The countess narrowed her eyes. “If my daughter wishes you to know more about her, she will tell you herself. However, as far as the park goes, she would enjoy an open-air carriage more than horses, as long as we send a chaperone on horseback to accompany you.”
“A splendid idea.” Matthew decided not to wait and ask Purity. He would turn up and say the countess had given him permission.
They didn’t call him the Fox for nothing.
More excited than heought to be for a simple park outing in broad daylight, Matthew practically hopped out of his curricle. He enjoyed driving his jaunty two-wheeled contraption, sometimes a little too swiftly if the park wasn’t crowded.
With his heart thumping at the prospect of seeing Purity again and his step light —was this what it felt like to really admire a female? —he rapped on the Diamonds’ door.
Their butler, to whom he was now an accustomed visitor, gave Matthew entrance, allowing him to wait in the drawing room. The Piccadilly home was starting to feel familiar and comfortable.
For this reason, when a man he’d never seen before came in behind him, Matthew’s hackles immediately rose at the notion of a rival suitor. That was until he noticed the distinct family resemblance.
“Mr. Dunley tells me you are Lord Foxford,” said the dark-haired stranger with eyes as blue as his sister’s. “I am the only Diamond brother.”
“Well met,” Matthew said, shaking the proffered hand and thinking him jovial at the onset. “As I understand it, you have no title different from your rather unique family name, thus you are Lord Diamond, just as your father.”
“Indeed, I am. Sometimes confusing, but usually we muddle through. If there is a bill to pay for a horse or the tailor, I refer those to the senior Lord Diamond. If a pretty lady comes calling, then naturally, I am the Lord Diamond she seeks.”
Matthew smiled, liking him on the spot. “I am here to take your sister for a ride.”
“As am I,” Diamond said. “I shall be your shadow on horseback.”
“Ah, I see. Our chaperone.” Matthew’s happiness dimmed a little. He wasn’t going to be able to pull anything over with this snappy young lord on the watch.
“Don’t worry,” young Diamond said. “I’m not a frig pig. Just behave with common decency and none of us shall end up in the gossip rags.”
“Good day, Brother, Lord Foxford,” Purity greeted them as she entered. “Apparently, I am being taken out in a carriage without being properly asked, as if I am a child or a dimwit. Either way, I do not appreciate it.”
Her brother smiled as if used to such protests. However, since her expression was pleasant and she was dressed for the occasion in a ruddy-hued paisley dress and shawl with a matching bonnet, Matthew assumed she was game for the outing and merely needed her feathers smoothed.
“Lady Purity, my intent was to show you and your family the utmost respect, going above and beyond by asking your mother for the honor of taking you to the park. Alas, afterward, I didn’t see you again at the ball. I was unaware I ought to have sent a formal invitation to your home after getting one of your parents’ permission. Obviously, I am still greatly in need of your tutelage, and I hope you are not offended.”
Diamond’s mouth had dropped as if he’d never heard such deference to his sister. Purity, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes, recognizing drivel when she heard it.
“All you had to do was ask,” she said softly, holding his gaze and utterly mesmerizing him until she blinked. “I am ready,” she added.
Turning on her booted heel, she led the way from the room.
Diamond gave him a pitying look, as if Matthew were in for a trying time with his arse on a bandbox and no more hope of overcoming her iron barrier of politeness than of breaking down a brick wall with a teaspoon.
But Matthew knew her weakness —his kiss!Unfortunately, it was a useless weapon if he couldn’t get the fair damsel alone.
On the other hand, he was granted the pleasure of close confines, feeling the heat of her pressed against his side, while she held her hat with one hand against the mild zephyr barely blowing through the leaves.
“Not enough pins, my lady?” he asked, giving her a sideways glance.
“I fear not. A little gusty out but blissfully sunny.” With that, she directed her face toward the sunshine, closed her eyes, and seemed to drink it in.
What an odd kitten!She most assuredly wouldn’t forgive herself if she blemished her skin, yet she was being almost devil-may-care about it.
With a start, he realized he ought to put up the hood to protect her. But that would shield them somewhat from her brother’s watchful eye.What a conundrum!
After a minute of his wondering what to do, his companion said, “My lord, you appear to be on the horns of a dilemma, furrowing your brow when you ought to be relaxed and enjoying the day.”
“I confess I don’t know the correct course of action.”
“Tell me,” she said, placing her gloved hand upon his arm.
