Leonard nodded slightly. At least the woman had the grace to acknowledge she’d made a mistake. When she pulled her robe closed, he decided she was probably merely naive, not calculating. “Mrs. Browne, please fetch a pot of tea, and send John to build up the fire. I would appreciate your presence at this discussion, as you have been Leanna’s caretaker during the day.” Mrs. Browne nodded, and walked away quickly, understanding the unspoken need for a chaperon.

He turned to Miss Bronte. “If you would follow me, there are chairs by the fire, and I would hate for you to take a chill.” He went over to far end of the Library, where the embers of a fire burned in a elegant fireplace, surrounded by leather winged back chairs. Next to each chair was a small round mahogany table, and a matching ottoman. He offered the chair closest to the dying fire to Miss Bronte.