“It’s just pin money,” he clarified, but beamed at her anyway as if he’d performed a heroic act.
For a brief moment, Glynnis considered whether she should take up betting to earn an income, then thought of Rhys. It was no different from her brother’s incessant gambling with cards, and ultimately, she would lose on a day when Lady Fortuna didn’t favor her.
“It’s pin money I did not have,” she said. Three more races were held on the course that had the horses galloping in one direction, only to turn and gallop back the way they came. Then there was an impressive display of hurdle-jumping, which made her hold her breath at each jump. Finally, they turned away and strolled with the crowd back toward where the carriages were parked.
Young boys had been paid to watch the horses, most of which quietly munched on the grass of the downs. Again, she found herself looking for James, and again, she found him swiftly despite the throng. Easily, she spotted his height and his gait, making his way to the prince’s carriage. However, he eschewed it and kept walking in the direction of the town.
With Lord Payton driving, they were going right past him in a two-seater “gadabout,” as Glynnis thought of the spiffy carriage. She glanced at her companion, who also looked at James but shrugged.
“No room,” Lord Payton said, looking a little too gleeful.
“Surely he can stand on the back somehow,” she suggested. “It would be rude not to offer.”
She didn’t know why she cared. After all, he’d spent the night with another woman, and she’d lain awake for hours picturing it. And all the while she knew it wasn’t her place to judge him, yet she did anyway.
They slowed down as they drew beside him.
“I say, old man,” Lord Payton began, “wouldn’t Prinny let you back in his carriage?”
James shrugged, barely looking up. “I prefer to walk.”
“Really. I’m surprised you have energy after last night.”
Glynnis nearly gasped, thinking he was commenting on James’s swiving, but then realized Lord Payton was referring to the viscount’s vast imbibing.
James glared at him. “You’re holding up the others,” he said.
Glynnis turned in her seat. A line of carriages had formed behind them.
“Miss Talbot thinks you might like to balance on the back axle, like my footman,” Lord Payton spoke up, then laughed.
James, however, didn’t crack a smile. Finally, he directed his gaze at her. “That’s kind of you, but I am satisfied with the stroll. It’s barely a mile, I think. I’ll see you back at the house?”
He’d made it a question, as if he wasn’t sure she would still be there. In truth, she wished she didn’t have to be. It would be difficult to sit across from him at dinner, impossible not to think of his strong arms wrapped around that harlot and his firm lips kissing her.
A surge of jealousy rushed through her.
Thus, she didn’t bother to answer. He would find her at his home when he returned. With nary another word, Lord Payton flicked the reins, and the matched pair trotted forward.
When Lord Payton dropped her off, he walked her to the doorstep as he had the night before and leaned close. Since carriages and pedestrians were going by behind him on the Marine Parade, she knew he wouldn’t kiss her. Still, she held her breath, waiting.
“I would like to take you on another outing,” he said. “If you’re amiable.”
She dredged up a bright smile. They could go on outings until the moon turned blue, but unless he asked her to marry him, it would do her no good. Reaching out, she touched his arm.
“Do you have a prior agreement with a lady, my lord?”
He was obviously surprised by her frankness. “No, I don’t.”
She considered. She must speak even more plainly. “Is your heart engaged elsewhere?”
His smile was genuine and reached his brown eyes. “No, I promise you. It is not.”
Her last question might put the nail to the coffin. “Are you directly set against the institution of marriage, like a rake?”
His smile faltered slightly at the wordmarriage, but he didn’t cower from the notion.
“I have it in mind to marry one day.”
