never know. And you will have to enforce this policy yourself. Lady Bea will be no help—she is not the strictest of chaperones. In fact, she’s more likely to urge you into Robbie’s arms than out of them.”
“I really do not need a chaperone.”
“Hmm. An adequate chaperone would have kept you from your encounter with Robbie in the bushes. Be certain to stay out of Tynweith’s gardens.”
“Of course.”
Meg nodded. “Right. Then at the same time you are frustrating Robbie by keeping your distance, you must convince him you are in danger of contracting another alliance. He must expect that anyway after his recent behavior. You most certainly do not want to give him the impression you are pining for him.”
“All right.” That was going to be difficult, since she was pining for him. “In whom am I supposed to be interested?”
“Whoever would most annoy Robbie. Unfortunately, you do not have a wide selection at this house party.” Meg grinned. “How about Mr. Dodsworth?”
“Mr. Dodsworth! Have you spoken to Mr. Dodsworth?”
“Well, no. It is rather difficult to squeeze a word into the man’s equine monologues. I have listened to him, however.”
“Really?”
Meg’s grin widened. “For a few moments. I have become adept at appearing fascinated by a gentleman’s conversation while thinking of something else entirely. It’s all in the gaze. If you fix your eyes on the man and nod occasionally, he thinks you are hanging on his every word. I’ll be happy to teach you the trick. It’s what got me through many an interminable dinner party.”
“Well, Robbie would never believe I was interested in Mr. Dodsworth.”
Meg laughed. “True. Perhaps Lord Peter? He is quite the Adonis.”
Lizzie wrinkled her nose. “And he knows it. No, he is much too beautiful for my tastes.”
“Then how about our host, Lord Tynweith?”
“Too old. He must have close to forty years in his dish.” Lizzie was not enthusiastic about approaching any of the men at the house party—well, she was not enthusiastic about approaching any man other than Robbie. She must get over her reluctance. “Perhaps Mr. Parker-Roth would do.”
“Who is Mr. Parker-Roth?”
“One of Robbie’s friends. He’s here—he just arrived late.”
“Well, if he is Robbie’s friend, he will not do at all.”
“He won’t? Why not? He may not have a title, but his family is old and wealthy.”
“That’s not the problem. If Mr. Parker-Roth is a friend, Robbie will either feel he is a good match for you and step aside, or he’ll know the man would never steal a woman he wanted and not feel threatened. We want Robbie worried. We want to provoke him to action.”
Lizzie contemplated the action she would most like Robbie provoked to. She straightened her spine and forced herself to contemplate Meg’s plan instead.
“I’ll try.”
“Splendid.” Meg stood and smoothed her skirt. “You should begin immediately. It is time to get ready for dinner. Choose one of your more revealing gowns.”
Dinner? Lizzie hugged herself tightly. “I don’t believe…” How could she sit down to the same table with Robbie? “I have a slight headache. I think I’ll have a tray sent up to my room.”
Meg glowered at her. “You can’t hide in your room, Lizzie. Lady Dunlee, Lady Felicity, the duchess—they will all remark on your absence.”
“Let them.” The thought of seeing Robbie again made Lizzie’s stomach heave. She would not be able to swallow a morsel.
“Absolutely not. They are dying for the opportunity to gossip about you. You cannot allow them that pleasure. You must act as if nothing out of the ordinary has occurred.”
The thought of facing those harpies further unsettled her stomach.
“I’m not certain I can.”
“Of course you can. You have to. I will be there to lend you my support and Lady Bea”—Meg paused, and then shrugged—“Lady Bea will be there also. We can only hope she has not imbibed too much brandy.”
“I shall certainly avoid the ratafia.”
“I would hope so.” Meg headed for the door. “Remember, choose one of your most revealing gowns.”
“Meg…”
“No, Lizzie. Stiffen your spine. Think of it as a game, if you must. Or a punishment. It sounds to me as if Robbie deserves a little suffering after his behavior in the bushes.”
“Well, yes.” Robbie should definitely not have behaved as he had. He’d probably not given it a thought after she left him—at least once his face had stopped stinging.
“I believe the azure blue silk would be just the thing—and perhaps I will have Betty make an strategic adjustment or two.”
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