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Angel might have winced at the sound of Mrs. Stone’s surprisingly strong voice coming from her bedroom, but at least it gave her an excuse to end this interaction and gain some sense of dignity. Mr. Hunter’s casual attire did strange things to her mind, and she needed some space from him as soon as possible.

“I had better…” She indicated to his aunt’s bedroom door with a thumb.

“Yes, of course. I shall see you for the morning meal no doubt, my lady.”

She laughed at the sudden formality. Given that he was in a state of undress and she still wore yesterday’s clothing, it seemed absurd. “I think you had better call me Angel, Mr. Hunter. After all, we will likely be spending more time together if you intend to stay here.”

“Very well.”

He turned abruptly and marched into his room without giving her a second glance. Angel eyed the spot in which he’d been standing, aware of her heart beating at an oddly frantic pace. She noticed he did not offer the same deal so she supposed he would have to be Mr. Hunter for a while longer. What a strange, rude man he was. If it was not apparent how much he cared for his aunt, she would think him quite awful indeed.

“Angel!”

“Coming.” Turning on her heel, she entered the still dark room to find Mrs. Stone awake and sitting up in bed. She shut the door gently behind her and padded over to the bed.

“You should be resting,” Angel said softly. “You did not sleep much.”

A smile broke across Mrs. Stone’s lips. “Was that my nephew I heard in the corridor?”

The temptation to lie burned strong though Angel could not fathom why. “Yes, he had just come back from a morning ride.”

“He does so like his physical activity.”

“I can tell.” Angel widened her eyes and quickly clamped her lips together before turning away to fiddle with the curtains, letting in a little gentle daylight. “That is…”

“Do come here, Angel.” Mrs. Stone patted the bed beside her. “I am not the only one who needs some more sleep, it seems. You are looking quite bedraggled.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Stone,” Angel said dryly as she came to perch on the side of the bed.

“I mean no insult.” Mrs. Stone grinned. “You are quite becoming when you are all tousled, even if you could do with a little color in your cheeks.”

Angel sank onto the mattress and took Mrs. Stone’s outstretched hand. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Stone? Would you like me to request breakfast in bed? Or will you try to sleep a little longer?”

Mrs. Stone shook her head, sending little wisps of white hair bouncing about her face. “Strangely enough, I feel quite energetic. I was thinking we might do some more reading today and then perhaps spend time in the garden.”

“It is raining today, unfortunately.” As Angel knew all too well from Mr. Hunter’s damp appearance.

“Well, I am sure we can find some ways to keep us occupied.” Mrs. Stone tilted her head to eye Angel. “You know, you may have only been here a few days, but it feels as though we have been friends forever. You are just the breath of freshair this house needs.” She leaned in. “And, unfortunately, my nephew thinks me far too old and addled to partake in anything interesting.” She dropped back onto the pillow. “He’s a good boy, really he is, but he can be a little dry at times. I blame his mother.”

“Oh?” She should not wish to know, not really. Mr. Hunter’s business was none of hers, and did it matter if he was dry? Once these two months were over, she would likely never see him again. It seemed he did not spend much time at parties or balls nor at any of the large house parties in the country.

“She was rather inattentive, unfortunately, and a horrendous flirt.”

Angel pressed her lips together. She was not unaware of her own reputation for being a flirt. And it was true. At least to an extent. She thoroughly enjoyed male company, but more than that, she simply enjoyed fun. And according to society that made her just about the most incorrigible flirt out there.

Though, at least she understood now why Mr. Hunter was so immune to her charms.

“She has brought a lot of problems to the family and still does sometimes.” Mrs. Stone released a lengthy sigh. “Reuben spends much of his time having to deal with her messes. Not to mention all of his sisters. Sweet girls, and all married now, but never easy…”

Well, at least Angel could say she was innocent of leaving messes. She had never flirted with any married man or done anything untoward. The steady guidance of Minerva always helped temper her fun-loving nature. It was funny, though, because she did not think she’d ever been grateful for her sister’s voice constantly in the back of her mind reminding her not to create scandal.

“I do think if he found himself a lovely girl, he could at least share his worries.”

To find a wife, one had to actually be polite to ladies. She doubted his stern brow and taciturn manner did much to charm the ladies, not that Angel would tell Mrs. Stone that.

“I am sure he will find a wife soon enough.” Angel patted Mrs. Stone’s hand.

“A girl like you would do wonders for him.”