“My past aside,” he said, a little more seriously, “what matters most, in my opinion, is what a man chooses to do after he marries. Will he be faithful to his wife? Or will he make a farce of his vows?” He paused for a moment, holding her gaze until her insides began to melt. “I may be ill-reputed due to my various escapades, but I intend to take my vows most seriously, Miss Hollyoak.”
“Why?” Margaret blurted the question before she could pause to think.
All traces of levity faded from his eyes and for a moment he looked almost angry. But then he smiled and it was as if she’d imagined the shift in his deeper emotions. “What are your hobbies?”
Margaret straightened. She wasn’t daft enough not to notice he’d neatly ignored her question or chosen to change the subject completely. For a moment, she thought to press him, then changed her mind. Something had clearly bothered him and she could not bring herself to force the issue. To her consternation, she’d disliked his serious mien, however brief it had been.
Even so, she still had no intention of forging a bond with him. Best, then, to make an attempt at dissuading him from any ideas he might have of turning her into his wife. “I like to dig in the garden. Earthworms, grubs, and insects have always fascinated me tremendously.”
He narrowed his gaze. “Is that so?”
“Oh yes. The slimier the better. In fact, I’m generally a mess with dirt beneath my fingernails and smudges on my face. Most of my dresses have stains on them. I drive the maids mad more times than not with all the laundry and mending they have to do on my behalf. And since our London property is of a limited size, I usually like to do my hobby in the park. Hyde Park, to be exact. I dug up several flowerbeds there not long ago – the Duchess of Farthingdale was outraged when she saw the state I was in and what I’d done.”
Margaret paused for a moment to gauge his reaction and sensed a need for additional detail – for something so awful there would be no chance of Mr. Townsbridge considering her. Inspiration struck.
She tilted her chin and affected a pensive tone as she added, “For some peculiar reason, Her Grace didn’t like it at all when I ate the grasshopper I’d just found, though I’ve no idea why. From what I hear, they’re something of a delicacy in certain parts of the world. Of course I had to try it. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Hmm...”
He didn’t look thrilled. In fact, he was frowning.
Margaret congratulated herself on her effort. Surely she’d just proved much too difficult and disgusting for him to consider as a life partner.
“In fact, I’m sure this is why my parents are eager to pass me off on you. I’m an uncivilized nuisance for them to get rid of.”
“I must confess, I’m grateful to you for admitting to having such flaws. Your honesty is commendable since I believe most women in your position would have tried to hide it.” He tilted his head while studying her. “Since you’re so keen on saving me from the terrible fate I would indeed suffer if we were to wed, I can only deduce that you’ve set your cap elsewhere. On a fellow grub enthusiast, perhaps?”
“As a matter of fact...” Margaret stopped herself and frowned at him. She could no longer tell if he was being serious or sarcastic. Having schooled his features, he gave nothing away at the moment. She set her jaw and drew back her shoulders. “If you must know, I’ve decided to let the Earl of Shrewsberry court me.”
“Interesting choice.” Mr. Townsbridge said nothing further. He merely picked up his cup and drank some more tea.
“What do you mean?” Interesting was an odd word to use. She wanted him to expand on it. Not that she cared for his opinion. But why on earth would he think Lord Shrewsberry an interesting choice when she considered him to be the very finest? For some absurd reason, she needed to know.
“Come, Miss Hollyoak.” Mr. Townsbridge stood and offered his hand to help her rise. Once again, he’d ignored her question.
Margaret glanced up at the man she was meant to be getting to know. The Season would be starting soon but before it did, she was here, visiting the Townsbridges in her parents’ hope she and Mr. George Townsbridge would form an attachment.
They would not.
But she placed her palm in his nonetheless. The pleasure she found in his firm hold was as undeniable as the heat creeping into her cheeks. Her heart beat a fraction faster and she instinctively sucked in a breath as she rose. “Thank you.”
He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and guided her from the room. Dipping his head, he told her in a buoyant tone, “There’s nothing wrong with admitting you like me.”
Her lips twitched with amusement. “Of all the arrogant and presumptuous things to say.”
He laughed, and she finally surrendered to the smile she’d been holding back for several minutes. It was unavoidable really. There was just something about him that made it impossible for her to keep up her guard. But even though she might be starting to like him more than she’d ever expected, she wasn’t about to admit it. Not after that horrendous lie she’d just told him.
“In fact,” he murmured, “I’ll gladly admit to liking you too.”
“What?”
“Now, let’s go and find some slugs and earthworms, shall we?” When all she could do was gape at him in astonished horror, he gave her an innocent smile and said, “After all, it is your favorite hobby.”
#
LORD HELP ME, George thought while he guided Miss Hollyoak out to the garden. He could scarcely recall the last time he’d had this much fun. The lady was delightful. Completely determined to rid herself of him, but vastly amusing and creative in her attempt. He was far too intrigued to take offense and much too keen to learn how far she intended to go before she confessed to her lie.
Slugs, grubs, worms, and insects indeed. Ha! The lady had looked as though she’d been taking a bite from a lemon with each invertebrate she’d mentioned, never mind the grasshopper. Keeping a straight face had been a chore, but well worth her stricken expression when she discovered the consequence.
