I glanced at Damon. He had proved the thesis of his experiment true. With Damon’s attention on me, Ollie was green with envy. But if I agreed to this charade, from this point forward, there would be no going back. I would be saddled with Damon for six excruciating weeks. But it was the only chance Ollie and I had.
“I’m sorry, Ollie, but I prefer to ride with Damon tomorrow.”
“Perhaps I will join you then.”
“I’m not sure that is wise,” I forced myself to say. “I want to ride as long as the weather permits, and I know you have been quite consumed with yourbusinessaffairs in town. I would not wish to waylay you should another business concern suddenly arise again.”
Ollie clenched his jaw. “Of course.” He stood abruptly, his chair scraping across the floor, drawing the attention of our parents across the room, and then with a quick bow, he quit the room.
“I think that went rather well, don’t you?” Damon said once Ollie was out of earshot.
“I hardly know,” I said, but I had the distinct impression that I was about to find out.
Chapter Eight
The next morning, the roadswere dry enough for Papa to travel home. Though I wished he could delay his journey, he needed to return to London and care for his parishioners. Still, as he climbed into the carriage, my heart clenched. This was the first time in my life that I would be without either of my parents to guide me.
I watched Papa’s carriage disappear down the lane, then joined the family in the breakfast room.
“Lady Rumford and her daughter are coming to tea today,” Lady Winfield said.
“Oh . . . how nice,” I said, but in truth, I’d been so consumed with thoughts of Ollie, and with my plan with Damon, that I’d forgotten Lady Winfield’s invitation to Lady Rumford and her daughter. Though I wanted things right with Miss Atherton, I fretted over what was bound to be an uncomfortable afternoon.
What she must think of me. I’d told her that I had no interest in Damon, but the events of that night certainly didn’t convey as much. And things would likely only grow worse between us once she learned of my and Damon’s courtship. Perhaps I could delay the conversation until I’d had adequate time to consider what to say to her.
“Lady Winfield,” I said, “I must confess, I’d forgotten about Lady Rumford and her daughter coming to tea.”
“Not to worry. There will be plenty of time to ready yourself before they arrive.”
“Yes, of course. It is only . . .” I glanced at Damon across the table, hoping he would tell his mother about our plans to ride on horseback, but he was too busy with his breakfast to even notice my predicament. What good was my partner in crime if he refused to come to my aid? “Damon invited me to ride the hills on horseback this morning.”
“Oh,” Lady Winfield said, sounding surprised, and her gaze moved between Damon and me.
Lord Winfield loweredTheMorning Post, the crisp paper crinkling in his hands, and he looked from me to his eldest son. “I am afraidDamonis unavailable, Miss Kent.”
My cheeks heated. Lord Winfield prided himself on formality, and I’d called his son, hisheir, by his Christian name.
I bit my lip, embarrassed to have made such a blunder, and Damon smiled so wide it was a wonder his teeth didn’t fall out. I shot him a censuring glare, and he turned to his father. “I don’t recall being previously engaged, Father. You must excuse me from the meeting as I have urgent business of my own this morning.”
“More important than seeing to matters of your future estate?” Lord Winfield coughed into his napkin. “No. You will reschedule your business and attend my morning meeting with Mr. Bancroft.”
“I’d rather not,” Damon said.
“Must I compel you inallmatters?”
Damon’s grip tightened around his fork. “No.”
“Quite right,” Lord Winfield said, then he stabbed a piece of breakfast meat and chewed, effectively ending their conversation.
Lady Winfield gave her son a sorrowful look, then turned to me. “You should probably stay in residence anyway, my dear. You caused quite a stir at the ball, and I shouldn’t be surprised if you have a caller or two of your own today.”
Ollie choked on a biscuit. “Sorry, Mother.” He grabbed a cup of juice and swallowed a gulp. “I bit off more than I could chew.”
“We’ve all noticed,” Lady Winfield said, her voice full of displeasure.
Breakfast continued without further incident, although no one was in a particularly pleasant mood, except for Lady Winfield, who was excited about Lady Rumford and Miss Atherton coming to tea.
As soon as our meal was finished, I retired to my room to change into something more appropriate for entertaining company.
