Dangerous in Diamonds - Madeline Hunter [24]
“If you insist, I will question your motives, which are already suspicious, sir. I will also remind you that you said I could refuse you anything, and you would not hold it against me. I assume that as a gentleman you meant it.”
“I don’t remember saying that. I am sure you are mistaken. It doesn’t sound like me at all.”
“You remember well enough when you choose. It was the last thing you said at the end of our dinner.”
“How careless of me. I am never so rashly generous.”
The air was getting thick with words unspoken and implications layering high. She prayed that she would not blush again, but his long, knowing gaze provoked scandalous little thrills that dismayed her.
“I will write to Celia this evening and arrange to visit with her. New husband notwithstanding, she will be agreeable.”
He dismissed her intention with an irritated flip of his hand. “I have a better solution, one to which you can not object. Summerhays has offered the use of his family house on Park Lane. Since he and his wife have gone to the coast and his mother has gone down to the country, you will have both comfort and privacy there, with all necessary proprieties in place.”
He had planned this thoroughly, she realized. Perhaps plotted it for days. He had been leading her to this exact spot with the entire conversation. “I doubt that Lord Sebastian made this offer on impulse. What did you do to encourage him?”
“I may have written and mentioned I had met you and that I thought that you would be coming up to town for a fortnight.”
“A week, you said.”
“In my letter I expressed concern, since London in summer can be unhealthy. He responded that you must use their house. Since it faces the park, the air is quite cool and always fresh. He said Lady Sebastian would write to you and extend the invitation.” He leaned forward to take a little cake. “Her letter probably arrived in Cumberworth today.” He popped the cake in his mouth.
He looked pleased with himself and content that he had arranged her next week to his liking. Which he had. She did not have the confidence in his character to believe that, if she thwarted his plans, he would still be generous. He knew it too. He counted on his reputation leaving her unsure of him.
“You promise that you will turn your mind to this matter with discipline if I come to town?”
“I count on you permitting me to think about little else while you are here. Now, since you sound agreeable, let us go find Miss Johnson. I need to return to the hell where I suffer the tortures of the damned.”
He escorted her out of the breezy chamber, through the luxurious public rooms, down the stairs, and out to the terrace. In the garden, Katherine was pointing to a rosebush while she spoke, and earnest Mr. Edwards was scribbling in his little ledger book.
He saw his employer and brought Katherine back to the terrace. Katherine appeared quite calm. The garden had soothed her misgivings, it seemed.
Castleford took Mr. Edwards aside for a few words. Katherine sidled close to Daphne. “Why did you not tell me that you brought me so I could have my first chance to advise on gardens and plants for a grand house? I am grateful that you have such confidence in me already.”
Daphne noticed how Mr. Edwards was showing his garden notes to Castleford, who appeared bored to death. “I wanted to surprise you.”
Castleford came over and took his leave of them. Then Mr. Edwards approached. “I have the honor to ensure that both you ladies are seen safely to your respective homes. His Grace instructed that we first go to Park Lane, Mrs. Joyes, and leave you there.”
“I have a carriage. Nor will I take residence on Park Lane for a day or so. Your escort will not be necessary. You may return to His Grace.”
The young man’s face fell in dismay. “Your carriage was released an hour ago, Mrs. Joyes. On the duke’s command.” He consulted his little ledger and ticked off his orders. “Before we joined you, His Grace explained my duties. I am to take you to Park Lane, then Miss Johnson to Cumberworth—I am to ride alongside His Grace’s coach,