Michael shifted in his seat. “I can be sure that the times we work together do not interfere with your visits, Miss Essex.”
Elizabeth smiled her thanks but waved off the offer. “I appreciate the sentiment. However, I can fight my own battles, if need be. I won’t restrict myself simply because of his presence. He’s irritating, not dangerous.”
Michael coughed a laugh, then stood. “At that, I’ll take my leave, ladies. I believe you were in the middle of a conversation before we interrupted.”
Elizabeth said goodbye, and no sooner was Michael out of the room than Patricia grabbed her arm. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of my brother, but…” She paused and glanced about the area, indecision in her expression. “Mitch, we’re going to go for a walk!” she called out. Releasing Elizabeth’s arm, she stood and started toward the door. “Come.”
Elizabeth stood, smoothed her skirts, and prepared herself for whatever conversation Patricia thought required privacy. She had the sinking suspicion it revolved around Lord Penderdale.
Sure enough, as Elizabeth met her on the street, Patricia began her query.
“When did you meet him?”
Elizabeth sighed. “Who?” Though she knew very well who Patricia was inquiring about, she was disinclined to talk about him.
“Don’t be contrary,” Patricia chided. “Lord Penderdale, of course! At first I fancied him… He is decidedly handsome, and that voice…” She sighed. “But we are from very separate spheres socially, so it was merely a delightful daydream. However, you…” She shrugged her shoulders. “Your father is a gentleman, a knight, and you are therefore a gentleman’s daughter…”
Elizabeth stopped her. “My father is not titled.”
“He’s the lowest of the ranks for titles, that’s true, but you’re missing the point. He’s titled. It wouldn’t be an unequal match.”
“Stop.” Elizabeth held her hands out in front of her friend and faced her fully. “There is no need to discuss this because, one, there will be no match, and, two—”
“You have a lot of reasons,” Patricia interrupted.
“Because, two,” Elizabeth continued in a firm tone, “I am not interested in him, nor is he interested in me.”
Patricia raised an eyebrow.
Elizabeth met her stare, daring her to question her words.
Patricia’s eyes tightened and she tipped her chin as she spoke. “I’ve never been to Vauxhall Gardens, but I’ve heard about the fireworks that they sendoff at the parties. And I honestly can’t imagine they are more explosive than whatever was going on between you two in our little house back there,” Patricia stated flatly. “And there’s nothing you can say that will change my mind, because unlike being at Vauxhall, I did witness this event.” She shrugged, stepped around Elizabeth and continued. “Besides, I think he likes you.”
Elizabeth counted silently to three before following her friend, keeping her temper in check. Did no one listen to her? It was infuriating! There were no fireworks, no attraction—perhaps a little attraction—but nothing of consequence between them but venom and a very different opinion about what a woman’s education should entail. As she thought of the last point, her wretched conscience checked her. If he was speaking the truth about his sister, that last disagreeing point may be moot.
“Elizabeth?” Patricia turned, waiting.
“Coming.” Elizabeth caught up with her friend. “Can we please talk about anything else? The man infuriates me and has from the moment I saw him. I’d rather talk about anything else.”
“Anything?” Patricia asked, a smile playing on her lips.
“Anything is a broad answer, agreed. But please…”
“Very well, I’ll set the topic of Lord Penderdale aside for the moment. So, tell me, if you are not interested in ‘the one we shall not name,’ does thatmean you may fancy my brother?” Patricia’s grin widened mischievously.
“You don’t stop, do you?” Elizabeth couldn’t help but return her friend’s smile. She supposed it was her penance to have a friend as stubborn as she was.
“He’ll be slow but steady and win you over. Just you watch,” Patricia promised, “and then we will be sisters-in-law.”
“You’re already my sister in my heart, Pat. I both love you and find you as irritating as I imagine a sibling would be,” she teased.
Patricia swatted at her. “I don’t know if I should be honored or insulted.”
“Both, make it fair,” Elizabeth said lightheartedly.
Patricia laughed. “Well, on that note, have you decided if you’ll travel with your father to London next month? I know you were debating it, but I think it would be lovely, even if it’s just for a few days.”
“I haven’t decided. It’s rather…populated.”
