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Do I want the viscount or not?

She could not answer that question. She only hoped Selena would help her untangle her muddled thoughts. Except Selena had disappeared after dinner and was nowhere to be found for the rest of the night.

The next day, Jo sprung from bed in a good mood. She’d had a good night’s rest. The sun was shining through the curtains and the birds were chirping outside, making her smile. All the worries of yesterday were eliminated simply by waking up on the right side of the bed.

It was a new day, and she would try to make the best of it.

She took her morning ablutions, changed to her morning attire, and ventured out of the room. The morning meal was set out in the morning room like before. The side tables were filled with food and drinks. Every guest took whatever they wanted and either sat inside or went out on the patio to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Jo filled her cup with chocolate and sauntered onto the patio. She looked around, searching for a place to sit, when Lord FitzWalter came up to her.

“Beautiful weather, wouldn’t you say, Miss Claremont?”

Jo smiled. “Indeed, it is.”

“This weather is perfect for a jaunt outside. So many flowers are about this time of year.”

“Truly?” Jo smiled politely, pretending interest while looking for ways to escape.

“I am somewhat of an amateur botanist,” he said with a smile. Then he stepped closer. “Which is the best kind of botanist, I believe.”

Jo laughed softly. “Is that so?”

“Oh, it is so,” Lord FitzWalter confirmed, proudly puffing out his chest. “Amateur translates from Latin as the lover of… in my case, the lover of botany. Don’t you find the descriptor quite beautiful?”

Jo sipped on her cooling chocolate. “I do indeed. And that means I am an amateur actress. Or would that translate into the lover of actresses? Because that would not be a proper descriptor.”

Lord FitzWalter laughed as he placed his hand unceremoniously on her arm. He wasn’t the arrogant type, just a bit inept in social interactions. So Jo knew he didn’t mean to offend her with his gesture.

Jo tried to politely shake him off but to no avail. Instead, he stepped even closer. “Would you like a stroll in the forest? There is fascinating flora about this time of year.”

A warm hand firmly landed on Jo’s lower back, and then Richard stepped closer, successfully dislodging Lord FitzWalter’s hand. Jo’s heart fluttered in her chest, and warmth traveled through her left side. He took another step and was now standing between Jo and the botanist.

“Gage,” Lord FitzWalter said unenthusiastically. His gaze flew to Richard’s hand, which now protectively sat on the small of Jo’s back.

“FitzWalter. I hope I did not interrupt a scintillating conversation. Did I?”

“No, absolutely not. I was just inviting Miss Claremont for a walk.”

Richard turned toward Jo, his gaze oddly intent. “Miss Claremont,” he said an octave lower. “I trust you rested well during the night?”

Jo swallowed, her pulse fluttering in her neck. “Yes. Thank you, my lord.”

“What do you think?” he said, not taking his gaze off her.

Jo couldn’t quite look away either. “About what?”

He smiled slowly, his gaze knowing. “A walk.”

“Oh.” Jo licked her lips and smiled. She turned toward Lord FitzWalter, whose existence she had completely forgotten about for a brief moment. “Of course, I would be delighted.”

“Splendid,” Richard said in a low voice, his gaze moving to Jo’s lips. He disengaged from her suddenly and turned toward the rest of the guests on the patio. “Who else wants to join Lord FitzWalter on an excursion? He is promising to share with us some spectacular knowledge about the flora on this wonderful estate.”

Lord FitzWalter grimaced—he obviously intended a more intimate affair—while Jo sighed with relief. The last thing she wanted was to get stuck in the forest with Lord FitzWalter.

A walk with Lord Gage, however, promised to be interesting.

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