“Garden parties not your sort of thing, Pembroke?” Pembroke was a decent fellow, but he was rather stern, and a trifle stodgy for such a young man, and thus not a favorite with theton.
“Not at all, no. Not garden parties, London, or the season, I’m afraid.” His eye caught something over Cass’s shoulder then, and his eyebrows rose. “Although perhaps I’ve spoken too soon.”
Or rather, someone. Margaret Parrish.
“You wouldn’t happen to be acquainted with that young lady, would you, Windham? The one in the green dress, standing next to Lady Fosberry?”
“In fact, I am acquainted with her. That young lady is Margaret Parrish. She’s the eldest of Lord Melrose’s younger sisters. Shall I introduce you?”
“That would be kind of you.”
“Of course.” It was a stroke of good luck, as it gave him an opportunity to warn Egerton, who was still hanging about Hattie like an unpleasant smell, to cast his nets elsewhere.
“…fascinating, Lady Harriet,” Egerton was saying as Cass and Pembroke approached the group. “Do tell me more about the lectures, won’t you? I’ve always been fascinated with horticulture.”
God above, what utter bollocks. Egerton couldn’t tell a daisy from a rose. “Are you really, Egerton? How curious. I’ve known you for years, and I don’t recall you ever mentioning a single word about horticulture.”
“Windham.” Egerton’s lip curled. “Where did you come from?”
“The other side of the lawn, Egerton. I should think that would be obvious.” Cass didn’t quite turn his back on Egerton, but it was a near thing. “Lady Fosberry, are you acquainted with Lord Pembroke?”
“Only by name. Lord Pembroke, how do you do?” Lady Fosberry offered Pembroke one of her most gracious smiles. “May I present my young friends to you, my lord? These ladies are Lord Melrose’s sisters. Lady Sarah, Lady Harriet, and Lady Margaret.”
“My pleasure, ladies,” Pembroke murmured politely, but he was looking at Margaret when he said it.
“Lord Pembroke.” She nodded shyly at him, her cheeks coloring prettily.
“The ladies and gentlemen are forming pairs for the lilac walk.” Hayward held out his arm to Sarah Parrish. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me, Lady Sarah? With Lady Fosberry’s permission, of course.”
“Yes, yes.” Lady Fosberry waved them away. “Do go on, Sarah.”
Sarah cast a quick glance at her eldest sister, but she couldn’t refuse without being dreadfully rude, and she turned to Hayward with a smile. “Yes, of course, my lord.”
Margaret’s flushed cheeks paled as she watched them go, but she recovered quickly when Lord Pembroke offered her his arm with a smile. “May I escort you, Lady Margaret?”
“It would be my pleasure, my lord.”
Cass hadn’t spoken a word to Hattie. He hadn’t even dared to look at her, certain his expression would give him away, yet somehow he knew what was about to unfold, as if it had already happened.
Then, in the next moment, it did.
Egerton gave Hattie his oiliest smile, opened his mouth, and said, “Lady Harriet would you do me the honor of?—”
That was as far as he got.
“I’m afraid that’s out of the question, Egerton.” Before he knew what he was about to do, Cass stepped smoothly between Hattie and Egerton before Egerton could lay claim to her arm. “Lady Harriet has already agreed to accompany me on the lilac walk.”
Without another word, he took Hattie’s arm and led her away.
