polish. His long hair was secured back in a loose queue, as usual.
He looked rugged and capable and more confident in his casual clothing than any man she’d ever known. If he were ever decked out in full formal attire, the man would undoubtedly be devastating to the female gaze.
As her attention lifted to his face, she realized with a swift jolt that he was watching her assess him. And his well-shaped lips were curled in amusement.
She quickly shifted her focus to the little girl held high in his arms. One of Claire’s arms was wrapped around her father’s thick neck, and her chin was tucked bashfully as she snuck curious little peeks at the room around her.
As soon as she saw Frederick, however, her blue eyes sparkled and a sweet smile dimpled her cheeks.
Katherine couldn’t help but smile as well. The child was adorable.
Having reached them, she came to a stop and looked to Hale again. Her smile slid away when she noted his glittering gaze. Clearing her throat, she addressed him in a firm tone. “Welcome, Mr. Hale. I was starting to wonder if you’d arrive this evening after all.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “Pining for me, were you?”
The sharp retort that rose to her lips was cut off as Claire squirmed in her father’s hold.
“All right, sweet pea,” he said with a chuckle as he set her on the floor. Once there, however, she became shy again and wrapped her arm around her father’s leg even though her gaze kept darting between Frederick and Katherine.
Leaning forward, Katherine greeted the girl gently. “Hello, Claire. I am Lady Katherine, Frederick’s sister. Do you remember me?” The girl gave a little nod. “We’re very happy to have you here. I hope you’ll enjoy staying with us for a while.”
“You’ll have a lovely room all to yourself,” Frederick offered. “And I can visit with you every day.” He shifted his attention to Katherine. “Can I bring her upstairs?”
Before responding, she glanced to Hale. He gave a quick nod. “Claire’s nurse went up with our bags.” Then he crouched down next to his daughter. “Go on with Freddie. I’ll be up soon to tuck you in, sweet pea.”
As the children ascended the grand stairs, Katherine turned to Hale. “I can show you to your room, as well.”
“Lead the way, dove,” he said with a sweeping gesture.
She remained where she was. “You may call me Lady Katherine.”
He grinned. “I may...but I probably won’t.”
“You are going to be as difficult as possible, aren’t you?”
Green eyes flashed. “It’s part of my charm.”
“What charm?” she asked with a lifted brow.
His answer was a brash wink.
Her belly performed a delicate flip and she quickly turned toward the stairs.
Focusing on appearing not at all disturbed by the fact that she was actually welcoming this brute of a man into her home, she led the way to the second floor. His overwhelming presence hovered beyond her shoulder every step of the way. Reaching his door, she stopped and turned to let him pass.
“This shall be your room. The stairway just there will take you to the level above, where the children’s rooms are, as well as the schoolroom and nursery. Taking the stairs down will bring you to the back entrance of the house near the kitchen. If you’ve need of anything, you may ring the bell and a servant will see to your request.”
Hale gave a short grunt of acknowledgment as he stepped past her into the bedroom. The fire had been lit earlier and now glowed low in the grate, but plenty of candlelight illuminated the deep burgundy and pewter-grey decor. After taking only a few long strides into the room, he paused and planted his hands on his hips. He cast a quick glance over the mahogany armoire, the leather armchairs placed before the fire, and the huge four-poster bed.
The bed was another reason Katherine had chosen this room for him. It was likely the only bed in the house capable of accommodating his great size.
Experiencing a sudden rush of awkwardness at the thought of his body stretched out in repose on the rich velvet coverlet, she spoke quickly into the silence. “You have an hour to settle in and see to Claire’s comfort, then I’d like to see you in my study. Foster, our butler, can show you the way.”
“I’ll find you,” he replied without turning around.
Katherine backed away and started down the hall in long strides. She’d need the next hour to bring