Page 75 of Earl, Enemy, Husband?

Redfern must have seen their consternation because he frowned. ‘It is related to a position in government. He was going to speak to a minister on my behalf, but I would prefer nothing to get out until it is certain.’

Relieved, Florence smiled at him. ‘I do hope for good news, then, Mr Redfern. Mama, what were you planning to purchase today?’

‘I need new gloves. I ruined my best pair. Do you wish to come with me?’

She really didn’t feel like shopping. She wanted to wait for Graydon’s return. Ever since she’d discovered his early departure, she had been trying to guess the reason for his change of heart about breakfast. The only thing she could come up with was that, upon reflection, he had been disgusted by her carnal knowledge.

The stupid thing was, those things she had done had been done by instinct. Now in the cold light of day, she felt mortified, ashamed. No wonder he didn’t want to face her.

‘I am not really in need of anything at the moment,’ she said. ‘And not really in the mood for browsing.’

Mr Redfern raised his eyebrows. ‘I thought ladies were always in the mood for shopping.’

She laughed. ‘Almost always.’

Powell arrived with the tea tray. ‘My lady, the stables sent up to say your carriage will be ready in half an hour.’

He bowed and withdrew.

‘What? Oh no! I had forgotten all about it. I think not.’

Her mother-in-law looked puzzled. ‘Graydon said you were excited about driving this newfangled carriage of yours.’

‘Graydon was supposed to go with me.’ Oh dear; she did sound disappointed.

Redfern gazed at her with consternation. ‘Not like Gray to cry off from a promise.’

Redfern seemed different from the man he had been in the card room last night. Perhaps it had all been because of the brandy. ‘We were to go to the park early this afternoon. He has approved of my driving, but I wanted him to go with me at least once in the new carriage before I went around alone.’

Redfern offered her a look of sympathy. ‘These lordly fellows, always some matter of importance or other. If you will have me, I will drive with you. I’m not a bad whip, even if I do say so myself.’

‘Oh, no offence, Mr Redfern, but I would far rather Graydon took me.’

His chuckled. ‘You do know I taught Gray everything he knows about driving? Ask him.’

‘Go,’ her mother-in-law said. ‘You don’t want to look as if you are hanging on your husband’s sleeve—dreadfully parochial. Not at all the thing. Show the ton you are your own woman.’

In other words, show she hadn’t a care in the world. She had seen how Lady Standish ogled Graydon. And she’d seen the way others had taken note. If she looked as if she was pining, it would add fuel to the fire.

She would look like a fool if she sat at home with folded hands waiting for the scraps of her husband the beautiful, alluring Lady Standish deigned to leave for her.

What if he had not joined her for breakfast because Lady Standish had beckoned? The thought left her feeling as if her heart were bleeding.

No. Graydon was too honourable to be so hateful. He would not have, could not have…could he?

‘Lady Blackdown is right,’ Redfern said, picking up his teacup. He gave her a smile and a wink over the rim. ‘Besides, wouldn’t hurt to make the old fellow jealous.’

Jealous, of George Redfern? Hardly. But in the face of such strong advice… ‘Very well. Thank you for your kind offer, Mr Redfern. Unless…’ she said, turning to her mother-in-law. ‘You would like to go with me in Mr Redfern’s stead?’

Her mother-in-law laughed. ‘In one of those awful open, high-sprung things you young people favour? I think not, my dear. Far better to go with Redfern here and let the ton see you are a woman of the world.’

What could she mean?

‘If you are going, you should change your clothes,’ her mother-in-law went on. ‘Always leave the house looking your best.’

‘Very well.’ Florence looked at Redfern. ‘If you have time, Mr Redfern, I would be grateful for your company.’

‘Lots of time, Lady Blackdown. No rush at all to see Gray. My pleasure, I assure you.’