“Doesn’t that count for something?”
“I’m here riding with you,” she said, gesturing between them, “so yes, I suppose it does. But your keeping your poor behavior a secret can only go so far in gaining my good graces.”
To her surprise he laughed, the sound rolling out warm and deep from his chest. Edward looked back at them, grinning in response. Georgiana found herself wanting to smile as well, and sternly resisted the temptation.
“What is so funny?” she demanded.
“A few weeks ago all my poor behavior got me was a smashed toe and cracked knuckles,” he said, still chuckling. “I seem to be making progress.”
She sniffed. “Not much. Now take me back.”
Tristan sighed. “Yes, my lady. Runt, we’re going back.”
“But why?”
“Georgie has other men waiting to see her.”
“But we’re still seeing her.”
“We didn’t have an appointment.”
She scowled at him, but he pretended not to notice. This was going to be a problem. Part of her wanted to melt every time he looked at her, and the other part wanted to shriek and throw things. He might have the advantage at the moment, but she would figure him out. She knew better than to trust him, especially when he was supposedly being honest. Perhaps she couldn’t help that she lusted after him, but she would never—ever—fall for him again.
One of the grooms helped her dismount before Tristan could do so, and she favored the servant with such a warm smile that the poor man flushed and practically ran away, towing Sheba behind him. Drat. Looking like an idiot wouldn’t help her against Lord Dare, either. “Thank you for a pleasant outing,” she said to Edward.
“You’re welcome.”
“Do you attend the fireworks at Vauxhall on Thursday?” Tristan asked, dismounting to walk her to the door.
He could find out easily enough, she supposed, and she wouldn’t be dancing at the Gardens, anyway. “Yes, my aunt and I will be there.”
“Might I send my carriage and offer both of you my escort, then?”
Damnation, he was sneaky. “I…can’t answer for Aunt Frederica, of course.”
Tristan nodded. “If you would please inform her of my request, and that my aunts will be along as well, I would appreciate it. Milly’s been looking forward to the fireworks all Season. She couldn’t go while she was off her feet, so this will be her first opportunity to go.”
Georgiana clenched her jaw. “You don’t play fair.”
“I’m not playing, remember? And I’m in this to win.”
“Very well. I’m certain Aunt Frederica would love the opportunity to chat with your aunts. I’ll inform her of your request. But I’m not happy about it.”
Bending down, he took her hand in his. “Have a lovely picnic, Georgiana,” he murmured, and released her.
As she climbed the steps, it wasn’t the upcoming picnic she was thinking of. It was his long-lashed blue eyes and the promises—or lies—they held for her deep inside them.
“Tristan,” Edward said, as they rode back to Carroway House, “why did you make me come all the way over here? I told you I already went riding with Andrew and Shaw.”
“Because I wanted to see Georgiana, and I knew she would want to see you.”
“Why wouldn’t she want to see you? Is she mad at you?”
Tristan gave a small, grim smile. “Yes, she is.”
“Then you should send her flowers. That’s what Bradshaw does, and he says all the chits like him.”
“Flowers, eh?” The more he thought about it, the better it sounded. “What else does Bradshaw send the chits to make them like him?”
