Jasper shrugged. “I cannot help it if my dear brother shows, on occasion, an utter lack of common sense. As the elder it is my responsibility to set him to rights.”
Meredith could not contain the grin that widened her smile further. “That is a fairly accurate and wholly frightening notion.”
She shook her head. If Jasper, who more often than not showed a lack of judgment and maturity when making a decision, was indeed the more responsible of the twins, then Jason should probably not be let out of the house without a keeper.
“I noticed the front parlor and entrance hall, not to mention the breakfast room and drawing room, resembled a flower shop,” Jasper said. “Could not one of your afternoon callers have taken you to the park? I assume you had several offers.”
Meredith turned to give her brother a sharp retort, reminding him that winning that ridiculous bet for him last evening was the catalyst for all of her current woes. But she caught him gazing rather wistfully at the cavalcade of horsemen riding toward the park and quickly swallowed her remarks.
“I understand escorting an old spinster sister is hardly befitting your image as a dashing rogue, but I need to be seen and acknowledged today. Since, as you so recently pointed out, you are the more responsible and respectable of my brothers, I felt the task should fall to you.”
“I will repeat, for the last time, Jason and I do not think of you as a spinster,” Jasper insisted.
“How quickly you change your tune, dear brother. Why only last evening I was considered enough of a spinster to win that ridiculous bet.”
“Ah, so that is your plan. You are determined to shed any vestiges of the spinster image and thrust yourself into the social fray on this rather soggy afternoon. That is the real reason you have dragged me out to the park today.”
Meredith felt a jolt of surprised embarrassment. Her brother’s assessment of the situation painted her in a frivolous light, and though it was completely incorrect, she realized it might be preferable to the truth.
“We are here today because I suddenly find myself to be the object of great interest, the majority of which is unfavorable. The events of last evening, specifically my kiss with the marquess, is providing thetonwith an endless stream of conversation and speculation.
“The many bouquets of flowers you saw is only a prelude to the propositions I am certain will follow, now that I am thought to be easy prey to any number of unscrupulous males. That notion must be immediately dispelled.”
“What!” Jasper nearly lost control of the bays as he reacted to her disclosure. “If any of your gentlemen callers were disrespectful, you should have summoned me at once.”
“There were no gentleman callers,” Meredith stated flatly. “After a thoroughly unpleasant and enlightening visit from Lady Olivia Dermott, I realized I was the sensation of the hour. I therefore refused to see anyone. Better to deny them the chance to imply I am no longer respectable, that myincidentwith the marquess has somehow left me tainted. In this instance I thought it prudent to lead the attack instead of waiting for more scandal to touch upon me.”
Jasper’s indignant expression turned to one of admiration. “Leave it to you, Merry, to know exactly how to manage the situation.”
Jasper’s approval boosted her confidence, yet Meredith knew there could be several pitfalls of disaster awaiting her. “The plan is sound, but hardly foolproof. Only the proper execution of it will deem it a success or failure.”
“Then we must make certain all goes well.” He tipped his hat to a pair of ladies who were riding in the opposite direction. They smiled cordially in return.
“Bring the carriage round to the other entrance,” Meredith instructed as they reached the park. “I want to greet the Duchess of Barlow and her friends first. If she acknowledges me, others will quickly follow.”
Meredith discreetly pointed to a trio of ladies promenading on the gravel path. Their heads were bent close beneath their fringed parasols, which did not obstruct the view of their chattering mouths.
It seemed as though the instant the carriage entered the park, all eyes turned in their direction. It took a concerted effort not to squirm in her seat, but Meredith managed. She gave her brother a quick glance, yet Jasper seemed oblivious to all the scrutiny.
“Ladies, I bid you a pleasant afternoon,” Jasper called out. He expertly guided the carriage alongside the trio of elderly women. “I hope you are enjoying the sunshine.”
“There has not been a ray of sunlight the entire day, Lord Fairhurst,” the duchess replied sternly. “The thick clouds are effectively obstructing all attempts at the sun breaking through.”
“Are they?” Jasper tilted his chin toward the sky. “I had not noticed the clouds. Probably because you bring the sunshine wherever you go, Your Grace.”
The duchess’s eyes narrowed noticeably. The two women flanking her drew closer to her side, in a protective solitary gesture.
“Flattery, young man? To a woman of my advanced years?”
“Truthful observations, Your Grace.”
The duchess raised her eyebrow. “You have your mother’s charm, sir.” A smile grudgingly appeared at the corner of the older woman’s mouth. “And your father’s good looks.”
“Please, Your Grace, you’ll put me to the blush.”
The duchess laughed. After a moment’s hesitation, her two companions joined her. “You are a naughty boy, Lord Fairhurst,” the duchess declared, her eyes sparkling. She tipped her head in a girlish manner, but her expression sobered noticeably when her eyes lit upon Meredith.
“Mischievousness in handsome young lords is to be expected,” the duchess continued in a lecturing tone. “But it is neither accepted nor tolerated in unmarried ladies. Is that not correct?”
