“I agree. It’s a bit much even for Lucy. When I announced I would go in search of you two, she nearly tackled me trying to send Sir Winford instead. That’s when I became suspicious. Well, I was somewhat suspicious before that, if the truth is told, as I’ve never heard of silver polish removing a soup stain from a shirt. Have you?”
“I’ve been a fool.” Meg hung her head. “You know I’ve loved Hart for an age. I couldn’t allow him to take a wife without at leasttryingto see if I stood any chance.”
Sarah’s eyes were filled with tears. “Oh, Meggie, I understand, truly I do. I’m sorry I haven’t been more of a help to you. You know I’ve always been convinced he would break your heart. He’s never been the type to treat a lady like a prize. I fear he’ll take a wife, deposit her in the country, and go about his business with women like Lady Maria Tempest.”
Meg gasped. “Maria Tempest? Is that who he’s been with?”
“Until recently, I believe.”
MT.Meg had her answer. Lady Maria was who Hart thought he was meeting that night. Maria Tempest was a gorgeous widow with raven hair and black eyes. Half the male members thetonchased after her.
“I know you’ve always had my best interest at heart, Sarah.” Meg laid a hand on Sarah’s arm. “But I cannot help but love him. He’s just so handsome and noble. He was so kind to me that day my mother ordered you both from the house. When he smiled at me and saidsuch nice things, it was all over. I’ve loved him ever since.”
“I remember,” Sarah said softly, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Meg pressed a hand to her chest. “I was so ashamed.”
Sarah squeezed Meg’s shoulder. “He’s always been gallant to a female in distress, my brother. It’s his long-term commitment to them I question. I’ve always believed Hart would obey our parents and choose a wife from his pick of the lot. Not that he doesn’t adore defying Father, but I’ve believed he wasn’t interested in who he takes to wife. After his awful experience with Annabelle, he’s been resigned to his fate.”
“I know. It’s true.”
“It’s not because I wouldn’t adore you for a sister-in-law, Meggie. You know I would, but I couldn’t stand to see your heart broken. Hart is a rogue after all.”
“I know it. I’ve always known. I wish it made a difference to me. I wish I could want Sir Winford. Truly, I do.” Meg stepped forward and hugged her friend tightly. “Oh, Sarah. I could have been ruined. Hart could have been forced into marriage with me, which of course he doesn’t want and I don’t either, not that way, anyway” Meg groaned. “I should have known better than to ask for Lucy’s help.”
“Don’t worry. No one will ever find out about this.” A determined look shone in Sarah’s eyes.
Meg planted both fists on her hips. “Thank you, Sarah, you’re a true friend, and I intend to tell Lucy she is no longer employed as my matchmaker at my first opportunity.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The wind was high on Hampstead Heath as the racers and their audience gathered on Thursday afternoon. Although she hadn’t yet had a chance to ask Lucy to stop matchmaking, Meg had arrived at Lucy’s prompting. Well, notonlyLucy’s prompting. More specifically because Lucy had sent a coach to fetch her, and, true to her word, the duchess had also sent servants to Meg’s parents’ house to assist with the packing. A circumstance that had not pleased her mother. When Lucy swept into the foyer and asked for Meg to accompany her to the heath, Mother had had no choice but to allow her to go or risk offending the duchess.
The coach had taken Meg to Lucy’s house, where she had yet another fabulous new gown waiting, this one of navy blue with white dots, a matching dark blue reticule, white kid gloves, and a navy-and-white-striped bonnet. Meg felt like a dressed-up doll yet again as she accompanied the duchess to Hampstead Heath, whereeither Hart or Sir Winford might break their necks. It would serve either or both of them right.
Sarah also accompanied the two. She and Meg had determined it would be the perfect time for Meg to ask Lucy to cease her matchmaking efforts. Meanwhile, Lucy’s husband, Derek, and Sarah’s husband, Christian, had accompanied Hart in Christian’s coach.
“Who do you think will win, Lucy?” Meg asked as the coach jostled to a stop along the heath.
Lucy peered out the window at the bright, sunny afternoon. “My money is on Hart.”
“Are you serious?” Sarah asked, looking nonplussed. Her voice was high with surprise.
“Entirely. I have fifty pounds on the matter.” Lucy grinned.
“Have you ever seen Sir Winford ride?” Sarah asked.
“Of course not, but Hart is a superb rider and Goliath is certain to best whatever animal Winford brings.” Lucy adjusted her bonnet. “Whoyouwant to win is the more interesting question,” she added to Meg, her different-colored eyes sparkling.
“It makes no difference to me. I only hope they both live through it.” Meg crossed her arms over her chest and stared out the window.
“Liar.” Lucy shook her finger at Meg. “You want Hart to win.”
“He could use a bit of modesty,” Meg replied, lifting her nose in the air.
“Give me an arrogant man over a modest one any day,” Lucy said with a wink.
“Yes, well, Lucy, we want to tell you something,” Sarah began, glancing at Meg who sat beside her. Shesettled her hands in her lap. “Meggie and I have been discussing her marital prospects.”
