I wished I was one of them.
Colin would not have reacted visibly to the flavor of the water. So I took another sip, keeping my features stoic as Isearched the room for any familiar faces. One face, in particular, I was hoping to see. I had heard Miss Sharp mention to Sir William the night before that she visited the Pump Room most mornings with her aunt. I couldn’t have Sir William finding her here before I did. The purpose of Colin’s ruse, in large part, was to protect Sir William and other men from Miss Sharp’s fortune-hunting schemes.
I told myself that that was the only reason I was eager to intervene, but I knew it wasn’t true. I had been jealous of the man.
I took another large sip from my glass. My ailment required swift healing if I was going to satisfy Colin’s demands. I needed clients. I needed an allowance to survive comfortably. On the contrary, I did notneeda clear conscience. I did notneedArabella Sharp to think highly of me. I did not need anything from her at all.
Across the room, a cluster of dowagers parted just enough for me to glimpse Miss Sharp. A white muslin gown draped over her figure, a full glass of water resting in her right hand. My stomach swooped with nerves at the sight of her, and I scolded it for doing so.
I took a few strides forward before she saw me. She looked surprised at first, but then one dark eyebrow lifted. “You are following me. Do not deny it.”
I gave her a skeptical look. “Half the town is here.”
“I would have thought you to belong to the other half.”
“And miss this delightful experience?” I raised my glass. “Never.”
Miss Sharp’s lips twisted in a suppressed smile. Why did she do that with me and not with Sir William? She had been smiling openly with him the night before. “It tastes better with tea,” she said in a quiet voice, as if sharing a secret.
“And plenty of sugar, I imagine.”
She nodded, but then her brow furrowed, as if she were struggling to collect her thoughts. “Was this what you meant when you asked if you could see me today?” After a moment, her curious gaze lifted to mine.
“I did hope to find you here so I could extend my invitation in person.” Why did I feel so nervous? I gripped my glass of water too tightly. “Are you otherwise engaged later this morning?”
“I don’t believe so.” She tilted her head to one side. “Why do you ask?”
“I know how you like to be engaged.” I flashed a teasing smile. “May I claim an hour or two of your time?”
Her efforts to appear nonchalant were obvious. She cast her gaze upward as if deeply considering the offer before she finally nodded. “I suppose so.”
“I realized we never had the chance to use the watercolor paints during our picnic,” I said.
She looked startled, as if I had suggested something dreadful. “That’s right. We didn’t.”
I studied the apprehension in her features. “You did mention that you enjoy watercolor.”
“I did.” Her chin raised slightly. “But please bear in mind that I didn’t claim to have a talent for it.”
A laugh burst out of me, earning a smile from her lips. I leaned closer. “I will not judge you for your lack of skill if you don’t judge me for mine.”
“Very well.” The morning light brought out golden tones in her eyes, yet I was certain that she had no idea how beautiful she was standing in that ray of light.
“Consider the matter settled.” I interlocked my hands behind my back with a smile. “I will send a carriage for you at ten.”
“I have no objection to walking.” Her eyes widened with sincerity.
“But Idohave an objection. You nearly fainted in the heat yesterday. I should like you to remain comfortable.”
She looked down at the floor, as if my consideration had made her shy. After a few seconds, she looked up. “But have you removed the bees from your garden? I fear my aunt will not accompany me otherwise.”
I gave a rueful smile. “Unfortunately, they remain. I’ll have the bench moved away from the rose bushes. Will that suffice?”
She cast a quick glance in her aunt’s direction. “Let us hope so.”
“So our time is not cut short again?” I tipped my head down with a smile in an attempt to draw her gaze to mine.
“So my aunt isn’t stung,” she corrected. The blunt words were accompanied by a quick curtsy. “I shall see you later this morning.” I sensed more hesitation than usual in her movements and expressions.
