Peaches caught sight of one of the larger ducks and let out an outraged bark. Sophia scowled. Rhoda wondered at how very different Sophia’s life had been just one year ago. As was the other former wallflower, Cecily’s. “What about Cecily? Have you heard from her lately?” Cecily and her husband, Mr. Stephen Nottingham, the Earl of Kensington’s cousin, had also recently increased the size of their little family by one. Cecily had given birth to a son a few months before little Harriette had come along.
“Of course, I’ll invite Cecily and Mr. Nottingham.” Sophia must be quite serious about this impromptu house party. Rhoda hadn’t considered how frustrating it must be for her friend to be in London and yet unable to attend any of thetonevents. And if she could host a ‘quiet removal to the country’ within the confines of her mourning, well, then, who was Rhoda to argue?
“And those eligible gentlemen that His Grace told you about,” Emily reminded her.
“Oh, yes. Those.” Sophia sent a chagrined expression Emily’s way, but Emily simply smiled and tossed more bread toward the water.
“Yes. Those,” Emily agreed with an impish smirk.
Peaches took that moment to leap out of Sophia’s arms and before any of them could stop her, go chasing after one of the poor ducks who’d been so trusting.
“Peaches!” Sophia dropped the bread, sending the ducks into a frenzy.
A few of the ducks began flapping their wings in excitement. When Emily reached down in an attempt to save some of the loaf, her spectacles went flying.
“Don’t move! They’ll break if you step on them!” Emily’s horrified exclamation froze Sophia in place.
“I’ll get Peaches.” Rhoda took off at a run after the surprisingly speedy short-legged rat. “Peaches! Come back here! Peaches! No! Leave Lady Milestone alone! Oh, dear.” Rhoda navigated around bushes and trees and ladies with parasols as the little devil continued to elude her.
“Come back here!”
And just as Rhoda was closing in on the diminutive imp, masculine hands reached down and scooped Peaches off the ground.
Rhoda nearly skidded to a halt in order to keep from plowing the gentleman over.
“I’m so sorry. Thank you,” she gushed and reached her hands around the tiny sausage-like body at the same time that she realized Peaches’ savior was Mr. White.
“My pleasure.”
Rhoda kept her gaze pinned firmly upon his cravat as she lifted Sophia’s dog free of his grasp. She hadn’t been prepared to see him again so soon. Heat rushed to her face at the remembrance of what he’d witnessed the night before. She couldn’t meet his gaze. It was as though he could see into her thoughts.
“Um. Well. She got away…” Rhoda fumbled for polite conversation before she could return to Emily and Sophia.
“I’ve met Peaches before.” He chuckled. “We’re the best of friends, I assure you. And I do understand her desire to take flight on occasion.”
Ah, those eyes of his. She’d not been able to help herself, hearing him laugh. Knowing he had befriended the little dog.
And Peaches did seem to like him. Even now, the pup strained to be back in his arms, tongue peeking out and tail wagging.
Not likely the only female to ever do so.
“She wants to eat the ducks.” Rhoda shrugged, unable to keep herself from grinning up at him.
Mr. White gave in to the dog’s wishes and took her back from Rhoda again. Peaches attacked him mercilessly with kisses, but he merely tilted his head back, exposing the sinewy muscles of his neck for the dog to lick.
With a firm pat, he tucked the dog into his arms and managed to somehow wing his other for Rhoda to take. “Might I escort you back to your chaperones?”
Was he implying she’d been acting inappropriately again? Some of her pleasure subsided at the thought, but she took his arm nonetheless.
“Her Grace and Miss Goodnight are near the flower beds,” she ground out. “As is my maid.”
Damn him. Why did he make her feel this way? Like she had to defend herself—her actions.
He shortened his stride and walked them at a leisurely pace. Rhoda wanted to drag him along more quickly, but some ridiculous part of her enjoyed having his strength beside her, his masculine scent.
“You seem to be in good health and spirits this afternoon. I ought to have ensured your safety back to your mother myself, last night after…” He cleared his throat. “Please accept my apologies. It was inexcusable of me.”
Rhoda turned her head to study him in surprise. How could she be angry at the man with Peaches tucked beneath his chin?
