getting herself ready.
If she wished to be near him, she’d have to attend their…meeting.
That made her smile. So like Logan to wish to discuss their relationship at an appointed time and place.
But then she straightened. How did he see their future?
All her doubts still existed.
She winced. She wasn’t fit to be a countess. Not really.
And he had many duties and obligations his wife should be aiding. Instead, she had her own path she planned to tread.
She waved her thoughts away and began to wash herself. The only way to gain any answers was to finish dressing.
Chapter Fourteen
Logan sat at his desk waiting for Penny to arrive. With little else to do, he began sorting through the morning’s correspondence.
His hands worked almost without thought. Updates from his solicitor in one pile, legal documents in another. Finally, he came to a plain note. As he flipped it over, he saw the seal of the Marquess of Humphries. The man he’d written to about an introduction to his daughter.
Turning it over, he broke the seal and pulled out the fresh sheet of parchment.
Quickly scanning the contents, Logan nearly barked with laughter.
The family would be delighted to make the introduction and requested his presence at their upcoming ball. A Christmastide celebration set a fortnight from this Friday.
He shook his head as he dropped the note onto his desk. He’d not be attending.
Logan had already chosen a bride. A gorgeous woman with a heart of gold.
His heart flipped in his chest. Lady Goldthwaite. It had a lovely ring. And as a countess, she’d be most able to gain any amount of funds she’d require to run her orphanages.
He let out a breath. But Natty, Ethel, Fran, and Clarissa would stay here, of course. They were family now. He knew that.
Warmth filled his chest.
He was finally going to have a real family.
A knock sounded at the door and he lifted his head, a grin ready for Penny. But it was Mr. Winters who was at the door.
“Forgive me, my lord, but the Earl of Baxter has returned.”
Logan frowned. It was only quarter after eleven. The man was early. “Already?”
Mr. Winters gave a nod. “What should I tell him?”
Logan was tempted not to tell him anything. Just make him sit and wait.
But he didn’t know if Penny wanted the Mayfair property and so, he decided to go explain himself.
He rose from the desk. “I’ll tell him myself.”
Mr. Winters gave a quick nod. Just as he turned, a maid entered, setting a tray down on one of the side tables.
Logan gave a brief nod. Perfect. Penny could have a bite while he dealt with a very impatient earl.
“Miss Walters should be down shortly,” Logan called over his shoulder as he made his way out the door. “See that she eats.”
Mr. Winters cleared his throat. “Don’t keep the lady waiting too long. Her patience is not infinite.”
“Seriously?” He tossed up his hands as he started around the corner. “Are you telling me what to do now?”
Mr. Winters stepped into the hall and called after him. “Always, my lord. Speaking of, we should arrange for each of the children to have quarters of their own.”
Logan stopped and spun about. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell the man to mind his own business. But Mr. Winters had a point and besides…he was part of this wacky family too. “Natty has nightmares. She needs the other children.”
Mr. Winters cocked an eyebrow. “How thoughtful, and good point, my lord.”
Logan turned again, making his way to the front sitting room. It was the same one Penny had waited in.
He grinned. How much had changed in the past few weeks.
Making his way into the room, the Earl of Baxter sat with one leg propped on his knee, as he steepled his hands in front of his face.
“You’re early,” Logan grumbled, crossing the room to take the seat next to the other man. He noted that Baxter didn’t bother to rise in greeting.
“I am,” the other man answered.
Since they weren’t standing on ceremony, Logan didn’t bother with small talk. “So early, that I don’t have an answer for you.”
Baxter frowned. “Why not?”
Logan let out a low rumble. Did other people find Logan this abrasive? How annoying. “Because…” He leaned forward. “You are interrupting my meeting with Miss Walters.”
Baxter raised an eyebrow. “Forgive me. I assumed that you’d had the conversation several hours ago. The two of you seem…intimately acquainted.”
Logan let out a long breath, rising from his chair.
He saw Baxter’s eyes widen