Page 39 of The Marquess’s Forbidden Bride

He made one more inspection of their surroundings before turning back to her. ‘Nothing, probably. I had a momentary feeling of being…watched. A prickle at the back of my neck—some ancient survival sense honed when riding patrols on the Peninsula. But despite my jest about French sharpshooters in Hyde Park, there’s no similar danger here. I’m sure it was nothing.’

At that moment, the groom emerged from the alehouse. No more delays; they must part.

Stifling her sadness, she offered Richland a smile, ‘Safe journey and a joyful reunion with your parents.’

‘And a pleasant few days in London for you. May your plants prosper.’

‘And your plans.’

She felt curiously forlorn, to bid him goodbye on a public street, reduced to mouthing formalities, no chance even to press his hand.

But what else was there to say? It was good that he was leaving London, she decided. It would be foolish to let her silly heart fall any deeper under his spell. She should use this interval apart to remind herself that the friendship they’d formed when he was a simple lieutenant could not continue as close once he was invested as a marquess, took his seat in the Lords and started being entertained by his old friends, new acquaintances and fellow peers.

Started finding his place.

Regardless of her increasing affection for him, his being a marquess was not a place she wanted to be included.

She told herself she believed that, even as an annoying ache in her heart whispered of doubt. Fortunately, she’d have a week or more away from his mesmerising presence to convince herself it was still true.

Chapter Thirteen

Renewed from his visit with his parents in Guildford, ten days later, Charles paced the paths at Kew Green, eager to see Emma again. While away, he’d sent a note proposing they meet again at Kew upon his return. Safe there from inquisitive eyes, they would be able to converse at leisure, a freedom he very much anticipated.

She’d sent back an agreement along with details of when and how to meet, though to his annoyance, she insisted once again that they travel there separately. Although he appreciated her desire to avoid any potential unpleasantness with the Stratton family, he was more than weary of sneaking around in this ridiculous fashion, as if meeting her were somehow dishonourable, and hoped to soon convince her to abandon the deception.

From his vantage point on the green overlooking the ferry landing, he spotted her slender figure, trailed by a tall, strapping fellow in livery who must be one of Englemere’s footmen. With a surge of pure pleasure, he hurried to her. ‘Miss Wellingford, so good to see you again.’

‘And you, Lord Richland. Peters, why don’t you wait for me at the Spade and Hoe, there across the green? Johnson will meet us at the gate to Kew Gardens and assist from there, so you may take your ease while we stroll.’

‘You’re sure you don’t want me to walk with you in the gardens?’ the footman asked, giving Charles a measuring glance.

‘No, Lord Richland’s escort and Johnson’s oversight will be sufficient to safeguard me from any prowling tigers, bears or highwaymen during our visit.’

‘I’ll just escort you to the gate then, Miss,’ Peters said. When she looked as if to protest, he added, ‘Lord Englemere’s orders.’

After the footman dropped a discreet distance behind them, she sighed. ‘My overprotective brother-in-law. As if some harm could befall me from the centre of the green to the garden gate! You could have waited by the gate, too.’ She looked around. ‘I don’t really expect to encounter anyone from the ton here, but it would have been better not to walk together until we’re inside the garden, where we should be safe from further scrutiny. Now, tell me about your visit! I assume it was…restorative?’

‘Very. It was helpful to remind myself of where I came from. Where I’ll always be welcomed just as myself.’

‘It must have been a relief, being able to relax with them.’

‘Yes. I know I’ll have to accustom myself to the constant scrutiny, but it was so good to not feel on display! To simply…live. As I’m able to do with my friends—and you. You must know how valuable that is to me, why I don’t intend to let Lady Routham or anyone else deprive me of your company. Why I hope to convince you to bring our association back into the open. Surely you now trust me to protect you from her.’

‘Of course I do, but we needn’t rush the matter. Every additional day you are recognised and treated as the marquess will serve to reconcile her to the truth. I’m content to wait until the time is right.’

‘You are more patient than I am, then!’

They reached the Kew gate, knocked and were promptly admitted by Johnson. Having followed his master’s instructions, Peters trotted off happily in search of ale as they entered the garden.

‘Eager to see the roses, Miss Emma?’ Johnson inquired.

‘Very much. Have you any new varieties to show?’

‘Some we are bringing on in the glasshouse, not ready to plant out yet. We’ve bedded out the spring annuals and more of the perennial flowers have begun blooming. Shall I send an assistant to guide you?’

‘No, I know the way, as you well know! Thank you for meeting us.’

‘My pleasure. I’ll be working by the Dutch House. Send a gardener to me if you need anything.’