Page 47

“I looked occupied,” she responded tartly.

“The distinction was too subtle.”

She turned down the gallery, and he continued beside her.

Judith stopped again. “Do you require something, sir?”

“Yes. Conversation.”

“There are numerous guests in this house.”

“None are presently as interesting as yourself.”

There it was. Charm—smooth, effortless, indefensible charm.

Judith folded her arms. “Does such meaningless charm generally succeed?”

His mouth curved. “I merely stated a fact.”

Judith looked at him and immediately regretted doing so. The man was far too attractive when amused, which was nearly always. His dark hair had refused perfect order again, and his brown eyes possessed the warm, wicked gleam of someone enjoying a private joke.

She must avoid looking at his mouth.

“Major Baines.”

“Miss Finch?”

“You are flirting with me.”

“Yes.”

The admission surprised her. She blinked. “That is all?”

“What more should there be?”

“I expected at least a pretence of innocence.”

“I sensed it had ceased convincing you.”

“It has not once convinced me.”

“Then I have wasted several excellent performances.”

Judith turned away before she smiled. “I have things to do.”

“So you continually remind everyone.”

Judith’s voice cooled. “Someone must keep Blackthorn from collapsing.”

“Certainly, but must it always be you?”

“Of course not, but as no one else has come forward…”

“That was not my question.”

She stared at him.

The amusement in his expression had softened, and for once she could not discover any mockery behind the words.