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T obias could still feel the excitement radiating from his ward as they left the map room at the British Museum. They’d spent all of their time in just this one place, and she still hadn’t seen everything she wanted to.

“I’m sorry we didn’t view anything else,” she said a bit sheepishly as they made their way along a gallery, her hand curled about his forearm. “And I’m glad Prudence didn’t come, for then I would have bored two people instead of one.”

Lady Pickering had assured Tobias that he could escort his ward to the museum without a companion or chaperone since he was her guardian, and it was a very public place.

“I wasn’t bored at all.” He’d enjoyed perusing the maps with her. In all honesty, he enjoyed watching her delight. “Besides, I’ve been here many times, and we shall return.”

She beamed at him, her deep brown eyes gleaming with joy. “This is the best day I’ve ever had.”

Tobias felt rather humbled by her statement.

It was, after all, just a trip to a museum.

Except he supposed it was much more than that for her.

She’d spent a few hours poring over maps, which was apparently her favorite thing to do.

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Since you like maps so much, I wonder what you think of cartography. ”

“Well, obviously I support the endeavor,” she said wryly. “If you’re asking if I’d like to create maps, I’ve never considered it.”

“Would you like to read about it? Perhaps you could start with Ptolemy’s Geographia .”

She slowed, and he had to drastically reduce his stride lest he drag her along. “I’m afraid I did not have an extensive education. I did read all that I could, but I am not familiar with that book.”

Humility returned as did a bit of regret. He didn’t want her to feel embarrassed about not knowing things. “Are you familiar with Ptolemy?”

“He was an astronomer, I believe?”

Tobias nodded. “Also a geographer, mathematician, and astrologer, among other things. He wrote scientific treatises on a great many subjects.”

“It’s too bad he couldn’t settle on one thing.”

Tobias smiled in response. “You would find his Geographia interesting, I think. He explains how he used data to create a map of the known world.”

“That sounds fascinating. How can I read it?”

“I’ll procure a copy.”

She stopped altogether then and pivoted toward him.

“I can’t believe how lucky I am. Thank you.

For everything you’ve done. For bringing me here—to London, I mean.

I know your father made a promise to my father and that the guardianship was made in writing, but you don’t have to do all that you are.

You certainly didn’t have to escort me here today. ”

“It is my pleasure to do so.” And he meant it. Her eagerness and excitement for her new life were infectious. He was surprised by how much he truly enjoyed her company.

“How will I ever be able to repay your kindness?” She blushed slightly. “Well, I can’t ever actually repay you—that court gown alone is beyond my comprehension of expense—but I should like you to know how grateful I will always be.”

“When you are married well and happily settled, that will be all the repayment I require.” He patted her hand and started walking again.

“Lord Overton, Miss Wingate,” a gentleman Tobias recognized as Mr. Rowntree called as he strode toward them.

Tobias tipped his head slightly toward Miss Wingate and whispered, “Didn’t you dance with him the other night?”

“Yes,” she murmured as they came to a stop.

Young and spry with a sharp chin and a warm smile, Mr. Rowntree bowed to Miss Wingate and inclined his head toward Tobias. “Good afternoon. Lovely day to visit the museum. Are you enjoying the exhibits?”

“Yes, thank you,” Miss Wingate replied. “Do you have a favorite?”

“I do love the Greek antiquities. I’m just headed there.”

“Miss Wingate likes maps,” Tobias said. “We’ve just come from the library.” He felt her stiffen and wondered if he’d said something wrong.

“Oh, indeed? How marvelous. Are you interested in travel, Miss Wingate?”

“I think so, yes. For now, I’m enjoying exploring London. There is so much to see and do.”

“You would like my home near Durham. It has a large library with many maps.” He winked at her. “And Durham is a lovely city. The cathedral is perhaps the finest in England.”

“Durham is quite beautiful,” Tobias said. “And your library sounds magnificent.”

Miss Wingate turned her head toward him and gave him a puzzled stare. She returned her attention to Mr. Rowntree and gave him a pretty smile. “I’m keen to see Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s.”

“Both are splendid. Perhaps I may escort you to one of them. Or both?” He looked at her with unabashed hope.

Tobias felt a surge of glee—this was a definite suitor!

Or potential one, anyway. He glanced over at his ward.

She could do far worse. Rowntree wasn’t titled, of course, but she couldn’t really expect that.

Tobias imagined her father would have been quite pleased with this match, as would Tobias’s father.

The latter was almost annoying. Tobias hated doing anything that would please his father.

