Chapter 10
Greys should have canceled outright—or driven his barouche instead of his racing curricle. That way he could have invited Posy and Violet to join them—and her sister, and perhaps her sister-in-law as well.
He certainly should not have given into Diana’s impulsive request to leave earlier than was expected.
“Good day, My Lord,” Lady Huntly, Lady Isabella’s mother, appeared before him with her daughter in tow. “Serendipitous to see you here this afternoon. Summer will be on us before we know it, don’t you agree? We’ll not wish to remain in the city much longer.”
“Indeed,” Greys bowed to both ladies. “And good day to both of you.”
Staring down at the younger woman, making polite conversation with her and her mother, Greys was pleased to note that all his thoughts remained perfectly rational. He had no desire to invite the young woman to invade his private observatory, nor did he have any absurd urges to kiss her.
He most definitely had not fallen asleep the night before wondering if her skin was as soft as it looked. Greys had not invited any of those sensations, and he certainly did not appreciate them. Indeed, it was gratifying that Lady Isabella didn’t arouse such evocative urges. He had made an excellent decision for his future marchioness.
“It is a fine day for a drive in the park, is it not, Isabella?” Lady Huntly, as mostTonmothers tended to be, was not shy about moving matters along between him and her daughter.
And as Violet had pointed out the day before, Lady Huntly had every reason to think he would be agreeable.
“I’m ready to go now, my lord.” Diana returned in that moment, a pretty flush on her cheeks and her eyes sparkling. He did not allow his gaze to linger on her mouth.
“To go where?” Lady Huntly glanced toward Diana, scowling.
“Oh…” Diana’s face fell when she realized with whom he was conversing. As the Countess of Huntly stared down at her, Greys was not mistaken in that Diana shrank back. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“But you have not,” Greys asserted.
Members of theTonwere aware of the circumstances surrounding Chaswick’s sister’s birth. Although no one had given the young ladies the cut direct, and a few women had befriended the girls outright, several kept their distance, remaining noticeably cool.
Most of those particular women did so in order to protect their own standing, which wasn’t as prominent as they likely wished it to be.
Lady Huntly, an astute woman who had obviously taken note of the attention Greys had directed toward Diana the evening before, had other reasons for treating her with disdain.
None of which were necessary. If the woman would simply show some patience, her daughter would be a marchioness by year’s end.
But for now, Lady Huntly’s rude demeanor grated on him.
“You are… drivingher?” Lady Isabella wasn’t rude, so much as sincerely taken aback. His conscience reminded him she had every right to be.
“Yes.” How had he gotten himself into such a predicament? He’d begun the season with nothing but good intentions. And he’d agreed to single Diana out to keep her from flailing amongst his peers in society.
Chaswick would appreciate it as well. And yet, somehow, he found himself in the unenviable position of having to follow through on promises he’d made regarding two different women.
Conflicting promises.
“If you’d prefer—” Diana took a step backward.
“No.” Greys held up a hand and turned away, even as he felt her frowning at him. He bowed to Lady Huntly and then turned to her daughter. “I’d be honored if you would save a dance for me at Lady Ravensdale’s upcoming ball.”
The young woman’s gaze landed on her mother, who nodded before answering. “If you wish, my lord.”
“Very good.” Having fulfilled both of his obligations, he turned his attention back toward Diana. “Your carriage awaits, my… Miss Diana.”
“Carriage?” she tilted her head.
“My racing curricle.”
She dipped her chin and then proved her own manners above reproach by bidding Lady Huntly and Lady Isabella goodbye before allowing Greys to lead her into the corridor. However, she remained reticent even after he’d assisted her into the tall vehicle and steered his horses onto the street.
“Shall we drive through the park?” Greys broke the silence that had fallen between them.
