A/N: GOAL 2K

Austin was relieved to be back home after spending a week at Claire ‟s family‟s farm. Though he enjoyed most of it, he felt incredibly filthy after riding the horse, being in the pig pen, and falling in the mud. He took two baths when he got home but he still felt disgusting.

He was glad he wore hoesa‟s clothes instead of his own because if it had been his clothes, he would have burned them afterwards.

After he bathed, he went to bed, exhausted. If he had to spend another night in the same room with Claire, he would go insane. She was too appealing. He didn‟t sleep at all,

especially after seeing her reach for milk and holding her in the kitchen. He was happy to be in his own bed. After he got a good

night‟s sleep, he was ready to go to work and hand in his resignation letter to

Matthew.

On his way out the door to meet Williams

at the buggy, he saw Mr. smith walking up the steps to his house. He frowned.

One good thing about being at the farm was that he didn‟t have to worry about the bachelors who were suddenly taking an interest in Claire.

It was time for him to go back to his list.He quickly shut the door behind him before Claire walked down the stairs and saw them.

“Good morning, Mr. Hansworth,” he greeted.

“Mr. Smith,” he politely acknowledged. “May I

help you?”

“Actually, I would like to discuss your relationship with your wife. I understand it is a platonic business arrangement. Is that true?”

“Yes, it is. The annulment will be on May 21.”

“Would it be forward of me to talk to her and get to know her? I will not reveal my intention to court her until after the

annulment.”

An idea came to him. “Claire is free to talk to whomever she chooses, but for her reputation‟s sake, you cannot be alone

with her.

I‟m sure you understand.”

“Of course. I would not wish to be improper in my conduct.”

“You are a food critic, aren‟t you?”

He nodded. “Yes, I am. I‟m surprised you remembered.”

“Well, you are a valuable customer at the bank.

I make it a point to remember something about everyone who has an account

there. I find it helps to build rapport.”

“It certainly does.”

“Since you love good food, why don‟t you stop by sometime this week for dinner?

My maid, mary, is visiting her mother, so Claire has offered to cook meals she is well-known for.

It will be an informal way to properly introduce you to her. She is Somewhat shy about suitors since she was a spinster for so long, so you will understand why I will have to tell her that you are There to discuss business at the bank. We‟ll make something up so she won‟t get suspicious.”

“What a brilliant idea, Mr. Hansworth. I must say, you are handling this situation better than I expected. I know you are anexcellent businessman by nature, but I am impressed with how well you separate business from romance in this arrangement.”

“I never let a woman mess with my head. It‟s the only way to stay focused. So will you come by Thursday evening at six?”

“That sounds splendid. I shall be here then.”

The door opened and Claire walked out. Austin hid his annoyance at how beautiful she looked in her turquoise dress, especially with her blond curls framing her pretty face. I never should have told her she looked nice with her hair down. Now every man was noticing how attractive she was.

“Good morning, Mrs. Hansworth,” Mr. smith greeted, smiling widely.

“Oh, hello,” she said. “Mr. smith, isn‟t it?”

“Yes but you may call me Tim. I heard that you love to read and would like to travel.”

“I do enjoy reading but I haven‟t seriously considered traveling. I collect old brochures and dream but that is all I do.”

“Perhaps that can change.”

“Well, I doubt it. I wouldn‟t want to travel alone. It wouldn‟t be any fun.”

Austin forced aside his irritation. Tim wasn‟t one for subtlety. So far he had told her that he wanted to marry her, give her children and show her the world. Where are these men coming from? And why does each one keep getting better?

Austin cleared his throat. “Yes, well we should get going.

You know how Williams is. We will see you later this week.”

He nodded. “Yes, Mr. Hansworth. Mrs hansworth."

Austin breathed a sigh of relief as he left.

“Why does he keep stopping by?” she asked him. “Is he a friend of yours?”

“Hardly,” he muttered. “Do you want a ride to the library?”“No, thank you. I enjoy the walk. It‟s good exercise. I‟ll see you tonight.”

He watched her as she walked down the street and politely nodded to the people she passed. A couple men turned to stare after her. Austin gritted his teeth and went to the buggy.

“Marital problems, sir?” Williams grinned.

“My problem is that it suddenly occurred to me that there are too many bachelors in this town,” he growled.

Williams opened the door of the buggy and let him in. “I like her too. She‟s quite charming when she wants to be, but

don‟t let her get to your head.” He winked and shut the door.

She‟s not messing with my head. I‟m in full control of myself. It‟s those vultures out there that are the problem. What was he going to have to do? Lock her in the house for the next five and a half months?

************************************

Please share and get this book to 2k for

another chapter.

Much love

V.A 💙