“I cannot be alone with Lord Seth.”
Bethany waved a hand in dismissal. “No one will ever learn.”
“Can you promise that no one will be about when I enter or exit the carriage?”
“Well, no, of course not, but I can assure you that your reputation will remain untarnished.”
They both knew that Bethany could not make such a promise.
That was it then. She would remain home as well. “I will simply tell Lord Seth that due to the circumstances I cannot dine with him tonight.”
“You cannot mean to disappoint him,” Bethany argued.
“I will not take a risk with my reputation, as it not only reflects on you and Tessa, but my sisters and cousin as well. I will not have them harmed because I was seen riding alone in a carriage with a known rogue.”
“Oh, very well,” Bethany sighed and set her book aside. “As they planned for two other guests who will no longer be joining them, I suppose my appearance will not be a disruption.”
“Thank you.”
“But I am not changing. They will have to accept me as I am.” She held out her arms revealing that she wore a simple day dress, not one worn as a guest to supper.
“I am certain they will not mind.” Frances grinned. “Now, come along. I have kept Lord Seth waiting long enough.”
Chapter Twelve
Seth had suspected that his cousin was still playing at matchmaker when she sent word that she was feeling poorly and that he must retrieve Frances himself. Not that Seth minded in the least since he would like nothing better than to be alone in a carriage with her. He had not expected that she would also insist on a maid accompanying them. At least the maid would not be about when he was giving her a billiards lesson, nor would his sister likely be present, which would leave Seth very much alone with Frances.
What he had not counted on was Lady Bethany joining them instead of a quiet, non-intrusive maid.
“Lady Bethany gave the servants the evening off,” Frances said as he assisted her into the carriage. “Therefore, she must act as our chaperone.”
“Especially with one of your reputation, Lord Seth.” Lady Bethany grinned at him.
She was as cheeky as his cousin Tessa. No wonder the two were such good friends. “Lady Bethany,” he greeted.
The two ladies took their seats in the carriage and Seth settled across from them for the drive to his home.
As much as he would have liked to have this conversation with Frances in private, Seth asked anyway. “I hope all is well, Miss Hawthorn. I called four afternoons but you were not at home.”
“Oh, I was at home, Lord Seth. Just not to you.”
It was what he had suspected. “Have I done something to offend you?”
It was Bethany who laughed. “She was exhausted.” Then went on to explain that the days following each salon they remained in without guests simply to rest.
He recalled similar days after he had opened The Emerald Garter. He’d been engaged from supper time until the early morning hours, only to return home, collapse on his bed for what seemed like only a few hours before he rose and returned to his gambling establishment. It took time before he managed his time better and put more faith in Jonathan to run things when he was away. The man really should be a partner in the venture for all he did and maybe Seth would make him just that after he married Frances…
Married Frances?
Where the blazes had that thought come from?
Yes, he wanted to spend time with her. Yes, he was courting her, but his thoughts had not moved to anything more permanent.
Nor had they ever and part of the reason he had lost her.
If he wanted to keep Frances in his life, and not just as his dearest friend, he would have to consider if he was ready to marry.
He wanted her near, and he certainly wanted to return to the kisses and affection they had once shared, but that would be all because she was innocent. As his wife, Seth would not need to simply kiss and share a few caresses that left them both frustrated.
