He might have retreated back through the way in which he had just come in good order and found some other place to stroll. But he did not withdraw.
As he proceeded to take a few steps in her direction, she raised her head and saw him.
“Oh,” she said.
She was wearing a plain white top on a pair of jeans that made her look simply casual. She must have arrived at the house much earlier than the rest and changed during that time. Indeed, he had not seen much of her all day during the tour. She looked homely. She was also wearing a dark green face cap, which concealed her face from the sun.
She looked remarkably gorgeous.
“I will not trouble you, Miss— Pearl.” He bowed his head to her, his hands clasped at his back. “Unless… you care to accompany me on my stroll, that is.”
She looked rat
