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promised Mother to reform, no dalliances. He shifted on the chair’s cushions before resting his boot on his knee.
    Lady Helen appeared animated now. “I have met Mrs. Colton on several occasions locally and have even been her whist partner once. I first met her at the house of Mr. Henry Browne, a relative and local attorney with whom she may have an understanding or is expecting an offer of marriage.” She frowned at the carpet’s faded roses under her feet. “Maybe I’m confused. Could it be Dr. Potts, our notable physician, with whom she has an understanding? He distinguished himself in the war, you know. Of course, those offers are probably all rumors, since I cannot imagine her receiving any on account of her frivolity. What gentleman would want a silly wife? I am pleased to hear you’re not interested in her. Now that you have taken up permanent residence at Blackwell, you are the catch of the county. There are several local ladies I wish you to become acquainted with. All of them young, not like Mrs. Colton. Why, she must be at least thirty.”
    â€œNeed I remind you I’m almost thirty?”
    â€œNo, you can’t be. That would make me…wise. You must do as I ask and marry soon. I want many adorable grandchildren.”
    â€œStop, please. I just wanted to know who Mrs. Colton was.” He rose and stood with his back to the fire, discreetly watching her mood. Since his alluring fisherwoman was Mrs. Colton, he’d have to quickly apologize for his forward behavior at the lake if he wanted her to sign his lease. The foundry’s success and mother’s future happiness depended upon the widow’s goodwill.
    Lady Helen’s eyes narrowed. “If you continue to frown in that manner, those wrinkles on your forehead will become permanent. Then no sensible woman would want to be seen in your company, much less accept your addresses. You must wed soon. Please, I want you to find a wife and have children.” She paused to consider something for a moment. “I am too young to be called ‘grandmother,’ therefore, the moppets shall address me as ‘aunt.’ Of course, we will tell the children the truth once they have reached the age of discretion.”
    â€œI never reached the age of discretion.”
    She clicked her tongue. “At the rate you are going, you’ll spend your life alone. Men need affectionate female company and children hanging on their boots. You are dear to me, Ross, and I would love to see you settled.”
    â€œHumph.” When mothers demanded grandchildren, a gentleman’s only recourse was to change the subject. “Do you believe this Mrs. Colton has reasons to refuse our lease and the extra profits it will generate?”
    A knowing glare indicated she was not fooled by his diversion. “She has no reason to sign it. Her late husband’s fortune came from his father, a wealthy ship owner, and she had a significant dowry too. So she can afford her taxes and life’s luxuries. You should see her lovely mourning brooch…diamonds all around.”
    â€œYou deserve a diamond mourning brooch. Shall I purchase one?”
    â€œDon’t be foolish. Diamonds would only remind me of John’s bright…”
    â€œBut I owe—”
    â€œDon’t…” She struggled to complete the sentence, failed, and remained silent.
    He wanted to kick himself. Two years earlier, his younger brother, John, had met with an accident. John’s extended suffering unsettled his mother to such an extent, she took shears to her hair. Ross feared she would fade into madness if she remained in London. So last year, upon the advice of her physician, he sent her to live in the country with a promise of John’s eventual recovery. Six months ago John died. Now all Ross desired out of life was to see his mother’s spontaneous smile. A shadow of her old smile had greeted him upon his arrival, but