Not a cloud in sight. In fact, the morning air promised to turn unseasonably warm as the day progressed.
Planned to take place at one of Ravensdale’s smaller properties, the picnic would be held a little over ten miles outside of London. The earl had told Michael he would be doing him a favor by inspecting the general condition of the estate. He also told him he was pleased to hear of the excursion.
Although modern and expensive, the carriage wasn’t quite large enough to seat three gentlemen wide, which placed Michael snugly between Lady Natalie and Lilly. Facing him was Glenda, who had Mr. Joseph Ravensdale on one side of her and Danbury on the other. They were to ride thusly for over ten miles…good God!
His left side, cozily packed next to Lilly, sizzled with awareness. On his right side, where his fiancée pressed against him, he felt…nothing. Between the two ladies as he was, Michael sat buried in sweetly scented petticoats and skirts.
Danbury’s eyes gleamed with laughter as he observed his friend’s predicament, but Michael merely shook his head. And then nearly laughed himself.
For Miss Beauchamp chose that moment to open her parasol and nearly took out Danbury’s left eye. Completely oblivious to the viscount, she placed it upon her shoulder and turned to address Mr. Spencer. “I daresay…” She paused. “Joseph…” A blush crept up her neck, turning her ivory skin a delicate pink. “This phaeton is marvelous! It was so thoughtful of your father to suggest it instead of a closed coach. It’s such a beautiful day!”
“A bit cramped for six people,” Danbury muttered.
The younger couple ignored him.
Joseph Spencer seemed to appreciate Miss Beauchamp’s tantalizing blush when she’d spoken his name. “Simply beautiful.” He returned her adoring gaze. Mr. Spencer then shifted nonchalantly and placed his arm possessively along the back of the bench, draping it casually on Miss Beauchamp’s person, somewhat hidden by the parasol.
Danbury rolled his eyes.
Lilly failed to notice the untoward act. And as the official chaperone, she was the obvious person to demand Spencer remove his arm.
Nobody made any mention of it.
Lady Natalie then opened her parasol but rested it on the open side of the carriage. If she had decided to place it upon her other shoulder, Cortland’s eyes would be at risk as well.
“I think, perhaps, ladies carry stealthier weapons than our outriders, Cortland.” Danbury mockingly glanced at the parasols. “They cover it in lace and pretend it is a part of their wardrobe, but at a moment’s notice, they can whip it open and unhand the burliest of ruffians.”
Lady Natalie smiled prettily at the viscount. “The ruffians are not nearly such a menace as the rakes who disguise themselves as gentleman.”
“So a man must be either one or the other?” Danbury asked, raising one eyebrow.
“But of course. Consider my fiancé, His Grace. He is always a gentleman.” She placed her hand on Michael’s arm. “I have never had any cause for concern because he has always acted, and always will act, with the most honorable intentions. For that, I am an extremely lucky lady.”
Danbury laughed heartily at this, causing Lady Natalie to pout. “What is so funny?”
Michael glared at Danbury. “Nothing, nothing at all,” he reassured her. “Lord Danbury simply has something of a questionable sense of humor.”
But inside, Michael agreed with the irony of Lady Natalie’s declaration, if not the humor of it. While his fiancée sat daintily on his right side, his left hand ached to hold the hand of the lady on his left. Lilly’s tiny hands were folded politely in her lap. He felt her shiver slightly.
“Are you cold, my lady?” Michael asked her.
Lilly glanced around at the other passengers. “The wind is still a bit brisk. I imagine as the sun climbs higher I will be fine.”
Michael leaned forward and removed his jacket with as much dignity as one could while smashed into a carriage, holding six, that likely was intended to hold only four.
Not giving Lilly a chance to protest, he draped it over her shoulders. At first hesitant, she touched the lapels as though uncertain as to whether she ought to accept his gesture. But then a cool gust of wind blew down the narrow street.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Michael was satisfied to see her burrow into it snugly.
“You see.” Lady Natalie spoke pointedly to Danbury. “Alwaysthe gentleman!”
“Was he a gentleman when you knew him before, Lilly?” The young Miss Beauchamp had been paying attention to the conversation after all.
Upon her words, Michael felt Lilly sit up straight again.
But before she could speak, his fiancée turned to look at them both. “The two of you have a prior acquaintance?” Her eyebrows rose. She did not look angry, merely intrigued.
