Temptation and Surrender by Stephanie Laurens Page B

Henry’s opinions on various subjects and trade his own opinions and experiences in return, Em inwardly nodded in approval. Filing would do.
    He and Henry agreed that Henry would return that afternoon at two o’clock with his books, and he and Filing would work out a plan of campaign, the ultimate aim, as she reiterated, being to gain entry to Pembroke, their father’s old college at Oxford.
    “We have contacts there, of course,” she said as she turned toward the door. “As long as Henry can attain the required grades, there’s a place for him there.”
    “Excellent.” Filing went with her; Henry nodded a farewell to Tallent, then followed behind.
    Halting before the door, Em faced Filing. “We should discuss your fee.”
    Filing looked down at her, his expression a medley of pleased eagerness and kindliness. “If I might, I suggest we leave that discussion for later, once Henry and I have more definitely decided on the level of tutoring he needs.” Filing glanced at her brother. “Henry’s quite advanced—it may be that all he needs is guidance, rather than active teaching, and that, to me, is almost a pleasure.”
    Em nodded. “Very well—we’ll work out an arrangement later.”
    Still very aware—her nerves seemed unable not to be aware—of Tallent standing by the window, she turned and bestowed a haughty nod. “Good day, Mr. Tallent.”
    His lips curved as he very correctly bowed. “Miss Beauregard.”
    Head rising, she swept out of the rectory door.
    Filing followed, farewelling her and Henry on the porch.
    Returning inside, Filing shut the door, then joined Jonas before the window. In companionable silence, they watched Emily Beauregard and her brother descend the common.
    When they reached the road, Filing murmured, “How very curious.”
    Jonas snorted. “An innkeeper whose father went to Pembroke, who’s set on ensuring her brother does the same. Definitely not your average innkeeper.”
    “The family’s gentry at least, don’t you think?”
    He nodded. “At least. And before you ask, I have no idea what they’re doing here, but Miss Emily Beauregard is indeed the new innkeeper of the Red Bells.”
    “She can only be an improvement on Juggs.”
    “Precisely my thought.”
    Shaking his head, Filing turned from the window. “An intriguing family—the boy is quite acute.”
    “As is his sister.”
    “Are there just the two of them?” Filing headed into the dining alcove where a cabinet contained the recent records of the Colyton Import Company.
    “No—there’s more. There’s a sister who’s”—Jonas dredged his memory—“twenty-three, as well as a set of twin girls, who might be twelve but I think are younger.”
    When Filing raised his brows in question, Jonas shook his head. “A long and inconsequential story.” He nodded to the papers Filing was hauling forth. “Are those the licenses?”
    “Yes. There are three.”
    They sat at the table and worked their way through the latest formalities required to keep the company in legal order.
    When they’d finished, Filing stacked the papers and set them aside. “The next ship should put in at Axmouth next week.”
    Rising, Jonas nodded. “I’ll speak to Oscar and make sure he knows.”
    Filing accompanied him to the door and followed him onto the porch. They both paused, shoulder to shoulder, looking down the common—at the inn.
    Filing shifted, as if to go inside. “I’ll have Henry with me all afternoon—I’ll let you know if I learn anything more about the family.”
    Jonas nodded, stepping onto the porch steps. “While he’s with you, I plan to interrogate the lovely Miss Beauregard herself—I’ll let you know if I extract anything interesting.”
    About to turn to the door, Filing paused. “She’s wary of you.”
    “I know.” Jonas smiled as he reached the bottom of the steps. “But I believe I have precisely the right carrot to dangle before her dainty little nose.”

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    G ood afternoon, Miss