“Lord Ashford and I are friends.”Which wasn’t a lie.It just wasn’t the complete truth about why they would soon be spending so much time together.“I can say with absolute certainty that Ashford does not have any romantic intentions toward me.”
Amelia slumped back against the cushions of the carriage bench.“That doesn’t mean things can’t change.We’ll just have to make him see what a catch you are.”She glanced sideways at her, a grin forming.“It won’t take too much effort really.He already likes you, and you’re very attractive.We just need to change the way he sees you.Help him realize the two of you could be more than friends.”
Mary couldn’t hold back the yearning at her friend’s statement.But she couldn’t imagine any man looking at her the way Lowenbrock looked at Amelia.Nor the way the man’s brothers-in-law looked at their wives.Ashford would never see her as more than an accomplice in keeping him safe from the marriage mart.
Still, it would be fun to pretend.She hated the idea of deceiving Amelia, but if she was being completely honest with herself, she was looking forward to the months ahead.It would be the closest Mary would ever come to the real experience of being courted.
She wasn’t certain she could act the part of lovesick fool, but she’d do her best to make everyone believe she was coming to care for him.It shouldn’t be too difficult since she already enjoyed his company.
And heaven knew the man was handsome.With his wide shoulders, blue eyes, and attractive features, would she even need to act?Amelia already believed there was something more than friendship between the two of them.
It was too bad Mary knew it was all pretend.She would have enjoyed having him court her in earnest even if nothing came of it in the end.