Russ glanced at the lady beside him. Did she realize what she had just said, the insult she had just uttered? Of course she did.

He was used to ladies fawning upon him. Never before had one been so openly hostile. He felt a momentary shock, until his sense of humor kicked in and he laughed.

“I fear a longer acquaintance with you will do my self-esteem no good, madam!”

“No good at all,” she agreed affably.

She rose and with a nod of dismissal she left him. Russ watched her walk away, noting the proud tilt of her head, her straight back and the soft, seductive sway and shimmer of her skirts as she glided across the floor. Perhaps it was a ruse to pique his interest. Perhaps he might indulge the widow in a flirtation.

Russ decided against it. Compton Parva was a small town and she was the parson’s sister. Much better to leave well alone.