Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,113

sat in what appeared to be silent agony, clearly hoping he didn’t say anything out of place about Jackson. He tried to draw her into the discussion and ease her mind, but she was rigid with tension.

“Ivy studies the stars, you know, Mr. Haddon. She’s written several papers on the matter.”

His eyes went from the aunt to Ivy, who now looked like she was choking on air.

“And have they been published, Miss Redfern?”

She shook her head.

“No indeed. It’s extremely difficult for a woman to get a foothold in something like that. Apparently, we’re all simpletons who should raise children and run households. The fact that we could actually assemble intelligent thoughts on paper is beyond comprehension,” the aunt said.

“Mr. Haddon has no wish to hear this I’m sure, Aunt.”

“Oh, but I do; it is extremely interesting. And may I apologize on behalf of those of us that do understand a woman’s intelligence often outshines a man’s for this shortsighted behavior. Where have you tried to publish your pieces, Miss Redfern?”

“It matters not.”

“Oh, but Ivy, it does. You have long wished to see one of your works in the Stargazers Gazette. Haven’t you tried many times to achieve just that?”

“I have stopped now, Aunt Bea. Now, I’m sure Mr. Haddon would like to get on with his day, so we shall excuse him.”

Clearly she wanted him gone. Rory just wasn’t sure why as yet.

“Thank you for the tea, ladies. It was delightful, as were the cherry cakes. Which I may add are my favorites.” The aunt tittered.

“Parslip!” Ivy yelled, causing her aunt to frown.

“You called, Miss Redfern?”

“Mr. Haddon is leaving.”

He bowed, then left the room gnashing his teeth. She’d neatly outmaneuvered him, and now he wouldn’t have a chance to speak with her as to why she no longer needed his help. He walked along the small path and out to the street, then stopped as a carriage pulled up before the front door. Rory looked left and right, then walked back down the side of the house to wait.

Chapter Seven

Navigating the path to the street from their townhouse, Ivy let herself through the gate and made for the carriage.

Aunt Bea had been displeased over the way she’d spoken to Mr. Haddon, censuring her on the correct conduct for taking tea with a gentleman who was clearly interested in her. Ivy had attempted to explain she did not return that interest, and her aunt’s blunt response had been “Why?” Ivy was still struggling to come up with an answer.

Why indeed? Her heart had definitely thudded a little harder when he’d entered the parlor, but Ivy had told herself that was due to worry for Jackson, not Rory Haddon’s handsome face. Of course that was untrue; he unsettled her greatly.

“Good morning, Miss Redfern.”

“Hello, Timothy.” Ivy nodded to her footman. “Thank you for accompanying me. Please take me to somewhere I can sell a few pieces of jewelry.”

“Very well, Miss Redfern.” She saw the questions in her footman’s eyes.

Ivy needed money if she was to gain her brother’s freedom, and had selected pieces that had no sentimental value to sell. She just hoped Aunt Bea didn’t notice they were missing.

“Allow me.” A large hand reached around her and opened the carriage door before Timothy could.

“Mr. Haddon!” Ivy’s heart nearly leapt from her chest as she looked at him. Where had he come from?

“I have this, thank you,” he said to Timothy. “In you get, Miss Redfern. And we can have the chat while we travel to your intended destination.”

“I have no wish to chat. Good day to you, Mr. Haddon.” Stepping into the carriage, she waited for the door to close. It did, but with him inside.

“What are you doing?”

“Accompanying you.”

“Get out at once!” He seemed to take up a great deal of space in a carriage that until now she’d felt was adequate for three or four people.

“Where is it you are going, Miss Redfern?”

“That is none of your business.”

His dark eyes were locked on hers, unwavering, focused. Ivy looked away.

“Last night, the most important thing in your life was finding and saving your brother. This morning, it is not. Care to tell me why?”

“I overreacted.”

“Jackson said you tended to do that, but in this situation I don’t believe that is the truth. Therefore I have deduced from your unease and the fact you wanted me anywhere but in your home that your errand this morning is concerning your brother. That led me to believe—”

“Get out of my carriage, Mr. Haddon, or