A PROPOSAL GOES SIDEWAYS
Meanwhile, back at Lady Morganfield’s garden party
“What did my father tell you to do?” Dahlia asked as Anthony escorted her to the farthest reaches of the Carlington House gardens.
Anthony regarded her in surprise. “What makes you think he told me todoanything?”
Giving him a quelling glance, Dahlia huffed. “I just agreed to lie on behalf of my sister. Apparently your brother is taking her somewhere for an illicitaffaire,” she claimed.
Scoffing, Anthony said, “My brother is not capable of an illicitaffaire,” his smirk revealing a dimple that was rarely on display.
“You say that as ifyouare,” Dahlia accused.
Anthony stopped and regarded her with an expression of concern. “I would be capable of such with you,” he whispered. He glanced around, wincing when he realized there was little in the way of available hedgerows or trees behind which he could kiss her. The few that lined the area where the tables were located were already in use by other amorous couples. “I wish to apologize for what happened yesterday. I truly thought you were in danger,” he said in a quiet voice. “That horse was running so fast. If something had happened to you... if you had been thrown from him, I would never forgive myself if I hadn’t at least tried to save you,” he claimed in a quiet voice.
Dahlia inhaled softly. “I wasn’t in any danger, I assure you,” she said. “But I appreciate your concern for me. I do, Breckinridge.”
He lowered his head to hers, resting his chin on her forehead. “Call me Anthony. Please?” he countered. For a moment, he wished he could remove her hat. At least she had the peach rose-topped straw hat perched at a jaunty angle.
Her eyes widening slightly, Dahlia said, “All right.” When he didn’t offer anything else right away, she said, “I couldn’t help but think you had more to say to me yesterday. When you were making your way out of the park? I apologize for my immediate reaction. That I didn’t give you a chance to speak,” she stammered. “To explain yourself. And then you raced off so suddenly.”
Grimacing, Anthony pulled away slightly. Glancing about as if to discover if someone was watching them, he said, “I did intend to ask you something.” When he was sure no one had directed their gazes onto them, he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her. Although their lips barely touched and the kiss was over almost as quickly as it had begun, he wondered if he could get away with another.
Dahlia stared up at him. “That’s a rather curious means by which to ask a question,” she whispered.
“You didn’t mind, did you?” he countered.
Blinking, Dahlia shook her head. “No. Not at all,” she admitted. All at once, she seemed discombobulated. Unsure of where she was. “If only all questions were so easy,” she murmured.
Giving her a wan grin, Anthony took one of her hands in his. “Will you marry me, Dahlia?” Before she had a chance to answer, he added, “I know there is much to discuss. Negotiations that must occur. Agreements that need to be made,” he said quickly. “We needn’t live together right away if you’d rather not. I don’t expect I’ll inherit anytime soon, so duty won’t be required forthwith, but...” He stopped when he saw her expression. “Oh, dear. What is it?”
Dahlia scoffed as her fists moved to her hips, including the one he was still holding onto. “Leave it to you to turn what should be a rather romantic moment into a... into abusinessproposition,” she hissed.
“Davy,” he whispered. “I know you don’t wish to wed right away, but...” He grimaced at seeing her expression. Anger. Disbelief. “I must.”
A combination of hurt and confusion had Dahlia near tears. “Oh, you know that, do you?” Her brows suddenly furrowed. “Must?” she repeated, just then comprehending his last word.
Wincing, he nodded. “By the end of the summer. No later,” he stated, remembering he had enough funds in reserve to last him until then.
“Well,that’srather convenient,” she countered. “You’ll have the entire Season to find a willing young miss to marry,” she huffed.
“Davy,” he murmured, his brows furrowing in confusion. “I don’t want a willing young miss. I wantyou,” he said on a sigh.
Still smarting from his botched marriage proposal, Dahlia shook off his hand. He’d been attempting to take possession of her right hand as he made his apology. She took a step back, fighting to take a breath between sobs that threatened to have tears streaming down her face. “Good day, Lord Breckinridge,” she managed to say before she dipped a curtsy and then headed off toward the house at a rather fast pace.
Stunned by her sudden departure, Anthony balled his hands into fists and raised his face to the sky. He was tempted to let out a howl of frustration, but remembering where he was, he swallowed and struggled to breathe.
About to make his way toward the house—perhaps he could catch Dahlia before she took her leave of Carlington House—Anthony couldn’t.
David Fitzwilliam stood in his way, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression suggesting he was not pleased.
