Page 22 of Lady Tempts a Rogue

Well done, you.

His polite response was not a precise agreement, and from the contemplative look he leveled Meriwether and Truman-Shelton, Trinity surmised he was not taken in by their friendly gesture either.

Good to know Trinity was not the only one suspicious of the oily pair.

Just how had they come to know Devin was a partial owner?

Trinity had not mentioned it—not even to Mrs. Peagilly.

That meant a member of the crew had loose lips.

Devin turned the apple to the uneaten side before leveling the men a contemplative glance. “I presume that if this venture is outside of Britain, you have researched the laws and customs of the country or countries where the enterprise is to take place? Failure to do so can prove calamitous or worse.”

His focus fixed on the floor, a gray-green cast came over Mr. Truman-Shelton’s face while Mr. Meriwether nodded and harumphed. “Of course. Indeed.”

Gladys, holding a doll under each arm, approached. “Esmerelda-Marigold and Felicity-Elizabeth could use a breath of fresh air too.”

Trinity had no idea which doll was which.

“Thank Miss Ablethorne and Mr. Everingham, children,” their mother instructed. That she had not foisted her children off to a nursemaid or governess spoke well of her maternal instincts, for surely a diplomat could afford to hire a servant to assist with Gladys and Georgie.

“Thank you,” the children chimed in unison.

“You are very welcome.” Trinity glanced at Devin and slanted her eyes meaningfully toward the little boy and girl.

He bent into a formal bow. “It was my pleasure Master McKinnick, Miss McKinnick.”

Gladys giggled and whispered something to her dollies that sounded very much like, “Isn’t he handsome?”

Georgie scowled at his sister and then extended his small hand in a manner he must’ve seen his father do, which Devin promptly shook.

“I shall pwactice my fencing.” Georgie puffed out his chest like a proud bantam rooster.

His sister stuck her tongue out at him again.

Mrs. McKinnick passed Trinity two small brown paper bags. “For you and Mr. Everingham. Lemon and licorice drops. I always keep a generous supply on hand. Sir Godfrey and I both have a fondness for sweets, and they help soothe my stomach as well.”

She probably used them to bribe her children too.

“Thank you.” Trinity rarely had the opportunity to indulge in sweets.

“I hope I shall see you on deck.” Her face wreathed in a smile, Mrs. McKinnick shooed her children before her.

Mr. Truman-Shelton and Mr. Meriwether followed in her wake. At the door, Mr. Meriwether glanced over his shoulder toward Devin, speculation in his eyes.

Devin finished eating the fruit, tossed the core into a rubbish bin in the corner, and selected another apple.

Trinity opened the first bag and peeked inside. She inhaled the candy’s essence before selecting a licorice and popping it into her mouth.

Utterly delicious.

She extended the bag toward Devin.

“Licorice drop, Devin?”

Grinning, he waggled his eyebrows and helped himself to a tasty nugget.

“Did you just address me by my given name, Trinity?”