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Two weeks late, and without so much as a note of decent explanation or apology.” He moved toward her, but Flora easily sidestepped him. “No you don’t, sir. I’ll have that explanation and the apology. You’ve caused me no end of trouble.”
    â€œHave I?” His look of contrition almost worked. Almost, but not quite. The gleam in his eye gave him away. His expression told Flora that Mr. Tucker was actually enjoying her irritation. “And I thought I was the solution to all your troubles.”
    That did it.
    Flora Brimm was no wide-eyed girl intent on marriage to the first fellow who offered it. Rather, she was a grown woman who had mourned more than one man making the same offer as Tucker.
    Straightening her shoulders, she let out a long breath and fixed him with a stare. “You and I had an arrangement. Please understand that this arrangement is in grave danger of being declared at an end. And lest you misunderstand, it is you and not I who is in breach of its terms.”
    Instantly his arrogance disappeared. Apparently, he’d counted the cost of his cheeky behavior and deemed the loss too great to chance. “Let’s walk.”
    Before she could protest, he linked arms with her and led her past the gazebo and around the side of the building before pausing once more near the empty croquet field. Here the scent of freshly cut grass drifted toward her on a light breeze.
    â€œSurely you’re not thinking of changing your mind, Flora? I’m here now.” He paused to inch toward her, and he placed his hand on her arm. This time she allowed the familiarity. “I know once your feathers get unruffled, you’ll—”
    â€œYou are truly insufferable.” She yanked her arm away and began to retrace their steps. “To think you were the solution was pure madness,” she said over her shoulder.
    He fell into step beside her. A moment later Mr. Tucker snagged her wrist to cease her progress.
    â€œYou could have sent a note. Something.” She sounded like a petulant fool. A woman scorned. Flora bit her lip and looked away. In truth, she felt a little like both.
    â€œHey, now,” he said with no small measure of irritation in his tone. He looked away briefly, and when he once again met her stare, his expression was neutral.
    â€œPlease, Flora. Can’t we discuss this elsewhere?” He led her away from the path to the more private shadows of a bench some yards away from the main building. He sat down and gestured for her to join him. “I am the solution. And far as I’m concerned, our arrangement’s still good. Why would I have bought this if I didn’t intend to go through with our marriage?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold wedding band encrusted with rubies and diamonds. “Do you like it?”
    In order to maintain control over the conversation, she elected not to allow any indication that she was impressed with his offering. She did, however, concede to joining him on the bench. “It’s lovely. However, it proves nothing, especially when you’re two weeks late to the wedding with not a word to me in the meantime.”
    His face told her nothing of what he must be thinking. When he did not respond, she looked away. “I found you easily enough, Mr. Tucker. I’m sure I can find a replacement for you.”
    â€œWhat with those Fatal Flora rumors and all? Four down at last count is what they say. But I suppose it’s possible you wouldn’t have a reputation this far from home.”
    She gasped. How could he know this? Of course. He was a detective. She should have taken that into consideration. The only thing to do for it now was to feign indifference. And perhaps add a bit of bravado to her flagging attitude.
    â€œExcuse me, sir,” she said as she stood, “but are you insinuating something?” With the question, her backbone straightened and her ire rose.