Even in her exile to Paris, she'd read the news in English scandal sheets where his barely concealed ident.i.ty and exploits were so easily discerned and served up a few weeks old like warmed-over gossip.

Angeline motioned Agnes and set her to dusting the anteroom. "There's a st.u.r.dy ladder by the shelves. When you're done, find me."

"Yes, my lady."

She turned to Colin. "We'll need at least two footmen to lift the table and someone to move the carpet."

With a sigh, Colin pulled out his notebook and pencil. "I'll request the help of footmen or tenants."

"I could make the notations while you inspect," she said.

"Very well." He gave her the notebook and pencil. Then he looked about. "There are marks on the walls where paintings must have hung."

"Do you recall the paintings at all?" she said.

He shook his head. "It was long ago, and I was too young to pay attention. I imagine they're in the attic." He walked over to the fireplace. "There are no coals in the bin. Lord only knows what might be in that chimney." He opened a tinderbox. "It's empty. I'll have to bring one the next time and see about having coals delivered. That way I can test the chimneys for any issues."

She finished scribbling her notes and turned to the maid. Angeline noted the marks on the black-and-white checkerboard marble floor. It needed scrubbing. The carpets and the runners on the stairs were probably dusty and possibly faded as well, but for now, she would focus on the ground floor.

Colin looked up at the chandelier. "Cobwebs."

Angeline shuddered.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I hate spiders."

Devilment showed in his eyes as he walked his fingers along her arm.

She swatted his hand. "Stop that."

His deep chuckle called to a wicked place inside of her.

"Speaking of cobwebs, you'll need someone to clean the chandelier," she said, adding that to her list.

"This way," he said, indicating another room on the ground floor.

"Behold, the breakfast parlor," he said as they entered.

She removed the covers, and he set the hamper on the bare table.

He pulled a chair back. "The cushions are faded."

"I noticed the drapes are as well," she said. "Before refurbishing anything, we should check to see if there are external blinds. If not, you'll need to have them installed to protect furnishings and carpets from the sun."

"Won't that make it awfully dim?" he said.

"You'll want it primarily for summer, and the blinds can be withdrawn up a pelmet when not in use."

"There are shutters," he said, "but they need to be repaired." He sighed. "We've barely started, but it's clear the work is going to be far more involved than I'd expected."

"We don't know the condition of the drawing room," she said. "It's possible the furnishings and carpets there are in better shape."

"You're right," he said. "Once we've had a chance to inspect everything, we can decide which projects have the highest priority."

He'd used the word we three times.

"Sorry," he said. "I a.s.sumed you wished to continue to be involved, but you shouldn't feel obligated."

"I look forward to the challenge." She already felt purposeful, and as a result her spirits had risen.

"It's obvious the place has been neglected," he said. "I still can't figure out what prompted my father's sudden urge to sell."

"Someone expressed interest," she said.

"Yes, but I'd wager it wasn't the first time," Colin said. "I think my father is bent on marching me to the altar."

"The offer must have been attractive. The house hasn't been kept in good order and has stood empty for all these years. Has he ever returned here?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"He obviously cannot bear to return, and he has no surety that you will occupy it anytime soon."

"I always a.s.sumed it would be mine," he said.

"I know it is difficult," she said, "but he relented today. It is far from hopeless."

He shrugged. "It is the first time my father has ever let go of control."

"Forgive me for prying, but have you ever asked if you might be of a.s.sistance?"

"I gave up years ago," he said. "He used to take me with him when he visited the tenants, but he's the sort of man who feels only he can do something. One of the reasons I've stayed away from Deerfield is because I've felt useless. My father will speak of what has to be done, but he won't allow me to take over any of the responsibilities. It's provoking."

"He allowed it today," she said. "That's a start in the right direction."

"Yes, but now I find myself suspicious that he has yet another plan he intends to spring on me."

She frowned. "When did you become so pessimistic?"

"If I expect the worst, I'm never disappointed."

"But then you are never pleased, either," she said.

"Point taken."

Belatedly, she realized she was a hypocrite, but her pessimism was based on real events, not potential ones. She had plans to take control of her life. It would not be easy, because her family would not approve, but she would do it.

He indicated a corridor to the left. "Let's have a look in there."

He opened the door, and she walked inside.

"It's a study," she said.

There were covers over a desk, a standing globe, and bookshelves that reached the ceiling. He watched as she opened the drapes to discover a bay window.

"There is excellent light in here. I should think you would enjoy working here."

He put his hands on his hips. "Yes, the light shows all the dust on the shelves and uncovered side tables."

"Do you recall this room at all?" she asked.

He sent the globe spinning. "I remember this. I thought it was a giant top at first. My father pointed out the different countries. He would quiz me to see if I remembered."

"Did you?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yes, I learned quite a few of them. I liked Italy the best because it looked like a boot."

She walked to the bay window again. "There is a lovely prospect of the grounds," she said.

He walked directly behind her. The wind scattered gold and orange autumn leaves. The faint scent of rose soap lingered on her skin. It felt almost intimate to stand so near to her.

"I could grow attached to this room quickly," he said.

She stepped away and said in an overly cheerful voice, "Shall we lift the covers off the desk?"

He wondered if he made her a little nervous. With a shrug, he pulled off the covers. There was a stand with two inkwells and four ball feet. "Clever that it rolls," he said. His brows furrowed as he picked up the quill. "It has never been used." Perhaps it was an indication of his father's haste to leave all those years ago.

He opened desk drawers and closed them.

"Are you looking for something in particular?" she asked.

"Everything is empty." He didn't mention the miniature of his mother. Perhaps he would tell her later, but not now.

"I'm sure your father would have taken important papers and correspondence," Angeline said.

Colin strode over to the sideboard. Inside he found a decanter and gla.s.ses. When he removed the stopper, he sniffed. "Brandy."

She arched her brows. "Isn't it a bit early?"

He laughed, poured a finger in a gla.s.s, and offered it to her. "For the discerning lady."

"Ladies do not drink strong spirits."

"Coward," he said with a laugh.

"If you think that taunting me will work, you are wrong," she said.

He leaned against the sideboard and swirled the brandy. "You've no idea what you're missing."

"Well, then I won't miss it. Now, if you are done trying to tempt me, which will never work, I suggest we have a look at the principle drawing room-or is there more than one?"

He finished off the brandy. "I've no idea."

"Perhaps you will recall more about the house as we explore," she said.

He scoffed. "Or find buried treasures."

"You are entirely too cynical," she said, marching out of the study. "It will spoil your appet.i.te."

He watched her round little bottom and said, "My appet.i.te is definitely whetted."

As they walked into the breakfast parlor, the aroma of fresh bread filled the air. Colin's stomach growled, making them both laugh. "We might as well eat now," she said. Then she opened the hamper and unwrapped the cloth keeping the bread warm.

Agnes appeared and bobbed a curtsy. "My lady, I await your instructions."

"You must be hungry."

"If it pleases your ladyship, I'll duck out to the barn and eat with John."

After she left, Angeline frowned. "It is a long walk to the barn."

"The alternative is to join us, and you know she would be uncomfortable. John will welcome her company."