no harm could come from a short perambulation and a surreptitious peep at the lady. ‘You must be a little curious as to why her brother feels it necessary to sell her off like a horse,’ he had said.
‘Perhaps she looks like one.’
‘Well, shall we go and see?’
Harry took the opportunity while she chatted to Ash to study the young lady and came to the conclusion her brother had done her an injustice. Her unmade-up face was very pale and she was no beauty in the accepted sense, but she was far from plain; she had good bone structure, high cheeks and a determined chin. Her hair was a light brown and twisted up into a knot beneath her hat, but a few stray curls sat upon her forehead and two ringlets fell over her ears. He could not, walking beside her as he was, see her eyes and mouth, and for some reason he could not explain, he wished he could.
‘I believe you looked after your father before he died,’ he said.
She turned towards him to answer and he was faced with grey eyes beneath winged brows, which clearly told of sorrow and worry, but behind that was a hint of humour and determination. He wondered how he had managed to read so much in a pair of eyes, but he knew he was right. And there was a slight upward tilt to her mouth. How much would it take to make her laugh? he wondered.
‘Yes, my mother died over seven years ago.’
‘My condolences.’
‘Thank you.’
‘You have never married?’
‘No.’ Her answer was clipped.
‘And now you are alone?’
‘I have Max.’
‘Yes, indeed. I understand he has a wife and family.’
‘Yes.’
‘Will you make your home with them?’
He saw the slight shudder of her shoulders, which told him more than words that she did not view the prospect with any pleasure. ‘It is one possibility. I have yet to decide.’
‘There are others?’
‘I believe so.’
‘Then I wish you well.’
‘Thank you.’
‘My sister is considering a post as a lady’s companion,’ Max put in, making Rosamund give him a furious look. He appeared oblivious to it and went on, ‘But I am not sure it would suit her.’
‘I am sure it would not,’ Harry murmured.
‘It is not too late for her to marry,’ Max continued. ‘But being in mourning, she cannot go to balls and routs and places where she might meet eligible gentlemen, so we are at an impasse.’
‘Max!’ Rosamund rounded on him. ‘I am sure his lordship and Sir Ashley are not interested in my problems.’
‘On the contrary,’ Ash said. ‘I, for one, am interested. It seems to me that it is a very unjust world that condemns women to a life of dependence and when that dependence is withdrawn, to find themselves in sorry straits. I marvel at their fortitude and resilience to make what they can of their circumstances. Miss Chalmers, you have my sympathy. Do you not say so, Harry?’
Harry was as furious with Ash as Rosamund was with Max, but he could only answer politely. ‘Indeed, yes.’
Rosamund opened her mouth to make a sharp retort and shut it again. She began to walk very fast, head up and shoulders back and hoped that would be enough to show them how displeased she was. She was convinced that her brother had brought her out on purpose to meet these two: the rugged naval type with the easy manner and the exquisite popinjay who seemed to be able to keep up with her in spite of his high heels.
Sir Ashley was a pleasant gentleman, but he seemed to be in collusion with her brother, but what of Lord Portman? His vanity was palpable. It was plain he spent a great deal of money with his tailor, his wigmaker and his shoemaker and he seemed to be well known for, even in Green Park, he bowed frequently to others out for a stroll. He could hardly enjoy being seen in company with her, and yet he had not fallen behind as Ash and Max had done.
‘Have you done quizzing me, my lord?’ she asked.
‘Lud! I have not meant to quiz you, ma’am. I have simply been making polite conversation. If you do not care for it, I shall remain silent.’
‘No, for you may answer my questions now.’
‘With pleasure, ma’am.’
‘How long have you known my brother?’
‘I have had the honour of his acquaintance since yesterday afternoon, though I believe Sir Ashley has known him longer.’
‘And in that time you have become familiar with my affairs. I wonder at Max being so forward.’
‘It came about when Ash offered his condolences on the demise of Sir Joshua and Sir Maximilian explained how you had been left.’
‘Which he had no business to do.’
‘No doubt he feels responsible for you, since your father has not provided for you.’
‘I suppose he told you that too?’
‘Why, yes. I assume, being concerned, he was in a mood for confidences.’
‘And who suggested we should meet this afternoon?’
He wondered whether to deny anyone had, but realised she was too astute to believe it. ‘Why, I do not exactly recall. It might have been your brother, but it might have been Sir Ashley…’
‘Not you?’
‘No, certainly not me.’
‘Out of uninterest?’
‘Now, how am I to answer that? To say yes would not be chivalrous, would it? And to say no would imply a certain curiosity and that, too, would not be chivalrous. I beg you excuse me from answering.’
He was gratified to see her lips twitch into a smile. ‘You are excused.’
‘Your brother said you would like to marry.’
‘That was his idea, not mine.’
‘Why not? Do you prefer to be single?’
‘My lord, that is a foolish question and I will not answer it. And I thought we had decided you would cease your questions and answer mine.’
‘I beg your pardon.’
‘Are you married?’
‘No.’
‘There, you see! You prefer to be single. Why is it different for men? They can boast of being bachelors, but women must be ashamed of being spinsters.’
He
