He ought not to have come. He would converse briefly with the two of them and then bid them farewell.
Intentionally keeping both women in his sights, he would not appear to single either of them out.
“A circus is in town.” The words left his mouth of their own volition. Good God, what was he doing?
Brilliant blue eyes flickered with interest. “Is that why the animals are in town? They’re not here for the menagerie then?” He remembered now, that in spite of the danger she and her dog had been in, she’d been concerned for the lion.
“They are not. They’ve set up not far from Westminster Bridge, just off Church Street.” Dev could escort both ladies to the spectacle.
“The lion is there?” An unmistakable light of curiosity entered her eyes.
He’d caught her attention.
Dev nodded, oddly satisfied. He’d rarely, if ever, actively pursued a lady of theton. A gentleman was bound by too many rules.
He was likely to stumble into one of many traps.
All too aware of her engagement, he nevertheless could not prevent himself from watching her: the curve of her mouth, the gloss of a curl as it fell casually along her silky cheek.
She was a well-bred, genteel young woman, as was Miss Mossant. And strictly speaking, he’d not yet been properly introduced to either of them. He had no knowledge of the two women’s families, nor they of his. He was going to have to remedy this.
“I’ve brought my conveyance today.” He dared her.
Miss Babineaux seemed to consider his invitation for a moment, but then she sighed. Her expression, he noted, showed reluctance.
“I cannot take Peaches.” She then looked over at her friend. “But Rhoda, you should go. I will make up some excuse and send your maid home. You oughtn’t miss it for my sake.”
“Really, Soph? You wouldn’t mind?” It seemed, Dev thought ruefully, he was getting his due. Not that he minded escorting the other woman… but he’d hoped…
“No,” Miss Babineaux reassured her friend and then glanced over at Dev and frowned.
Dev knew she was not indifferent to him, although she might wish that she were. Dev forced himself to turn toward the other lady. “Miss Mossant?”
“Rhoda, go with Captain Brookes,” Miss Babineaux urged her friend once again. “I’ll take Peaches home. I’ve a great deal of letter writing to catch up on anyhow.”
Dev forced a smile. It was early in the day, and letter writing was a weak excuse indeed.
It seemed she did not intend to stray.
Again, anyhow.
“Won’t you join me, Miss Mossant?” He bowed in the direction of the taller, darker lady. She was quite lovely in her own right. He ought not to feel so disappointed.
“I’d be delighted.” Her warm eyes sparkled as she took his arm. Miss Babineaux scooped her dog up and turned to leave just as Miss Mossant abruptly halted their progress. “Oh, no! Except I cannot! I rescheduled my fitting with Madam Chantel for today! After breaking my appointment yesterday, I cannot possibly miss another one. Madam would be livid!”
Miss Mossant looked crestfallen and dropped his arm reluctantly. “You go, Soph. Church Street isn’t far, and I can drop Peaches off with your mother.” Miss Babineaux went to protest, but her dear friend persisted as she gathered Peaches into her own arms. “I’ll take care of everything. You are the one who will wed soon. You ought to have a little fun. Go, Sophia… Go!”
Not allowing for any argument, the taller girl tucked Peaches under her chin and strolled confidently away.
And just like that, Dev was alone with this engaged lady.
The lady who’d occupied his thoughts, quite persistently, for the past twenty-four hours.
Lucky to be Betrothed?
Suddenly bereft of her dog, Miss Babineaux seemed nearly as stunned as Dev.
He’d not expected time alone with her. He’d fully intended to introduce himself to a worthy fiancé today and assure himself of her well-being after yesterday’s harrowing experience.
