“I know that ought to be the case, but I cannot fathom why. You are not a debutante with an anxious mother, nor are you a titled lady with a lady’s maid trailing behind. You are an independent woman, which is the most glorious creature imaginable.”
Was he mocking her?She thought not. He was being arguably more honest than any man she’d ever known. However, because she had no family or chaperone, that was all the more reason she had to protect herself.
“Regardless of my station in life, I must preserve my reputation, perhaps with even more vehemence. Otherwise, the fall is too easy and swift.”
“The fall?” he asked.
Lord Diamond was walking beside her despite her having intended to put him off.
“Yes, the fall into disgrace.” Alice knew all too well the perilousness of letting down one’s guard, especially for a handsome man.
Instead of taking her seriously, this particular handsome man smiled, then asked, “And would a delicious bun shared with me truly lead to disgrace?”
He had no idea,she thought. For indeed, it might. One thing often led to another, at least in her experience.
“I believe I deserve a reward from you.”
“I beg your pardon,” she said.What was he on about?
“You said it was unseemly to appear to have designs upon Lady Susanne while actually wishing to spend time with you, and thus I told her forthrightly that I shall not be courting her.”
Again, Lord Diamond had shown his honest and good nature. But being seen with a nobleman was dangerous for many reasons she couldn’t tell him.
“I am still a governess while you are a titled lord.”
He sighed. “We cannot change who we are, Mrs. Malcolm.”
She flinched slightly, but he continued without noticing, and they turned onto Lilliput Alley.
“And in all the annals of time, I am sure some other nobleman shared a Sally Lunn bun with a member of the middle class without the world breaking apart.”
With that, he held open the door to the bakery. “And since we are already here, what is the harm?”
Alice peered inside, hoping not to recognize any of the patrons, just as she hoped every day. But it was worse if she seemed to be accompanied by Lord Diamond. People would see her differently. They might look twice. They might remember her from her old life.
Yet since she was causing more commotion by blocking the entrance, she went inside, breathing in the tempting aroma of warm bread. At the busy counter, they placed their order, whichLord Diamond paid for. With their purchase in hand, they strolled east toward a grassy spot by the River Avon and found an empty bench. Then silence fell while his lordship opened the bakery bag, offering her the sack to help herself.
After stripping off her right glove, she took one out but felt a little odd eating outside with him.
Undaunted, Lord Diamond, with both gloves off, drew out a still-warm Sally Lunn and bit into it. He sighed, as Alice had done the first time she’d tasted one.
“Chewy and light, a little sweet,” he remarked. “It’s rather perfect, just like being with you.”
It would be perfect if Alice weren’t terrified. Even if no one knew her as Lady Alice or Lady Fairclough, her employers might happen by. And being found in the company of a nobleman, even if only eating a bun, she knew it would not go well.
“I am nervous,” she confessed. “I know we middle class can mix with you nobs, but you were incorrect in your opinion that I am independent. I am securely bound by the expectations of Lord and Lady Beasley. And what they expect is a moral instructor for their girls.”
He nodded. “I promise not to kiss you here on the bench.” His tone was teasing.
She sighed, closing her eyes momentarily. She wanted to laugh, but it wasn’t funny. When Alice opened her eyelids, she fell into Lord Diamond’s deep blue gaze. His interest was obvious. She’d seen the look before.
In response, frustration and resentment swirled through her. Being restrained from doing what she wanted was still uncomfortable and unfamiliar, although the lesson wasn’t lost upon her. A little restraint ahead of time would have changed everything in her past.
On the other hand, she was already seated beside him and therefore decided to enjoy the moment. In any case, it was too late to go home and hide.
“These are best eaten sliced and buttered,” she said. “I often take them home to have with a cup of tea during my free time.” Then she finally took a bite.
“I won’t accompany you to Lord and Lady Beasley’s for butter or tea,” he said, “knowing how that would alarm you. I also promise not to ask any prying questions into your past.” This time, he spoke seriously.
