Perhaps we could be-
Benedict shook his head. No, he would not set himself down that path.
“Yes, what can I do?” she asked her, her voice small and shaky.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t do this but I think I need to speak with Matthew. Do you think you and Benedict could act as our chaperone while we talk?” she asked Augusta.
Augusta nodded with a smile on her face. “Of course, Nancy. If His Grace does not mind, we can go speak with him right away.”
They turned to Benedict. “It would be my honour to help you in whatever measure you need, Lady Nancy,” Benedict said.
While he was happy to help his friend, Benedict was even more excited to be able to spend more time with Augusta. He had come to enjoy her company more than he ever thought to be possible. She was full of bright ideas that would cause the members of the ton to go white in the face when they heard a woman speak of such.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Nancy said, hurrying in Matthew’s direction.
Augusta laughed. “Slow down, Nancy. Only moments ago, you wished never to speak with him again.”
Nancy slowed as her sister had suggested but not before throwing Augusta a look of mock indignation.
Benedict laughed as he watched their interaction. They reached Matthew who stood deathly still, watching Nancy like he feared any move he made could have her running in the opposite direction.
“Lord Baker, you wished to speak with me?” she asked calmly, all traces of her excitement well hidden.
“Yes, thank you for agreeing to it.”
Matthew cast Benedict a thankful glance as they strolled a few paces forward.
CHAPTER19
“Thank you for coming to speak with my sister. She has been different since they argued at Hyde Park although she tries to hide it,” Augusta said.
Nancy had suggested walking around the gardens. She had been quite intrigued by the beautiful flower arrangement and since it was her first time at the Thorneton estate, the others had easily agreed.
As they walked around the gardens, the smell of flowers on their nostrils, Benedict could not help thinking that they fit right in, with how beautiful Augusta looked. She’d inspire poets if they were not all scared to approach her because of her reputation.
The thought made him smile. “I am glad to be of help. Matthew has been unable to focus on anything else since their argument and I was in truth, helping him,” he admitted.
They stopped their conversation when they heard Nancy giggle, her face ripe with joy. He watched as Augusta smiled while she watched her sister.
“Whatever the reason, it appears to be working out already,” she said, staring at him gratefully.
Benedict warmed inside. He was happy to help her whatever way he could especially when it meant he could be close to her like this. He had grown tired of watching her from a distance and eagerly agreed when Matthew sought his help on his problem with Nancy.
Benedict had not asked what the problem was, although he was curious to know why the lady had left during their promenade. One look at his friend had stopped him from doing so and he had simply ushered him home.
Nancy and Matthew slowed, and Augusta and Benedict quickened their steps so they could catch up with them.
“We wish to speak privately by the lake, Augusta,” Nancy said excitedly, her earlier feelings long forgotten.
Augusta nodded. “Certainly, Nancy. Please remember to stay within sight, dear sister.”
“We will,” Nancy grinned excitedly as they walked off, leaving her and Benedict alone. They stayed within sight as promised, with Augusta keeping a close eye on them every so often.
Benedict heaved a sigh. “I have read more of your books.”
Augusta turned to him with a look of surprise. “I truly did not think you would get so caught up in it. I honestly thought that you would have tired of it by now.”
Benedict chuckled quietly as they continued their walk past the perfectly trimmed trees. “Why did you think so?”
