for them. Johnson seems sincere. Maybe with a little help, he can get Penthwaithe on its feet.” She was distressed for the Johnson family, but kept calm, smiling at Sir Rex instead. “As his landlord is hardly helping by collecting the last of his funds for rent.”
Sir Rex stared as if he knew some anger lurked beneath her facade. “That is what landlords do, Lady Harrington.”
“Not all landlords,” she said seriously. “Would you collect Penthwaithe’s rents?”
He stiffened. “No, I would not.”
Blanche hadn’t thought so.
“My program is different from that of most landlords. I have actually deferred rents frequently, as I prefer to see the farms thrive. In the long term, everyone benefits from such a program. The farms prosper, the tenants can pay rents and I can receive them.”
“Your policy is impressive.” She hadn’t realized he was such a benevolent landlord.
“It is logical.” He hesitated. “And apparently we share some common ground. You are distressed by the plight of the Johnson family. I am often distressed by the same circumstance, which unfortunately, one encounters everywhere in the parish—and in most of Cornwall. But charity only goes so far. Our poorer families need more than charity—they need livelihoods.”
She stared directly into his dark eyes, which she realized were flecked with gold. Sir Rex was a compassionate man. She knew many noblemen and women who were indifferent to the plight of those less fortunate than themselves.
“Most ladies of the ton lack such compassion,” he added. “They are too involved in their own vanities.”
She hesitated. How odd, they had been thinking almost the same thing. He was right—very right—but she wasn’t about to condemn all London noblewomen. “That is a broad indictment.”
“Yes, it is,” he agreed with a slight smile. “Have no fear, I am not asking you to agree with me—you would never throw stones at your friends.”
“No, I should never do so.”
His regard was oddly warm. “I admire your compassion, Lady Harrington, not just for the Johnsons, but for the war veterans.” He hesitated. “I am not sure I have said so. It equals your generous nature.”
Blanche was surprised. Sir Rex had never offered such flattery before. “You are being far too kind.”
“I think not. Let’s make those purchases. I can help you with them, if you wish.” He smiled at her.
He became a very attractive man when he smiled, she thought uneasily. “Sir Rex, I am somewhat involved with the Johnsons, but you are not. Please, I can manage to provide a few necessities for them.” She was certain he could not afford to indulge in the luxury of more charity.
His smile vanished, as if he knew she did not care for him to spend his modest resources on Penthwaithe’s tenants. “I am glad to contribute. I’ll have Fenwick drive the stores over and we can be back at Bodenick in time for a late dinner.” He was firm.
Blanche nodded. He was clearly determined to show her that he was generous, but she already suspected he was just that in spite of his modest estate. Why had he flattered her? He wasn’t a gallant and he did not flirt. And why was she pleased? She was used to flattery and flirtation. She could not enter a salon without some rogue accosting her with his mundane, insincere praise.
Following Rex to the coach, she stole a glance at his strong, classic profile. There was more to this man than met the eye. He was reclusive and he did drink a bit freely, but she could not condemn him for such behavior, as he was industrious, resourceful, honest and astute. It was not as if he wasted his life away; to the contrary, his life was filled with improvements and accomplishments.
She had always been somewhat aware of him. He had a charisma, and whenever he was present and she entered a salon, she had noticed him instantly. She had never thought about it, but now, she wondered if she had always instinctively liked him. He certainly had a strength of character which she found attractive in a man. He was the kind of man one could undoubtedly depend on.
He caught her staring and smiled.
IT WAS THREE in the afternoon when they finally returned to Land’s End. Blanche walked up to the house, pleased with the purchases she had made for the Johnson family. It had been impossible to dissuade Sir Rex from making an equal contribution.
She was at present thoroughly preoccupied. Once, she had had a vague interest in Sir Rex de Warenne. If anything, that interest had been a result of their being family friends. She was thoughtful now. They were becoming well acquainted in a very short period of time. Clearly she was becoming somewhat intrigued with her host. She wasn’t certain what to make of that, as she had always been a bit intrigued, but from a very safe distance. Nothing felt safe any longer, especially when she allowed herself a vivid recollection of the previous afternoon. That tryst was unforgettable. But it wasn’t as shocking today as it had been yesterday.
Meg came running out of the house, followed by Anne, who was walking more slowly. Meg was beaming; Anne sent Blanche an odd, sidelong look. Blanche didn’t quite care for it, but she couldn’t decipher it, either, and she dismissed it.
“My lady, did you have a pleasant day?” Meg beamed. “Did you enjoy your box lunches?”
“It has been an unusual day,” she told Meg. “We will not be going to Penthwaithe after all.” She hesitated. “Sir Rex saved the day.”
Meg’s eyes widened; Anne glanced her way.
Sir Rex, who had been speaking to her coachman, now came forward. “I had Anne pack us boxed dinners, in case we needed them.” He turned to the maid, who had retrieved a wicker basket from the coach. “Please take our luncheon inside to the dining room. Lady Blanche must be famished and we will dine there immediately.”
He was thoughtful, she realized, and meticulous. Blanche stared at his handsome face for so long that his brows lifted. “Lady Harrington?”
Her heart flipped disturbingly. “I am ravenous.” She hesitated. “It’s a beautiful day. Can we dine al fresco? Meg mentioned you have a magnificent view from the tower gardens.” Supper had been awkward last night, the dining hall somehow too small for them both. With her sudden interest in his character, it would be better to dine outside. It wouldn’t be as intimate.
He seemed mildly surprised. “One can see all the way to America, or so the locals claim, but the gardens are dormant now.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Are you certain you will not be cold? You have been outdoors most of the day.”
If she hadn’t intruded on him in his tryst yesterday, she would still consider him a perfect gentleman. “I am enjoying the brisk air.” She smiled, not looking at him.
Had Bess thought to match them because she knew he had the strength and integrity of character to help her manage her fortune?
Sir Rex was staring closely, but she refused to meet his gaze. He said, “Anne, bring Lady Harrington a warm throw.”
He gestured and she preceded him around the castle and past the tower. She paused. He was right. Here, one could
