Blast. The woman was far too smart. “It’s the situation that intrigues me,” he said. “My mother has taken ill, and my sisters may need a companion. I have no idea if it is proper for me to do the interviews myself.”
Of course he couldn’t do them. Any young woman alone with him in a room would consider it an interview for a wife.
They reached the mouth of the maze. Despite the yawning gap in the hedges and the lawn spreading out before them, Miss Pearce didn’t move. The sunlight slanted in to reach them, warming the top of his head. It touched her next, and her hair sparked to life. Gold and warm copper glinted like ore in poor soil.
“Thank you for escorting me, your lordship.”
He needed to ask her more questions, not stand here staring at her hair. He definitely didn’t need to miss her touch as she separated from him. “We are not to the house yet.”
“It’s a large house. I’m capable of finding it myself.” Her cheeks colored a bright pink, but she didn’t apologize.
“Allow me—”
“No,” she snapped. Drawing a deep breath, she put more distance between them. “I went into this maze without you. If I exit with you, the entire party will be alive with gossip of an assignation.”
“I see.” Jasper’s lips twisted at the irony. He was alone with the one woman he’d met who didn’t wish to be alone with him.
“Lord Ramsbury, we were hoping…”
The words came as a shadow cast Miss Pearce back into gloomy gray. Jasper turned to greet the intruder.
“Miss Spencer. How may I help you?”
She was blinking at her companion. “Miss Pearce?” She looked between them, her gaze narrowing.
Miss Pearce brushed past Jasper and into the sunlight. “His lordship offered to help me find the way out of his maze. It’s become quite overgrown and treacherous over the winter.” Her smile was brittle. “Thank you for your assistance, sir.”
Jasper dipped his chin. “It was my pleasure to be of assistance, miss.”
Rather than stare at her retreating back, he faced his guest and gave her his best smile. “Miss Spencer. How may I assist you?”
“We were hoping you would join us for croquet.”
She looked up at him with a wide blue stare that reminded him of his sister Johanna when she’d asked for a puppy. It was difficult not to pat Miss Spencer on the head as he’d done Jo.
“I will shortly.” He hated croquet, but he suspected Miss Spencer would wheedle if he refused. Jo wheedled with the best of them. “I use the black mallet with the longest handle. Why don’t you ensure that no one else picks it?”
After bouncing a curtsy, she spun on her heel and hurried back in the other direction, barely acknowledging her friends, who fell in behind her. Jasper waited until they were out of sight before lengthening his stride to apprehend Miss Pearce, who was almost to the lowest group of garden steps.
“You are the most exasperating man,” she said to his shadow as she avoided his hand. “What if someone saw you run—”
“I hardly ran.” He chuckled. It had been more difficult to catch her than he’d expected. She had apparently abandoned the short stride ladies were taught as soon as they could walk. “And no one saw me.”
In the silence, their steps ticked off their climb.
“Shouldn’t you join us on the lawn? What if I make love to your charge when no one is looking?”
It was a tease he would have made with Fiona, and Miss Pearce’s sharp inhale made Jasper wonder if he’d gone too far. However, when she faced him, humor sparked in her eyes. It was the first sign of life he’d seen in them.
“I believe that’s too bold, even for you.” She arched an eyebrow. “But I’ll be keeping an eye on you after sunset.”
“Wise woman,” he quipped as he opened the door and ushered her into the entry hall.
Jasper intended to leave her at the stairs. However, when he looked down to bid her farewell, she wasn’t there.
He found her at the library doorway and returned to her side. She didn’t acknowledge his presence.
“I knew it would be lovely,” she whispered.
Jasper looked past her to the room that his new staff had spent days dusting so he could work in there without being plagued by sneezing fits. The late morning sun streamed in the windows, highlighting the blossoming shrubs outside and the polished wood within. It was a room full of books and leather, the quietest space in the house.
Miss Pearce stared like it was a sweet shop and she couldn’t afford a taste.
“When Fiona visits, Mrs. Linden spends a great deal of time in here,” Jasper began. “I believe she naps more than reads, but she is as much of a guest as Fiona.”
Joy lit Miss Pearce’s eyes for a moment before she shook her head. “It’s not proper, but I appreciate your kind offer.”
“Anyone can tell you I’m as unkind as I am improper.” They probably had already. “Books should be read by someone who can appreciate them.” He kept his eyes on hers. “Please make yourself comfortable while you are here, Miss Pearce.”
The battle between what she should do and what she wanted to do was plain. It was equally plain when she decided. Her brilliant smile stole his breath. Though only for a moment.
“Thank you, Lord Ramsbury. I will.”
She entered the library and left him standing at the door, watching her peruse the shelves. After a moment, he left to join his guests, lest another young lady search him out and risk Miss Pearce’s reputation and employment.
Perhaps croquet would distract him from why that was important.