Yet wasn’t that precisely what he was doing by looking for a wife? No, Tobias was holding on to the best parts of his life—his mother and his memories of her.

Tobias belatedly realized that Miss Wingate was staring at him. He couldn’t imagine why. Pursing her lips, she returned her gaze to Rowntree. “It seems as though my guardian must consider whether I may be escorted to Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s.”

Damn, had he missed a question while he’d been congratulating himself on finding a potential husband for Miss Wingate? He thought back…Rowntree had suggested escorting her…

“I’m sure we can arrange something,” Tobias said.

“Well, if it isn’t Lord Overton!” Two ladies came toward them, the older of whom had spoken.

Tobias bowed to the new arrivals, recognizing Lady Fairweather and her daughter, Miss Fairweather, whom he’d danced with the other night. “What a pleasure to see you here, Lady Fairweather, Miss Fairweather. Allow me to present my ward, Miss Wingate.”

After a brief curtsey, Miss Wingate gestured to Mr. Rowntree. “This is Mr. Rowntree.”

Rowntree bowed. “I believe we met at the ball the other night.”

“We also danced,” Miss Fairweather said, her dark lashes fluttering.

“Ah yes, we did.” Rowntree smiled. “I was just on my way to the Greek antiquities. If you’ll excuse me.” He bowed again, extending himself deeper toward Miss Wingate. “I look forward to our next encounter, Miss Wingate.” He looked toward Tobias with a slight nod. “Overton.”

As Rowntree departed, Tobias couldn’t help but notice that Miss Wingate relaxed beside him. Did she not like the gentleman?

Lady Fairweather directed her animated gaze toward Tobias. Her blue eyes were so intense that he nearly took a small step backward. “What have you toured at the museum today?” she asked.

Tobias needed to direct his attention at the petite and pretty Miss Fairweather, not her somewhat intimidating mother. “Just the library.”

Before he could say anything about maps and Miss Wingate, she said, “And we are on our way out. I’m quite fatigued. I hope you’ll pardon us.”

Well, damn. He couldn’t suggest they take a walk through the Egypt gallery now. While Miss Fairweather was a bit young for his taste, he acknowledged that he ought to at least attempt to see if they would suit.

Lady Fairweather’s mouth turned down in a distinct pout. Suddenly Tobias was quite happy to avoid a promenade with the lady and her daughter. The only thing worse than an immature bride was an overbearing mother.

“I am sure we’ll see each other again soon,” Tobias said smoothly. “Perhaps the weather will improve, and we’ll be able to take a turn around the park.”

“I do long for warm days in the park,” Miss Fairweather said. “I love when the trees blossom in spring.”

“I’ll look forward to seeing you there, Miss Fairweather.” Tobias bowed again. “Lady Fairweather.”

He started walking with Miss Wingate once more, increasing their pace to leave the museum. “Are you really tired?”

She kept her gaze trained forward. “Somewhat.”

“Is there something wrong with what I said about you liking the maps? I noticed you tensed when I mentioned it to Rowntree. In fact, I noticed you were tense around him in general.”

“I think I was a trifle nervous.”

Tobias chose his words carefully, lest he increase her discomfort. “He seems interested in perhaps courting you.”

She stumbled, as if her toe caught something. Tobias reached around her with his free hand to steady her, his fingers clasping her waist.

“All right?” he asked.

“Yes, just a bump in the floor or something.”

Something being this discussion perhaps? “Is there anything you’d like to say?”

She glanced over at him, her eyes slightly narrowed. “ You seem interested in Mr. Rowntree courting me. His library sounded ‘magnificent’? ‘Large’ and ‘many’ are relative terms. They are hardly ‘magnificent.’”

“I was simply making conversation.” He frowned. “Do you not like Mr. Rowntree? I thought you enjoyed dancing with him.”

“It was the least disastrous dance of the night. I would not describe that as ‘enjoying’ dancing with him.” Her brows pitched into a V. “Or with anyone,” she muttered.

“I am expecting too much of you too soon.”

“Yes,” she answered a bit testily. “Just because you have a duty to wed doesn’t mean I do too.”

Tobias clenched his jaw. He did have a duty, and his life would be easier if she was also settled.

Hell, his life would be easier if she wasn’t here at all.

Glancing at her profile, he felt a pang of guilt.

None of this was her fault. But then, none of it was his either.

It was all his father’s doing, a master of manipulation from beyond.

Still, she was a young woman in need of a husband. “Rowntree’s family is excellent, and he has five thousand a year. You will be well taken care of.”