It Takes a Spy...: A Secrets and Seduction book (23 page)

He still didn't look convinced. The chill emanating from him was almost palpable. He must have been the victim of a great deal of bad press in the past.

Again, Millicent made an attempt to soothe the growing tension. "Speaking of bad press, have either of you ridden on the new horse tram on Victoria Street?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," Tempy said, switching to the new subject with relief. "I tried it only a few days ago and found it most convenient. Why are so many people against it?"

"It's mostly due to the fact that the rails they laid on the street stick up above the road surface and cause problems for every other vehicle," Mr. Hamlin said.

Millicent frowned. "They should use one of the newer tramway track designs that cuts grooves in the street and then places the rails inside the grooves. Then everyone else who uses the road wouldn't be so terribly inconvenienced. One of my steel mills produces them, and they've been quite successful."

"Oh, no," Tempy interrupted. "All of this talk about 'track' just reminded me." She pulled a small watch from the pocket of her dress. "I have an appointment with Mr. Dickens and then I need to speak with Father's lawyers. They want me to sign some business papers concerning the railway." She pushed the button on the edge of her watch and the cover popped open. "I'm late," she said, and rose to her feet. "I do hope you'll excuse me. I look forward to visiting your casino."

Mr. Hamlin quickly stood up as well, and Tempy had the distinct impression that he wanted to say something more, but then he pressed his lips together and nodded.

"It was a pleasure," Hamlin said, and for a moment she wondered if he might actually mean it. There was something in his expression that hadn't been there before.

Tempy blushed slightly as she made her good-byes, keenly aware that his gaze still lingered upon her.

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Sheridan Jeane grew up in Huber Heights, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, and now lives in Sewickley, PA just outside of Pittsburgh.

Sheridan has always been an avid reader and a dedicated writer. She earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science with a minor in English, and she is the co-founder of Three Rivers Romance Writers, a limited affiliation chapter of Romance Writers of America.

She's thrilled to have the opportunity to share her stories with her readers. Visit her website at
SheridanJeane.com