“If it’s one of the maids, however, she may have no such compunction. And what, pray tell, if it’s one of the party guests?”
“Such as Sir Winford?” Meg asked, true panic beginning to set in. Hart was right. This was more than an unfortunate event. This was a potential disaster.
“Afraid yourengagementmight not happen?” Hart replied. His voice dripped sarcasm.
“Pardon?”
“What do you see in that man?”
“Sir Winford?” Meg could hardly believe her ears. Were they truly having this conversation?
“He doesn’t seem particularly… manly to me,” Hart continued.
Meg tried to quell the laughter in her voice. “Oh really? What do you consider manly?”
“I doubt he ever won the steeplechase in Devon,” Hart mumbled.
“You’re calling him a liar?”
“I have my doubts, that’s all.”
“Why do you care?” Meg’s voice was matter-of-fact.
“I don’t care for braggarts.”
This entire conversation would be much easier if she could see him, tell from the look in his eyes what he was thinking. “Is that why you challenged him to a race?”
“Never could pass up a challenge.”
“The race is a challenge? Is that it?” Why did he have to smell like that? Evergreen and soap. Just like his coat that fateful night in the gardens next to her father’s house.
“Of course it’s a challenge.” Hart’s voice was sharp, clipped.
“What do you care what I see in him?” She wanted to force him to admit to some bit of feeling, however small.
Silence ensued for a few moments before Hart said, “You could do a sight better in picking a husband.”
Thatmade Meg laugh.
“What’s funny?” Hart’s voice sounded bothered.
“That you think I could do better than Sir Winford.”
“I only meant, he’s not particularly well connected or—”
“You do realize I’m the biggest wallflower thetonhas seen in years, don’t you?”
“That’s a bit of an exaggeration.”
“It’s not, really. I don’t exaggerate. Never seen the need for it. The circumstances of my life have been horrible enough.”
“Horrible?” His voice had changed completely. Now it was low, tense.
“My father is penniless and I have no dowry. You cannot pretend not to know the scandal surrounding my family. As a result, I’ve been unwanted and overlooked. If it weren’t for your sister, I’d have spent the last years completely alone.” She took a deep breath. “As it was, I’ve sat on the sidelines, ignored and… lonely.”
Oh, why was she telling him all of this? She must sound like the biggest ninny in London. Was she truly explaining to one of the most popular men in town what it felt like to be lonely? Hart Highgate didn’t even know what the word meant.
“I’m sorry, Meg.” The true regret in his tone made tears spring to her eyes.
