“Theodosia, the moment I saw you, I knew I wanted you for my wife.”
“Oh?” Her faint reply was but a whisper on the breeze as the horror of her predicament tightened her throat. That was patently untrue. He showed no warmth or eagerness when they first met, and since then, had exhibited little desire to learn more about her as a man attracted to a woman might do. It horrified her that her father had sanctioned this tête à tête. She felt abandoned. When she realized she’d been holding her breath, she exhaled slowly.
“I confess to being at a low ebb since my wife died,” Farnborough continued, impervious to her distress. “I now cherish the hope that life may be worth living again with you by my side, dear Theodosia.” In the moonlight, his smile seemed strained and false. “Tell me you feel the same. Would you grant me the greatest pleasure by agreeing to become my wife?”
Thea felt like a rabbit caught in a snare. Her mind went blank. She scrambled for an appropriate reply, a delaying tactic. If only she could think of one. But she was saved from the need of it, for at that moment, a gentleman emerged from the trees.
Grainger, elegant in black and white evening clothes, strolled across the grass toward them.
“A splendid evening is it not?” he said when he reached them. He bowed. “Good evening, Miss Tothill.” He turned to address Farnborough. “Ashton Grainger, sir. I don’t believe we’ve met?”
Farnborough’s scowl would have sent most people scurrying away. But not Grainger, whose polite smile never faltered.
An ugly sneer formed on Farnborough’s lips. “You like to roam the gardens alone, my lord?”
“You have me at a disadvantage, sir. Your name?”
“Farnborough,” came the blunt reply. “Miss Tothill and I are having a private conversation. You interrupt us, sir.”
“Then I do beg your pardon,” Grainger said, showing scant concern. “I bear a message for Miss Tothill.” He smiled at her. “Your grandmother has need of you.”
Thea jumped up on shaky legs as relief washed over her. “I do hope Grandmama is all right.”
“She is quite well.” Grainger offered her his arm. “Allow me to take you to her.”
Farnborough rose with a splutter. “Really, sir. I’m sure I can…”
“No need, my lord. I’m sure you realize I cannot renege on a promise,” Grainger said smoothly, and tucking Thea’s arm in his, led her away.
Farnborough began to follow them. Thea could sense his anger without turning to witness it on his face. She shivered and clung to Grainger’s arm, seeking his strength.
She didn’t trust Farnborough to give up easily. Relief made her dizzy when, without mishap, they finally entered through the door into the knot garden. “It was good of you to rescue me, Lord Grainger,” she murmured when it was obvious Farnborough had decided not to follow them to the house.
His hand tightened over hers. “I was pleased to. By the way, your grandmother doesn’t want to see you.”
“You made that up. How clever of you.” She gazed up at him. “Lord Farnborough has asked me to marry him.”
His dark eyebrows lowered over concerned blue eyes. “What was your answer?”
“You saved me from replying when you arrived at that precise moment.”
He nodded. “He will ask you again.”
“If he does, I shall refuse him,” Thea said firmly. “Although I suspect my father wishes the match.”
Grainger’s eyes darkened. “Then you will have to tell your father the truth.”
“If I must.” Her throat grew tight at the realization she would be packed off home. She glanced behind her, but Farnborough still had not appeared. As no one was nearby, she was emboldened to ask him a question. “Have you discovered who Farnborough plans to kill?”
“I have. It’s his brother-in-law, a Scottish laird who is traveling to London.”
“How utterly wicked! Do you know why he would want to murder a member of his own family?”
“I intend to find out but must leave for the country tomorrow. It shall have to wait until I return.”
“But what about the laird?”
“I have someone watching his house.”
