Frowning, he shook his head. “Jealousy. That’s the only reason I spoke that way.”
“You werejealous? Of whom?”
“My br... um, my cousin, the earl.” Goodness, he couldn’t believe he almost slipped up right there.
“Why? Because he danced with me last night? Because he introduced me to your aunt and Lord Walden?”
“That, and because...” He cleared his throat. “Because Lord Hanover was planning on coming to see you this morning. Collin had mentioned he wanted to ask permission from your father to court you.”
When she gasped this time, it was from anger. Her face reddened and her scowl bore right into him.
“This was why you wanted me to meet you here. Correct?”
Feeling ashamed, he nodded.
She shoved her palms against his chest and squirmed out of his hold. “I can’t believe...” She paced in front of him. “Of all the low-down tricks and all deceitful games...” She growled, walking faster. “I blame myself. I knew men like you were scoundrels, and yet, I still allowed you to charm me.”
Adrian scratched his head. Was she talking to him? She wasn’t looking at him, and yet, he was the subject of her tirade.
“Um, Lyndsey? Why do you think I’m a scoundrel?” Her words didn’t make any sense. They’d only just met yesterday morning, and yet she hadknownhe was a scoundrel?
She stopped and faced him. Her glare shot right through him.
“Because you are a scoundrel... Lord William Dorsey!”
Forcing a chuckle, he flipped his hand dismissively through the air. “I don’t know where you are hearing such gossip, but I have never – or will I ever – become a scoundrel. True, I’ve done some inexcusable things in my life, but calling me a scoundrel is going too far.”
She arched an eyebrow, folding her arms across her chest. “Did you even hear what I just said?”
“Of course I did, and I must disagree with you. Scoundrel is a harsh word, even for me.”
Her breaths came fast as her nostrils flared. The quick tapping of her foot matched the rhythm of her finger tapping on her forearm. He couldn’t possibly figure out why she acted this way.
His mind replayed what she had just said... and then came to a screeching halt. Had she called himLord William?
His heart dropped. Indeed, she’d called him by his name and yet all he heard was that he was a scoundrel.
He laughed uncomfortably. “Oh, I see. You believe me to be Lord William?” He shook his head. “Once again, you’ve been listening to too many rumors, my sweet Lyndsey.”
“Oh, so now you think I listen to rumors? Have you forgotten how I berated my sisters for gossiping yesterday morning while in your yard?”
“Well... no I haven’t forgotten, but—”
“Then it’s obvious that you don’t know me at all.”
“But I want to get to know you.” He sighed and moved toward her, hoping to touch her hand, but the glare she gave him warned him to keep his distance.
“Well, my lord, I’m not certain I want to know you now. I can see thatyoudon’t listen to rumors. After all, you and your brother moved into the estate hoping not to run across any social-climbing women, and yet most of the unmarried women around here are not wealthy. You told me at the ball that you were trying to keep all of the farthing-filchers away from the earl. But that’s most of the women around this area. So don’t act surprised when I tell you I’m one of them.”
He narrowed his gaze. She was still referring to him as William so perhaps he should confess the truth. She must have overheard something during the evening to make her think he was Collin’s brother. “You are admitting that you are only after the earl because of his wealth?”
“As I just said, Lord William, don’t pretend to be shocked. Lady Margaret is probably the only one at the party who doesn’t need your family’s money.” She shrugged and faced the pond, peering down at her reflection in the water. “Anyone around here will tell you how desperate women are to find a man who can provide well for them and their family. Especially, the Benson sisters.”
He chuckled. “Desperate, you say? Oh, I beg to differ.”
She turned away from him and walked slowly toward the clearing. “You can differ all you’d like. I’ve lived in this area a long time, Lord William, and so I know the women better than you do.”
He hurried to her and grasped her elbow. “Please, Lyndsey. Stop calling me Lord William. I want you to call me Adrian.”
