Page 36 of 10 Things I Hate About the Earl

“Oh.” Kate’s face heated again, but she tossed her head back, trying to affect a nonchalant attitude she absolutely did not feel. “Then that’s perfectly fine. Shall we go?”

“I only await your pleasure, Kate.”

Her head snapped toward him, but he merely grinned and offered his arm. “No one is close enough to hear us now.”

She took his arm, suddenly thrilling to the touch of his firm muscles beneath the dark brown superfine of his jacket. “You said we are going to the park?”

“That is the normal place for couples to ride, although we are much too early for the Grand Strut.” He led her to the curricle and helped her up. “Although I will confess that is by design.” His eyes seemed to pin her to the seat. “We will be quite alone, I think.”

Hands suddenly shaking, Kate tucked her skirts in as he climbed up beside her. Marcus was going to propose. With that now all but a certainty, Kate’s earlier calm deliberations flew right up the chimney. Was she truly ready to hear his proposal? To accept it?

Clearing her throat, Kate tried to make her voice sound normal. “I had a note yesterday that the bookseller has gotten in another volume of the Waverly novels, called Ivanhoe. I was hoping I could persuade you to take me there so I could get it.”

“You are an aficionado of the Waverly series?” He started the team. “I am astonished. Never would I have taken you for a woman who reads such thrilling works. Yet another mark against Ainsley’s good sense.”

“Have you read any of them yourself, Marcus?” She sent him a sidelong look, her nerves a bit steadier.

“I have better things to do with my time. Such as driving you to the bookseller’s.” His face took on a thoughtful look. “Would you mind if we invited Letitia to come with us? She needs an excuse to wear another bonnet.”

Kate chuckled. “I see you’ve taken quite a lot of my advice.”

“I have, because it is working.” Marcus sent her a grateful glance. “I would also like her to read more, and I’m afraid my father’s library at the townhouse tends more to history, travel, and philosophy than novels a young lady would prefer.”

“Then by all means let’s include her.” Kate would have relished Letitia’s company another time, but today she was too much on edge to do so. Not to mention that if Marcus had planned to propose to her, it surely would not happen with his sister by their side. But it could not be helped. She wasn’t about to deny Marcus’s request, so she would have to make the best of it. A flair of regret in her chest made her shake herself and assume a genuine smile. After all, they had plenty of time.

“Thank you, my dear.” He turned the horses at the next corner, heading back into Mayfair. “My sister will be thrilled to join us. After this excursion, we can return her to the house to peruse her purchases,” he sent her a knowing glance, “and we can continue to the park, if that’s agreeable to you.”

“Absolutely.” Kate bit her lip but kept smiling, even though her mouth had dried. The day had suddenly taken another turn. She’d wanted a brief respite to gather herself before Marcus’s proposal. Now she’d have to endure half the afternoon waiting for them to be alone again. Kate didn’t begrudge Letitia the outing, exactly; however, the longer she must dwell on the impending proposal, the more nervous she’d likely become. She squeezed her hands together in her lap to keep them from trembling. Amazing that she could feel this way about a gentleman she’d loathed until just recently.

But she hadn’t really known Marcus then, not the way she did now. Hadn’t known his generous nature toward his sister, hadn’t understood how kind he could be. Or how much fun he was to be around. She truly believed she could anticipate a lifetime filled with love and laughter with Lord Haversham.

They pulled to a stop in front of his townhouse, a white marble, three-story building in the most fashionable part of Mayfair. He gave the reins to his tiger and requested the family landau be brought around. “It will take them a few moments to remove the top so we can enjoy the excellent weather,” he explained as they walked up the stairs and entered the townhouse.

Kate’s head swiveled to take in the stylish appointments of the entry hall, the marble floor in the foyer, the soft green of the walls framed with molding of white wooden panels. She peeped into the open door of a small pale blue receiving room, decorated in the sleek Neoclassic style. Such an elegantly furnished house. Her home, perhaps, one day soon. A shiver raced down her back as Marcus rang for the butler.

The servant appeared, a surprised look on his face. “I’m sorry, my lord. I thought you’d gone out for the morning.”

“I had, but I have returned, Hobbs.” Marcus peeled off his gloves and stretched his hands out. “Where is Lady Letitia? I wish to take her on an outing with Miss Locke.”

“I’m sorry, my lord, but Lady Letitia and Lady George have gone to call on Mrs. Quimby.”

“My aunt’s sister.” Marcus turned to her in explanation. “She’d not said anything to me about such an outing.”

“Lady George had a note from Mrs. Quimby shortly after you left, my lord. She’s unwell and wished her sister to call.” Hobbs stood straight, eyes forward. “Do you wish to send a note to have them return home, my lord?”

“No, the game’s not worth the candle.” He turned sheepishly to Kate. “I’m afraid we are destined to go alone today. I hope you don’t mind. Thank you, Hobbs.”

“Very good, my lord.” The man bowed and retreated down the corridor.

“So we are now off to the bookseller’s?” Kate spoke distractedly, still avidly looking at the house.

“Yes. Oh, drat.” Marcus headed toward the nearest bell pull. “I’ll need Hobbs to tell the grooms I won’t need the landau after all.”

“Wait.” Kate stopped him before he could pull the cord. “Before you do, could you show me more of your house? It’s very lovely. What I have seen of it, that is.”

Marcus gave her a keen look. “You do realize with Aunt Augusta gone there is no chaperone here. Your reputation could be in jeopardy.”

“As no one knows I’m here, I think I’ll take my chances.” Kate grinned at him. “I’d really love to see more of it.”