Ah, Lady Margaret.
Right.
He hoped Fiona had not assigned him to her.
What was he going to say to this girl who would have been in leading strings when the Peninsular War started and not even a glimmer in the eye of her parents when hostilities arose in the American colonies? Perhaps he was being too harsh, but she did not appear to have anything but air between her ears.
However, that did not stop her from talking at him…incessantly. Drat, she was all giggles and effervescent chirpiness. How did a man survive this onslaught every morning?
No one was more relieved than he when Cherish finally walked in.
She was dressed in a fairly plain gown, but the rose color suited her complexion, as did the hint of lace at the collar and sleeves. Her hair was done up in a loose bun that flattered the fullness of her hair. She had little hoop earrings in her ears, but no other adornment.
She looked beautiful.
He came to his feet to offer his chair, since the table was crowded and most of the seats were already taken. “Please, have mine.”
She smiled at him. “I do not wish to kick you out.”
“Not at all. I am finished.” He glanced down at himself. “Besides, my friends and I only returned a short while ago from our morning ride and are hardly presentable. I understand we are to have a picnic later this morning.”
Fiona rose as well. “Yes, and as I’ve told Lady Margaret, each lady will have the name of a gentleman written in her basket.”
Margaret giggled and batted her eyelashes at him again.
Fiona, smirking once more, leaned over and whispered something in Cherish’s ear. Cherish blushed as she glanced at him.
He hoped this meant Fiona had placed his name in Cherish’s basket. The two of them needed to talk. Now that he had lectured Reggie and hopefully gained the lad’s cooperation, he wanted to waste no time in putting Cherish forward as a prospect for wife. But he had to be sure she would agree.
He excused himself, and then strode back to his room to wash and dress for the picnic.
Lynton and Camborne had mentioned they were leaving after breakfast, so he made certain to seek them out as soon as he returned downstairs. He caught them moments after they had said their farewells to Fiona. “Safe journey,” he said, giving each a brotherly pat on the back.
“Take care of yourself,” Camborne said. “You know the ladies all want you. Watch out for their traps.”
Lynton nodded. “These wretched house parties ought to be outlawed.”
Gawain grinned. “Aren’t we a dour threesome? Yes, I’ll be careful. In truth, there isn’t much danger. Thesetondiamondsare little more than children, and their mothers are too old. I think I will be safe enough.”
Camborne arched an eyebrow. “And what of Lady Cherish? Ye spent quite a bit of time in her company yesterday.”
“For the sake of Reggie. She’s a good choice for him, don’t you think?”
Lynton patted him on the back. “Just remember she is for Reggie.”
Gawain frowned. “I am hardly likely to forget.”
He watched his friends ride off and waited for them to disappear beyond the entry gates before he rejoined the gathering in Fiona’s parlor. Wicker baskets had been set up on long tables along the walls, each having the name of a young lady pinned to the outside.
He paused beside Cherish, who was the only one not giggling, cooing, or squealing in delight. She arched an eyebrow in greeting as he approached. “Are you ready for the battle, Your Grace?” she said. “Every lady in the room hopes your name will be the one in her basket.”
“I am not concerned. Knowing Fiona, she has placed my name in hers or yours. Either way, I shall be spared the tedium of having to make conversation with a little goose.”
Cherish laughed. “You are a curmudgeon, aren’t you?”
He shot her a pained grin. “I suppose I am. Reggie thinks I am a complete ogre.”
“Why? Oh, no. What did you say to him?”
