Page 51

The others echoed his sentiment before shifting toward the lane.

Robyn eyed his melted ice. “What say we go home and come for ices another day, one a trifle less hot?”

Nodding in agreement, the women rose.

Robyn tucked Georgine’s hand into his elbow as they strolled behind Matilda and Regina toward the waiting carriage.

“Forgive me for putting you in a fix about the reception.” Chuckling, he adjusted his hat to better deflect the sun. “The notion popped into my mind, and I spoke without thinking.”

She angled her head so that their eyes met.

“Honestly, I think it is a grand idea, Robyn.”

“You do?” For one so opposed to marrying, this turnaround was unexpected, though heartily welcome.

“I do.” Pink tinted her cheeks, but the brave darling pressed on. “I want the world to know we are happily married and ours is not just a marriage of convenience or an arranged marriage.”

He lowered his head, and her perfume teased his nostrils. As always, his body reacted with primal urgency. “Do I dare hope that you regard me with a small degree of fondness?”

This was not the place for such a conversation, but he desperately wanted to know.

They were nearly upon the carriage.

The driver had already assisted Matilda and Regina inside.

Georgine regarded him with soft eyes.

“More than fondness, Robyn.”