Notorious Pleasures (Maiden Lane #2)(23)

“Ah,” he murmured. “Do you like painting?”

She inhaled and looked up frankly. “I loathe it.”

He nodded. “I have a copy of Thucydides somewhere about. Would you like to borrow it?”

“I don’t…” She paused and looked at him. She should decline his offer. Becoming any more involved with Reading than she already was was a sure way to disaster. And he’d sensed her thoughts—his face was already closing in preparation for her dismissal.

“Yes. Please,” she said before she could think any more.

A wide smile lit his face. “Very well.”

The carriage halted and Reading glanced out the window. “Here we are.”

He helped her out, and Hero saw they were in front of a neat, but by no means wealthy, town house. Reading knocked on the door.

“It’s awfully early to be calling,” Hero hissed.

“Don’t worry. He’s expecting us.”

And indeed the door opened to reveal a young man in a somber brown wig and round spectacles.

“My lord!” he cried with an infectious grin. “It’s so good to see you.”

“And you, Jonathan.” Lord Griffin squeezed the other man’s hand. “Lady Hero, this is my friend Mr. Templeton. Jonathan, Lady Hero.”

“Good God!” Mr. Templeton exclaimed, losing his smile. “I had no idea Lord Griffin meant to bring a lady of your rank, my lady. I mean, that is, it’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

Hero nodded to Mr. Templeton, conscious that her position in society had once again put a damper on things. She sighed silently.

Mr. Templeton glanced about dazedly and then gestured inside. “Won’t you come in?”

She smiled at him, trying to put him at ease. “Thank you.”

They were shown into a small sitting room, sparsely furnished but meticulously clean.

“I’ve called for some tea,” Mr. Templeton said. “I hope that meets with your approval, my lady.”

“That sounds lovely.” She chose a straight-backed chair while Reading wandered over to a single bookcase to peruse the shelves.

Mr. Templeton glanced uneasily at his friend. “Lord Griffin said that you wished to consult with me about a project?”

“Yes.” Hero folded her hands on her lap and explained about the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children, the plans to build a new orphanage, and the problems they were having. By the time she’d finished her recitation, the tea had arrived and Reading had wandered back from the bookcase.

“What do you think, Jonathan?” he asked as he accepted a cup of tea from Hero. “This architect they’ve hired sounds like a bad ’un.”

Mr. Templeton shoved his spectacles up his forehead and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Much as I hate to malign a fellow architect, the fact is I’ve heard of this person.” He looked apologetically at Hero. “It’s rumored he’s fled the country because of his debts.”

Hero drew in her breath. If their architect truly had absconded, then they’d lost the monies that she and Lady Caire had already paid for the new home. She had more of her inheritance, but it came in the form of an annual income, of which she’d already withdrawn this year’s amount. Where was she to find more money?

“Can you do anything for Lady Hero, Jonathan?” Reading asked.

“Yes, yes, of course I can.” Mr. Templeton put down his teacup. “I can look over the plans your architect had drawn up and see what work needs to be done on the building. I can, in fact, with your approval, take over the project.”

“That would be wonderful, Mr. Templeton,” Hero said. “But I must be frank. With my copatroness out of the country, my funds are limited. I can pay you an amount right now, but the rest of your wages will have to wait until I can find more funds.”

Mr. Templeton nodded. “Thank you for your frankness, my lady. I do appreciate it. Shall we say that I’ll begin the work and when I need further funds, I shall inform you?”

“Yes, that sounds like a good plan.” It would certainly give her some time in which to come up with the “further funds.” Hero stood. “I shall have the plans we have sent around to your house here, along with the directions to the home. Thank you, Mr. Templeton.”

He rose hastily to his feet, bowing. “It’s my pleasure, my lady.”

He showed them both to the door, where Lord Griffin bid farewell to Mr. Templeton before helping Hero into the carriage.

“Where will you find more money for your home?” Reading asked.

“I don’t know at the moment.”

“Would you consider a small loan?”

She looked at him, startled. “You know I can’t accept money from you.”

“Why not?” he asked softly. “I wouldn’t tell anyone. It would be a small transaction just between you and me. You could pay me back when you are able.”

Her mouth opened silently. He would have her in his power if he made a loan to her… but that wasn’t what made her curious. “Why are you making this offer to me?”

He blinked. “Do you have an objection to my money?”

“You don’t know me well. I don’t even think you like me.” She opened her hands in her lap. “For what purpose are you making this offer? I don’t understand.”