“Well, we could start out talking about what happened last night.”
“Before or after your father arrived?” He kept his eyes on the road.
She definitely didn’t want to talk about what happened before. Then again, if they hadn’t shared a passionate kiss, they wouldn’t be in this predicament right now. “After.”
“There isn’t much to talk about.”
How she wanted to shake some sense into him. “Are you not in the least upset?”
“Upset is a strong word, I suppose.” Clearing his throat, he shifted in the seat. “I try not to express what I feel, mainly because I cannot control the situation.”
“Do you blame me for what happened?” she asked softly.
He met her stare for a few seconds. “Why would I do that? After all, I was the one who went after you when I realized you had left the ballroom. And I was the one who stopped you when you tried to leave the grove of trees that first time.” He looked back toward the road. “Things happened for a reason last night, and although I’m not quite certain what that reason is, I cannot fight it. I must accept the consequences and continue with my life.”
She toyed with the fringe on her shawl and frowned. The tone of his voice told her he wasn’t happy about the situation, but thankfully, he wouldn’t fight it, either. Mixed emotions filled her again. Did she want him to be happy? At least they could be friends after they were married, couldn’t they?
“Wise words.” She nodded. “I should also try to accept what has happened.” She forced a small laugh. “At least we know each other, instead of strangers being pushed to wed.”
“Very true.”
“And because we have already talked about this, you know what I expect, just as I know what you expect.”
As they neared the park, several couples strolled along the paths or rode in carriages. She took a deep breath and sat straighter. Unease jumped in her stomach. They both needed to act as if they were falling in love.
“Look lively,” he said. “Our performance starts now.”
This time when she chuckled, it wasn’t forced. “Strange that you could read my mind.” She smiled at him as he glanced at her. “I was actually thinking that very thing.”
He smiled back, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m glad. It shall make this outing easier.”
“Indeed.”
“However, I believe you should scoot closer to me on the seat. Perhaps even hook your arm around mine.”
“I should?” Her heart picked up speed. She glanced back at the maid, who appeared to be half-asleep, anyway.
“Yes. That would make things appear better,” Vincent said.
She must trust his word. Trying not to be too conspicuous, she did as he suggested. Once she had snaked her arm around his, his body relaxed just a bit, which made her more comfortable. Perhaps this next half-hour wouldn’t be so terribly bad after all.
*
Vincent really shouldchange his attitude about everything. After all, he was sitting in a carriage with a very beautiful woman. The yellow and tan day dress with short, ruffled sleeves, and matching bonnet, made her look adorable. Her attire gave her a look of innocence, and being with her like this made him actually want to act more gentlemanly. He was a rogue, but occasionally he retained some gentlemanly qualities.
Last evening he’d stewed about his dire predicament, which kept him awake most of the night. Never had he felt so trapped, and that wasn’t a pleasant feeling to have. But this morning, his mindset had shifted. Being her husband gave him the right to kiss her and seduce her. Because of their conversation while alone last night, she now knew that men expected to have heirs. Hopefully, she would eventually want children with him.
He had realized during that time how easily he could talk to her, not to mention how quickly she melted in his arms. Perhaps married life wouldn’t be so terrible after all.
He’d also decided that Adam Haddington was dead and buried, and so Vincent should bury the secrets about his friend as well. Since he would never tell Ellie, she would not have any reason to hate him.
This realization had lifted his hopes—until he remembered what she’d said about not giving her heart to anyone. He could probably grow to love her, but only if she returned the emotion. There was no use loving someone unless they loved him back.
Ellie had made it abundantly clear that she could never do that. After the thought lodged in his head, his hopes dropped again. Why was he continuing with this farce anyway?
Yet he knew it was for his sisters. They deserved to have good marriages, even if he couldn’t have one.
So far, the plan toappearhappy together was working. Many people greeted them with nods and waves. Some of their expressions were shocked, while others lit up with delight. Those were probably the duke’s friends, happy that someone was finally courting the youngest daughter.
