Her heart quickened at the memory of it and her stomach quickly tightened. “If you do not mind, I think I should like to visit the library before it is time for us to join the Spencers for the picnic.” She needed to get off this bench and move—expel the restlessness that churned inside her with the anticipation of seeing Richard again. It wouldn’t be long, and yet it seemed like forever.
“I would be happy to escort you, if you like,” Belgrave said. “In fact, there are a couple of books that I have been meaning to take a look at myself.”
She accepted his offer, happy with the feeling that their strange conversation had not made things too awkward between them. Rather, he seemed surprisingly tolerant of the fact that he had no chance of winning her hand in marriage. As if to underline this notion, he said, “I am sorry that your situation appears difficult to you. Hopefully you will find the solution that you seek, but in the meantime, if you need anything, I am happy to assist in whatever way that I can.”
Linking her arm with his, she said, “And in return, I shall endeavor to find a lady who is more deserving of your favor than I will ever be.”
They crossed an intersecting pathway leading past a row of trees, from which a shadow emerged, solidifying as the sun fell upon the man’s face, revealing none other than Rotridge. “Lady Mary and Lord Belgrave,” he addressed them dryly. “What a lovely little walk you appear to be having.”
It was, until just now, Mary felt like saying. Instead she allowed Belgrave to respond.
“It is a perfect day for it,” he said, seemingly unperturbed by Rotridge’s scowl, though he did draw Mary a little closer to him, as if he sensed that she needed protection.
Rotridge’s eyes darkened, even as he attempted a smile. “Do you enjoy masquerades, Belgrave?”
Belgrave straightened his spine, increasing his height as he stared back at Rotridge. “If you are referring to the ball the other evening, I must confess that I found it most enjoyable.”
“Indeed?” Rotridge’s lips drew up to form an ugly snarl.
“Indeed.”
Mary’s temper started to rise. “Is there a point that you would like to make, my lord?” She gave Rotridge her best glare.
His eyes turned toward her. “Only that I do not recall seeing Belgrave there.”
“Perhaps because I was wearing a Bauta mask?” Belgrave suggested. “My entire face was hidden from view.”
“Precisely,” Rotridge said, taking a step closer.
Belgrave frowned. “Please forgive my ignorance, Rotridge, but I am having trouble understanding your implication.”
“He is not the man you are looking for,” Mary told Rotridge. She’d hate for him to do something rash and for Belgrave to suffer the consequence on account of a mistaken identity.
Rotridge appeared to study Belgrave for a moment before finally saying, “No, I don’t suppose he is. Never mind. I will simply have to keep on trying to figure it out.” He tipped his hat in the most condescending manner that Mary had ever seen. “Good day.”
“He really doesn’t like you, does he?” Belgrave asked as they watched Rotridge walk away.
Mary expelled a deep breath. “No,” she agreed, “He does not.”
Belgrave seemed to ponder that for a moment before saying, “He is also very jealous of your secret beau.”
Mary’s mouth tightened in a grimace. “I do not have a beau.”
“No?”
“No,” she said decisively.
A brief silence followed as they continued back toward the house until Belgrave said, “In any event, I would like to inform Spencer and Chadwick about Rotridge’s behavior. Between the three of us, we will have a better chance of keeping an eye on him, just in case he decides to give you trouble.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Mary said, appreciating his concern. “Your assistance is most welcome.”
They set out with a pair of curricles when the sun was at its highest. Tied securely beneath her chin, Mary’s bonnet shaded her eyes as she gazed out over the bright display of wildflowers dotting the countryside. “It is nice to escape the crowd for a while,” she told Belgrave as he steered the horses along the dirt road.
“Too boisterous for you?” he asked, briefly dropping a look in her direction.
“A little perhaps. I enjoy the company of others, but there is also something to be said for peace and quiet.” Thinking of Richard, she considered how odd it was that her world was so full of people while his was completely lacking.
It took a half hour drive for them to arrive at the hilltop that Sarah and Spencer had mentioned. After parking both curricles at the bottom, the party alit and gathered up their supplies before making their way to the top.
