They had gained the park and he pulled the horses to a halt that he could grant his lady his full attention. “How very bold of you. I knew from the outset that you were a most intrepid lady.” He wondered how much truth she truly desired, for he had bushels of it to offer.
She shook her head. “Not so bold as that, sir. Truth has a way of making itself known, particularly truths that are unwelcome. I would rather know than be subsequently surprised, perhaps in an unwelcome situation.”
“There is good sense in that,” he agreed, studying her. “And I suspect, an increment of experience.”
She flushed crimson and dropped her gaze. “It is of no importance.”
Arthur put a fingertip beneath her chin, compelling her to meet his gaze. He found shadows in her eyes and was surprised by his ardent need to defend her cause, and see the damage repaired. “You may trust in me, Miss Carruthers.”
A tentative smile lifted the corner of her mouth. “As surely as I may trust in your undying love?”
“Did his grace say that?” Arthur feigned outrage and was rewarded by the blossoming of her smile. Then he sobered. “I tell you this in all honesty, Miss Carruthers. You surprise me. You confound me. You fascinate me. And though I exaggerated the tale of my feelings last night, I did it to gain the duke’s approval of our match and the furthering of our mutual objectives. I was advised by one who knows him well that if I told him the truth of our agreement, he would advise most strenuously against our match, and that was a situation I wished to avoid. Can you blame me?”
“No,” she confessed softly.
He let his gaze drop to her lips. “I also feel there is something of a portent in my claim. Though I may not be smitten as yet, I could very well be and soon.”
“Oh, Arthur,” Amelia said, this time with a rapturous sigh.
“You are incorrigible,” Miss Carruthers said beneath her breath and Arthur smiled at the glint in her eyes.
“Guilty as charged,” he admitted and when she laughed at him, he felt triumphant. “But I tell you this, Miss Carruthers. I too desire honesty between us and agree with you of its merit as a foundation to a marriage.”
“Then you pledge to never tell me a falsehood?”
Arthur managed to hide his grimace. That horse was long out of the barn. “I cannot make such a sweeping pledge.” The lady’s disapproval was evident. “But I vow that whatever I do, it will be for the benefit of our union, just as last night with the duke, and not with any intent of doing you injury.”
She studied him, her expression solemn. “That is rather less than I asked.”
“And yet it is the most possible at this time.”
“Will you tell me the truth when I ask for it?”
“Yes.” He touched his jacket over his heart. “You have my oath upon that, and my promise that all truths will be surrendered to you in time.”
“You have many secrets then, Mr. Beckham?”
“More than you might imagine.” He spoke as if making a jest, but Miss Carruthers’ survey did not waver. He knew he was being judged and could only hope for the best result. When she smiled and shook her head slightly, he dared to be relieved.
“You are a most unusual man, sir,” she said quietly and Arthur grinned as he urged the horses to continue.
“Dare I hope the fascination is mutual?”
“You know it is,” she said beneath her breath, as if admitting a detail she would have preferred to keep to herself.
Arthur laughed aloud. “That is a triumph, my lady, and one that must be celebrated. You have seen the Serpentine in the sunlight,” he said to Amelia. “Dare I suggest a visit to the Exeter Exchange?”
“Arthur!” Amelia crowed with delight, while Miss Carruthers caught her breath. He had no doubt that her concern was for the possible cost as the shops and merchants in the exchange were reputed to be expensive.
That was why he would shop for her there. Let the Beckham fortunes see his new wife with a new wardrobe in case the purse strings were to be drawn taught in future.
“Fear not, Miss Carruthers,” Arthur said, his own affection for his notion growing with every step. “Amelia and I are most discerning of customers, and I will pay the bill.”
* * *
Shopping!
Truth be told, Patience had never shopped with the enthusiasm of this pair. She and her sisters had always been careful with funds, handing dresses down one to the next, adding bands of embroidery themselves, and strategically choosing when to add items to their wardrobes. They could spend half a day selecting a pair of gloves upon which they agreed and which could be shared between them.
