“It shocks me as well,” Dash returned dryly. “There are many things I’d rather be doing than attend a garden party.”
Posy giggled. Slothington’s mouth twitched. He knew the man. He had thoughts and he was barely suppressing the words from spilling off of his tongue. Thankfully, he kept them to himself. Dash did not need him to add to his agitation. Dash turned to Lavinia. “Lady Lavinia,” he said in a smooth tone.
Her smile was perfect…too perfect. “My lord,” she replied, and there was an edge beneath the sweetness that told him she remembered every word from the last ball. It also told him she was still unhappy with him.
Slothington’s tone was like mild poison. “We were just discussing you.”
“How unfortunate for everyone involved,” Dash replied. Perhaps he had silently sent his thanks too soon.
Lavinia grinned. There was a wickedness there that made him anxious. What was she up to? “I merely asked a question,” she said.
Dash kept his gaze on hers. “You have been asking too many questions lately.”
Slothington arched a brow, faintly amused. “Have you? I had not noticed.”
Dash did not glance away. “It matters not what you noticed, Slothy.”
He wished he did not have to attend social functions to speak with Lavinia. If he paid a call on her then her mother would believe he had other expectations. His attentions at balls had already been noticed and before long they would start to believe he was courting her. Did she already believe that was his intentions? What would he do if she did?
Lavinia lifted her chin and glared at Dash. “Perhaps you should be less attentive.”
“Perhaps you should be less reckless,” Dash said, nearly growling out the words.
Posy made a small, delicate cough as if she wished to remind them, they were not alone. He did not even glance in her direction. As long as she wasn’t directing her full attention in him, he could continue to do that to.
Slothington flicked his gaze between them. “Tread carefully,” he told Lavinia.
This was starting to become beyond ridiculous. He wanted a few moments alone with Lavinia. But it appeared as if he was not going to get that time. He glared at Slothington, but the man was not moving. Perhaps he had to be more blunt…
Dash’s voice turned even colder. “You should leave.”
“And deprive myself of this?” Slothington sighed theatrically. “I think not.”
Lavinia’s smile returned, sharp as a pin. “We were having a pleasant conversation before you arrived, my lord. Perhaps it is you that should leave.”
Dash narrowed his gaze. “Nice try, darling. But I am not going anywhere.” He had to remove her from the company of Slothington and his sister. What would it take for her to go someplace else with him? He stepped closer to Lavinia and lowered his voice. “Walk with me.”
Lavinia raised a brow. “Excuse me?”
“Walk,” Dash repeated in a tone too controlled to be gentle. “Now.”
She met his gaze and then said in a stubborn tone, “No.”
“Yes.” He forced the word through his teeth like a man swallowing broken glass. “I would like to speak to you without half the ton listening.”
Slothington’s eyes sharpened at that. Posy’s smile faltered. Lavinia snapped her attention to Dash. Then, slowly, she offered her arm with deliberate grace, as if she were doing him a favor rather than yielding. “Very well.”
Posy leaned in and whispered, “Be nice.”
Lavinia murmured back, “No promises.”
Dash guided her along the gravel path toward a quieter stretch of garden. His vigilance did not ease. He felt the weight of Lavinia’s curiosity beside him like a second heartbeat.
“You were speaking to Slothington,” he said, clipped. “Why?”
“I was speaking with my friend, Slothington just happened to be with her,” she retorted. “Why are you being an arse?”
Dash did not dignify that with an answer, because at that moment a figure approached from the far path. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he had a pleasant smile on his face…the Marquess of Everington. He had the disposition of most of the gentleman in attendance at this party. It was precisely why people trusted him. He seemed harmless and frivolous, but Dash knew better.
