“I was going to say romantic, but I was not going to mean it.”
Lucas straightened. “I have no need for romance.”
“Your future wife might wish it.”
“I intend to pick someone who does not.”
“Pick? Lucas, you sound as if this is a business transaction you are planning.”
“It is, in essence.”
“In essence? Please explain to me how marrying someone is akin to . . . to . . .”
“Money trading hands? Alliances being made? That is exactly what marriage is.”
James’s arms uncrossed, his expression flabbergasted. “You cannot truly see it that way.”
Lucas checked his words, not wanting to offend his friend. “For you and Lady Bowcott, I see that there is more to it than that, but not all of us need that. Not all of us want it.”
His friend’s brows pulled together, the cogs in his brain clearly spinning as he thought through what he would say next. When he finally spoke, it was not with some retort or argument, as Lucas might have expected. “Have you always felt this way?”
Since Marietta had died, yes, but that was the last thing Lucas would admit. Instead he said, “Since I have considered it, yes.”
The expression on James’s face was that of a man only just seeing his friend for the first time.
Lucas did not like the scrutiny. “Come,” he said, “let us rejoin the party.”
James followed, but the way he cut his eyes to Lucas was evidence that he would not be letting the conversation go so easily.
James would have to be disappointed then because Lucas had no intention of expounding on his feelings regarding marriage. He did not have to explain himself to his friend. Their experiences in life were drastically different. It made sense that their outlooks on love would be different as well.
Miss Faraday looked up as Lucas settled himself back on the blanket. They were on opposite sides of the picnic, but he felt asif the distance were much smaller. He pulled his gaze away. If he were to be true to his conversation with James, he needed to stop whatever was happening in regard to his feelings for Miss Faraday. This was the fourth outing he’d promised Charlie. One more, and he could distance himself entirely.
Unless Charlie married her.
The universe could not be so cruel, could it?
“Lord Berkeley, we are at the foot of Spankers Hill, are we not? I should love a walk to the top.”
Dash it. In looking away from Miss Faraday, Lucas had placed his gaze squarely on Lady Teresa, and she’d taken complete advantage.
Thankfully, Lady Bowcott immediately saw the problem and acted quickly. “A bit of exercise while we await the changing of the tides would be welcome. Why don’t we all go?”
Lady Teresa appeared to be the only member of the party unexcited by the prospect.
James offered his arm to his wife, as was expected, but Lord Charleton looked between both remaining women before seemingly settling on Miss Faraday. His mouth opened as his arm lifted.
Lucas ought to have left him to it. The Lucas from two minutes before had been determined to do just that. But something within him rebelled against the idea of Miss Faraday on another’s arm, so before he’d even come to his feet, he sent out rushed words intended to beat whatever Charleton was about to say. “Miss Faraday, might I offer you my arm?”
Charleton pressed his lips together, appearing more entertained than chagrined, and easily switched his attentions to Lady Teresa.
Lady Teresa did not take the switch so easily. “My, what a picture you two make. I do declare that must be why everyone seems to be talking of Miss Faraday and the Cheltenham men.”
Miss Faraday turned surprised eyes on Lucas, who had just reached her side and had his arm half lifted to offer it to her. He did not make a habit of being rude, but really, why had Charlie invited Lady Teresa? They had no close association, as far as he knew. But Charlie had handled all aspects of this outing beyond tasking Lucas with inviting the Bowcotts. Perhaps Lady Teresa was all Charlie could find on such short notice. Clearly he’d failed to invite another woman to even out the numbers had Charlie attended, so that was possible.
No one was quick to respond, and Lucas intended not to be the first, but Miss Faraday, with a cocked head and a smile playing on her lips said, “Yes, I am very grateful to the friendship of the Cheltenham family. I am glad others have noticed their kindness as well.”
Lady Teresa did not seem to know what to make of that, and her scowl soon returned. Lucas turned from it without concern.
