Pointing her companion towards the group, Rosanna gave her a broad smile. “And as it happens, I know precisely who those are and would love to introduce you.”
Mrs. Bracegirdle’s eyes brightened, but she shook her head. “That is thoughtful of you, but Miss Goddard was kind enough to introduce me to a few people.”
“Miss Goddard?” Rosanna managed not to scoff. It was a near thing, but she felt as though it was quite praiseworthy that she hadn’t, for she could well imagine what Miss Goddard’s introductions would’ve entailed.
The young lady was so clearly enamored with Mr. Tate, and she’d wanted to work her way into his good graces, but the Goddards were some of the most vocal snobs in town, and Rosanna would wager a tenner that Miss Goddard abandoned the poor dear the moment Mr. Tate was out of sight.
But Rosanna wasn’t about to say any of that. Mrs. Bracegirdle’s tight smile was confirmation enough that the interlude hadn’t been enjoyable.
“Oh, I insist, Mrs. Bracegirdle,” she said.
“But I do not wish to be an imposition.”
“Don’t be silly.” Then, giving her a broad smile, Rosanna added, “Besides, with you there to distract people, they may stop pestering me about Mr. Tate.”
Mrs. Bracegirdle laughed, and with that, Rosanna marched her into the crowd.
Chapter 23
For all that people believed London to be a social whirl, Greater Edgerton was far more fatiguing than anything Town had ever thrown at him. Malcolm was remarked upon in London, but not to this level. Even his time in their country estate, where his family was thecrème de la crème, wasn’t nearly so tiring. But then, his family was an old establishment there, and whilst there was some bowing and scraping, the Tates weren’t novelties.
Malcolm hoped Greater Edgerton grew bored of him soon, for he missed conversations with people who truly wished to speak with him. Anyone with sense wouldn’t attempt to fight their way through the crowd of sycophants gathering around him.
“There you are,” called Miss Goddard.
Drawing in a deep breath, Malcolm steeled himself for another bout of misery and gave the young lady a nod of the head. Stopping directly before him, she tucked her hands behind her and looked up at him as though this practiced pose possessed a shred of coyness.
“You haven’t called on my family,” she said with just a hint of a pout. “I was hoping to see you this week, and yet there was no sign of you.”
“I was not aware we had an appointment,” he said, taking a step backward.
“Oh, you silly,” she said, reaching out to bat his arm, though Malcolm moved out of the way.
There were plenty of things he longed to say. If Miss Goddard were a man, it would be easy enough to send her packing. But a gentleman treated a lady with respect. Frustrating though it was, with a little patience, she would eventually grow bored with this imagined flirtation. As long as he gave no sign of favoritism.
“The Michaelmas assembly is coming up soon,” she said with a flutter of her eyelashes. “Are you going to attend?”
“I haven’t thought about it,” said Malcolm. And that was true enough. Molly had secured them tickets and taken care of all the arrangements, so he hadn’t given it any thought.
“Oh, you must,” she said with a great, beaming smile. “You absolutely must. I hope to secure many partners for the evening.”
Malcolm nodded, and the lady drew in a breath. No doubt searching for her next line of attack. If he were to find any enjoyment in the interlude, it would be in making a game of whether or not he could annoy her enough to get her to ask him to dance with her. But Malcolm spent the time glancing about for an escape. Another minute or two would be acceptable, but any more, and people would notice and construe their conversation as something more than an irritant.
“Many gentlemen are asking for a set,” said Miss Goddard. “I am quite certain I shall have a full dance card before the evening begins.”
“I am pleased for you.”
Miss Goddard scoffed, shaking her head so that the curls at the side of her head bounced, and with a laugh in her tone, she said, “You wretched man. You are being so coy, but do not think that people haven’t remarked about how I was one of only two ladies you danced with at the masquerade. Or that we were seen together in the street the very next day.”
Malcolm’s stomach turned. “If you are going to be so blunt as to say such a thing, then allow me to state just as bluntly that I am sorry if my actions were construed as anything more than neighborly.”
Shoulders dropping, Miss Goddard gaped at him, and had he spied even the slightest bit of embarrassment in her gaze, he might’ve felt the slightest bit guilty for the “misunderstanding.” However, there was more irritation than hurt burning in her eyes.
Giving her a quick bow, Malcolm turned on his heel and strode away. Thankfully, the lady didn’t embarrass herself further by chasing after him, and he quickly put distance between them, not stopping until he was tucked away in the shade of a copse. With a sigh, he rubbed at his forehead. And when he straightened, his eyes fell to Miss Leigh, who was fully occupied with her conversation and unaware of the growly and grumbly gentleman who watched her.
It took a certain level of self-control and mindfulness for one to recognize what was good for oneself. It took even more for one to then follow that course of action. Standing on the opposite side of the picnic from Miss Leigh and Molly whilst watching them talk like the dearest of old friends took all of Malcolm’s discipline. Approaching would not serve his purpose, and no doubt Molly was there praising him to the skies and making his case for him.
Of course, Malcolm didn’t even know if that was what he wanted. It seemed as though every time he settled on a course of action, life went in a vastly different direction. Standing amongst the Chorleys’ guests, Malcolm had been ready to ignore Miss Leigh, but now he was staring at her like a dying man in a desert and she was a cool spring.
