Chapter10
He allowed himself to hope the future wouldn’t be quite as dire as he’d feared.Mary Trenton was going to come to his rescue—again.He’d be able to stay in town for the rest of the season, spending time with the friends he hadn’t seen over the past winter.Best of all, he wouldn’t be forced into a union he didn’t want.
The following afternoon, he made his way to Baron Fairbank’s town house.The day was overcast, but thankfully it didn’t look like it would rain.He needed to speak to Miss Trenton in private and settle this matter once and for all.
A stern-faced butler opened the door and showed him into the drawing room.He’d told the man he was there to see Miss Trenton, but instead, the baroness swept into the room minutes later.
“My lord,” she said with a deep curtsy.“I wasn’t expecting you to call.I’ve made plans to visit a friend, but I can send word that those plans have changed.”
The way she stood just a little too close set his nerves on edge.The flagrant attention made him more than a little uncomfortable.Especially since he’d shown preference for the woman’s sister.But given everything Mary had told him about Edwina’s former interest in him, he wasn’t surprised.
Still, he needed to nip this unwelcome attention in the bud.Determined to keep a tight rein on his annoyance, he dipped his head in a formal bow.“There is no need to go out of your way on my behalf.I invited Miss Trenton to ride with me this afternoon.”
Lady Fairbanks frowned.“I’m not sure that will be wise.We wouldn’t want to cause a scandal.”
“We’ll be at Hyde Park along with at least half of London society.We’ll be in view at all times.”
She dropped onto the settee, but Ashford remained on his feet.It might be rude, but he wanted to make sure the baroness knew she needed to abandon whatever misconceptions she still held about the nature of their relationship.
“She didn’t tell me about this.”Her brows drew together as she searched for a reason to forbid their outing.
For a moment he feared she’d locked Mary in her chamber.He relaxed when he heard the sound of light footsteps coming down the hallway.
Mary stepped into the room a moment later, and he drank in the sight of her.She was modestly dressed in a sky-blue gown, a wrap around her shoulders.He greeted her with a warm smile.
“It is a pleasure to see you this afternoon, my lord.”
He caught the twinkle in her eyes before she dipped her head and curtsied.
He approached and took her hand, bowing over it.“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Trenton.”
They both wore gloves, so there was nothing scandalous about the action, but the slight hiss from Lady Fairbanks was unmistakable.Mary’s eyes met his, and from the amusement he could see within her gaze, it was clear she was enjoying tormenting her sister.
Before Lady Fairbanks could do something as brash as suggest she join them—a request he would be forced to refuse—he turned to face her again.“Please don’t allow us to keep you.”
Her lips pressed together in a firm line before she rose to her feet again.“I’ll call for my sister’s maid to accompany you.”
“There would be nowhere for her to sit as I’ve brought my phaeton.It only has room for two.”Lady Fairbanks opened her mouth to protest, but he continued.“As you no doubt know, it is completely open.I promise that nothing untoward will happen to your sister.”Even if he had such designs, there would be no way to keep from having their every movement observed.
Lady Fairbanks looked like she wanted to protest further and he waited.Finally she nodded.“Of course, my lord.Our families have been close for as long as I can remember.I am sure Mary couldn’t be in safer hands.”
He turned back to Miss Trenton and was surprised to see her smile had dimmed somewhat.He vowed to do everything in his power to bring it back.
He moved to her side.“Shall we?”
She nodded up at him and took his arm.
“It was a pleasure seeing you again, Lady Fairbanks.Please give my regards to your husband.”
Her expression tightened at his casual dismissal.Good.
They made their way from the house, but once the door closed behind her, Mary froze in pace.“What on earth is that?”
She was staring at his carriage, her eyes wide.
Somehow he held back a laugh.“My phaeton.”
She took a step closer, her head tilted to one side as she looked over the vehicle, finally settling on the high seat.“I’ve never actually seen one that was quite so tall.I can see why they have a reputation for being unsafe.”