“You flirt with Fanny every time you’re in her company.”
“Flirt? I? What about you and that beanpole Oakley!”
“You are not exactly short yourself, my lord.” Beanpole described tall thin Frederick, perfectly, and she stifled a giggle. “Frederick called today while I was out,” she said coolly. “He has asked me to marry him.”
“He has? Impudent man.” His eyes narrowed.
“Papa approves of him.”
He gave a derisive laugh. “Since when do you rush to obey your father?”
She firmed her lips. “I have refused Mr. Oakley.”
“That was kind. You would exhaust the fellow within the first year.”
“I don’t believe I would. In fact, I might reconsider. You are behaving like a boor, my lord.”
“It is Oakley who would bore you to death.”
She could say nothing to that, for she feared it was true.
He took her hands. “Let’s not quarrel, Hetty.” His eyes softened. “You might do more to help me.”
“How?”
“As you know, I’m not yet able to marry. I have need of a fiancée, however. It will give Eustace something to think about. He is very fond of you. Would you agree? It would be only for a period until all this is settled.”
She stared at him. “A faux betrothal? What would my father say?”
“I shan’t ask you to lie to him. Again,” he added, making her frown. “But he needn’t be told the precise truth just now. You want to go to London, no? This offers you a good reason to visit your aunt. You won’t remain bound to me, and should something happen, well… you are free.”
“Nothing must happen. Guy you will be careful? London is a dangerous place.”
He grinned. “The countryside isn’t so safe.”
“Digswell is usually.” A faux engagement was deceitful, but he was right. For Eustace to learn her happiness depended on Guy would give him pause, should he be behind this. She pushed the thought away, ashamed at her disloyalty. Her father would at last agree to a season with her aunt. As Guy’s fiancée, she would have the freedom to discover all those things in London that called to her. Her eyes met his and she nodded. This must be kept on a business footing. She must guard her heart.
“No kissing,” she said, determined to make it clear before she weakened. “A business arrangement.”
“If that is your wish,” Guy said, and his smile widened.
“I must have your word, Guy,” she demanded.
“You have my word.” He cast her a hurt glance she didn’t trust. “No lovemaking unless you desire it.”
She wasn’t sure she liked the way he phrased it. It sounded like a challenge. She shrugged it off as excitement gripped her.London. “Very well.”
“You agree?”
“Yes.”
“Bon.” He kissed her hand and jumped up. “I thank you with all of my heart. Now I must go. I will return to ask your father tomorrow.”
“Ask my father?” She clearly hadn’t thought it through. It all became very real.
Oh dear.
Chapter Eleven
