“There is no reason for her to make any sacrifice on my behalf. My reasons should be all too easy to determine. If I was to dine anywhere, I’d rather it be with you.”
“I don’t attend dinner parties.”
He suspected he knew why, but since she didn’t add any further information, he was quick to reassure her. “Did I ask for an invite to a stuffy affair?”
Her brow creased with confusion. “Then how?”
“Later,” he whispered. “Lets just enjoy the beautiful day together.”
After a few steps, Imogen lifted her face to his. “When Walter couldn’t see you in the crowd I expected you to be the one Miss Radley raced against today.”
Peter patted her hand. “Not me. I currently lack the stamina to truly be a competitive opponent.”
She faced ahead again. “Can you see whom she is to race against?”
“I don’t need to. He’s not there.”
Imogen’s grip on his arm tightened. “So she’s been let down. Julia will be so disappointed.”
“Never fear, Merton will make an appearance, but at the last possible moment. Something to do with his bathing suit and likely embarrassment. I’m under strict instructions not to laugh.”
She gasped. “Valentine Merton? Truly.”
“Truly. Surprised me as well.” Peter checked to see who was nearby. “I think he might be a touch more interested in your friend than can be attributed to friendly competition.”
Imogen nodded and then her face lightened with a true smile. “But that’s wonderful. He’s the least conventional man she knows.”
Peter agreed but was still rather surprised he hadn’t considered it before. But their pact to treat their sisters as their own did tend to make a man overlook the obvious choice for a bride. He glanced down at Imogen and realized just how lucky he was to have this second chance. “He does have some rather odd ideas at times but I swear I never detected any partiality to Radley’s sister before. Even discussed her having a secret admirer the other night over cards. It was likely Merton who Radley suspected all along and she was smiling over this race.”
Imogen nodded enthusiastically. “It would take a special man to appreciate Miss Radley’s ambitions for her life. I am very grateful to Merton. He won’t grumble like a bad tempered beast should he lose.”
“Every woman should have someone like that in their life. Even you, Miss George.” Peter bit his tongue to keep his proposal behind his teeth. Now was not the time to blurt out the state of his heart.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
At last Imogen felt safe. She leaned a little against Peter, sure now she was in capable hands. She was so glad he had found her that she didn’t want to release him. Peter talked, about where they were on the beach, who was nearby, and how far they still had to go even while confiding his opinions. The rush of conversation and the warmth of Peter’s nearness were, in truth, making her a little giddy.
A few steps later, Miss Merton’s voice cut through the noise of the ocean and crowd very clearly. “I cannot believe Radley would allow such a scandal to take place. He should lock her up before she ruins herself and the family name.”
Peter steered Imogen away. “Watch your step. The earth is a little soft here.”
“Whom was Miss Merton complaining to?”
“To her cousin. What she doesn’t realize is today’s race should be interesting. Merton is quite fast when he applies himself fully to a challenge.”
“Do you think he will let Julia win?”
“Oh, no. No gentleman in his right mind would do that. It will be a fair race, never fear.” They continued to draw closer to the crashing waves. “Here’s Miss Radley now.”
Peter kept hold of her arm until Julia embraced her. “I so hoped you would come and to be on Sir Peter’s arm just makes the occasion even more special.”
Imogen ignored her comment and fingered the heavy fabric, a blanket perhaps, she detected had been wrapped around Julia’s body. “Are you nervous? What are you wearing? Please tell me you’re decently covered.”
“Not exactly decent but covered sufficiently for modesty at present.”
Imogen licked her lips. “How long until the race begins?”
A whistle blew and Julia embraced her quickly. “Now. Wish me luck.”