“I should take you home,” he said. “We’ve been gone rather a while.”
“Yes, of course.” She stepped back, a little sad that he permitted her to. What did she think would happen? They would stand in the park kissing all afternoon? That was ridiculous.
“Here.” He tugged at her gown, straightening it, and untucked her curl so it fell across her cheek once more. After scrutinizing her and making a few final adjustments, he fluffed his cravat, which she’d crushed.
The efficient, practiced way he managed it all, while she stood, her limbs still trembling, brought Lanora to her senses. The man before her was still Lord William Greydrake. He was a notorious rake. Likely, his words about courting her had already accomplished his goal. He’d won his kiss from one of theton’smost aloof ladies. If she proved lucky, he wouldn’t boast about it. She’d probably never see him again.
He took her hand and placed it on his arm. As they retraced their path into the garden, Lanora pressed her lips together. She wasn’t sure if she regretted what she’d done. She already felt drawn to kiss him again, and already doubted she ever would.
“What events do you attend tomorrow? May I claim my sets now, before your card fills?” he asked
She snapped her gaze to his, finding his eyes a light blue-green. A warm smile turned up his mouth. “Sets?” she parroted. He wished for more than one?
“Of course. I would have all London know I’m courting you.”
She looked away, flummoxed. He really meant to court her? “We’re attending the theater tomorrow evening.”
“Then I shall as well, in hopes of glimpsing you.”
“You truly mean to court me?”
“I admit, in view of my reputation, I can understand your doubt, but surely our kiss told you all?”
“It was….” Why had she developed such a propensity toward blushing? “I liked it very much.”
His grin was smug.
As wonderful as his kiss was, Lanora still felt unease. She mulled on it. When they reached his carriage, she let him assist her up, but frowned. He tossed the boy another coin and climbed up, settling into the seat beside her. A flip of the reins set the well-trained horses moving.
“You hardly know me,” she said. And she hardly knew him.
“I know you are intelligent and beautiful. I know you’re more spirited than you would have the world believe.”
“You aim to flatter.”
He turned the team, taking them down a road that arced back to meet their earlier path. “I know your father works with Mr. Darington. I admit, that is much of what initially drew me to you. That we share Egypt, in an odd way.”
His expression was guarded, his words almost halting. She didn’t know what to make of such hesitancy in stating something they both knew, but it recalled the home for women. She berated herself for needing the reminder. How could she forget to ask about it a second time?
“You’re in contact with Mr. Darington, I assume?”
“I am.”
“Would you inquire after something for me when next you write him?”
He cast her a surprised look. “Certainly, but couldn’t your father?”
It was her turn to look away, to feign indifference. “I’ve asked him, but my father is, well, distractible. He doesn’t always read his letters, or always reply to them. I have no way to know if he read my words, or passed them on.” She tried to keep the hurt of that admission from showing.
Lord William looked at her askance. “What is it you wish me to inquire of Darington?” he finally asked.
She was relieved he let the matter of her father’s inattention pass. “As you likely know, he’s funding a home for displaced women. I wish to make sure he knows work has stopped. I spoke to the foreman some days ago, and he said work would resume when the funds arrived.”
“You spoke with the foreman?” He raised his eyebrows.
Lanora kept her gaze ahead. She must choose her words more carefully. “Or I asked one of my footmen to,” she said, trying not to lie outright.
“You wish me to ensure Darington knows the funds he promised to build the house haven’t been provided?”
She nodded, again thankful he was willing to let the conversation move forward. “I do. It’s very important.” She pressed her lips together, thinking. Lord William should understand her better before things got out of hand. Undoubtedly, their drive in the park already had them practically wed in the eyes of theton. “You should know, I take a keen interest in improving the lives of people who have little.”
“Duly noted.”
Lanora frowned. “That is all you will say?” Was he taking her courtship seriously? “Your reputation suggests you aren’t the sort to permit your marchioness to squander money on charity.”
“I thought we already established my reputation is erroneous.”
“So you claim.” She folded her hands in her lap, unsure how to interpret their ride. He hardly knew her. He was a rake. Yet, he professed to care for her and wished to marry her. His rakish ways were a ruse or, at the very least, something he might set aside for her. It all seemed a bit difficult to believe.
She tightened her hands about each other, resisting the urge to raise one to her lips. Grace’s advice had been terrible. Lanora’s thoughts were not clearer. She still had no idea if she could believe Lord William, still doubted she wished a husband, in spite of her aunt’s words. Now, though, the wants of her mind were clouded by a longing to feel his mouth on hers. She turned away, looking out over the park. Even his strong profile, glimpsed from the corner of her eye, tempted her. What had she done?
