Callum stared straight ahead at the woman who’d been approaching at a steady pace until she’d spotted him. There was an awkward look about her now, as though she wished to turn on her heels and run, but couldn’t because of Ada. A strained smile appeared on her face as she straightened her posture and continued toward them.
“Let’s just say she and I do not get along,” Callum told Anthony.
“Why on earth not?” Ada asked. “She’s perfectly lovely.”
If one enjoyed being reduced to an imbecile all the time since this was the effect Lady Emily had upon him. For some unknown reason, the universe seemed to have it in for him when he found himself in her presence. It didn’t help that he invariably said the wrong thing in an effort to smooth things over.
“She hates me,” Callum informed his friends.
“Really?” Anthony chuckled. “I’m surprised you never mentioned it before.”
It wasn’t the sort of thing he cared to speak of. In fact, he preferred to forget every interaction he’d had with Lady Emily. Not reminisce over them with friends. He eyed Anthony while slowing his pace. “It wasn’t worth talking about.”
Anthony snorted and then he and Ada were greeting Lady Emily. Callum hung back together with Peter, only the boy had spotted something that Callum had missed. Lady Emily wasn’t alone. She was walking a small fluffy dog. Not a poodle, but some other breed Callum wasn’t familiar with.
Peter went straight for it, pressing past Anthony and Ada and dropping into a crouch so he could stroke the dog’s fur.
Callum stepped forward. “Peter. You can’t just—”
“It’s quite all right,” Lady Emily told him, smiling down at the boy. “Heidi loves attention. The more the better. Provided you do not mind, Lord Stratton.”
He didn’t miss the added firmness to her voice when she spoke his title. It drew his attention and put him on edge as she always did when their paths crossed. But when she raised her gaze to his, all he saw was endless green.
Swallowing, he did his best not to let it affect him. And yet, there was no denying the impact she had upon him. No doubt Lady Emily had been blessed with the loveliest eyes in the world, the prettiest features, and the most kissable mouth. He’d always thought so, and therein lay the problem.
When he’d seen her last, his pulse had started to race as it always did in her presence. They’d been at the Farthington’s ball and had met in a hallway. An exchange had followed with both of them wishing to flee the other’s company as fast as possible. She’d stepped past him, he’d turned, and had inadvertently stepped on the hem of her gown.
The next thing he knew, she was falling. And it had once again been his fault.
Honestly, if the woman thought him an arse, or simply bad luck, he’d not be surprised. The point was, it was best if they didn’t interact since he clearly couldn’t behave as expected when he was around her.
Heidi leapt up onto her hind legs and licked at Peter’s face. The boy laughed and Callum’s heart swelled until it became a painful ache in his chest. Nothing had made the lad happy thus far.
Callum had tried having Cook prepare all manner of sweets. They’d been met with the same disinterest as rides in the park, a trip to the theatre, and the various toys Callum had bought him.
It seemed obvious now that an animal might do what all other efforts had failed to accomplish.
“Where are you heading?” Ada asked Lady Emily.
“To the park. I’ve been praying for sunshine so I could take Heidi out. She’s so full of energy she can scarcely sit still unless she has a good walk. How about you?”
“We’re heading home,” Anthony said. “Stratton and Peter decided to join us for the walk.”
“Well, it was lovely to see you,” Lady Emily said, not looking at Callum. “Maybe we can meet tomorrow for tea, Ada. It’s been a while since we had the chance for a lengthy chat.”
“I’d love that,” Ada replied. “But can we make it Friday? I promised my uncle I’d help him at the shop for the next few days.”
“Of course,” Lady Emily said. “Friday suits me perfectly. I’ll invite Harriet too.”
“Harriet’s also a friend of yours?” Callum asked.
“Yes.” Instead of elaborating, Lady Emily dropped into a low crouch and spoke to Peter. “I’m very sorry, but Heidi and I must get going.”
Peter looked crestfallen. He sent Callum a hopeful look. “Can’t we join them?”
“We mustn’t impose,” Callum said while Lady Emily shook her head and took a step back, straight into a puddle.
She gasped, and Callum instinctively reached for her. His hand caught her arm, but since that put his body off balance, he took a step forward. At the exact same time as she stepped out of the puddle.
