A Dash of Scandal(74)

“Tell me about your family, Millicent. Who was your father—other than the man who married your mother?”

“The person who is employing me thought it best if no one knows about me. For many reasons I can’t explain, I must keep it that way.”

Chandler nodded to an acquaintance and a few moments later waved to a friend in military uniform who passed them on horseback before giving his attention back to Millicent.

His expression was composed as he said, “You plead a good case.”

“It’s not just for me. There are others I must consider.”

“Do you know what the rumor is in Town about you?”

Millicent looked at him and laughed softly, playfully. There was no doubt in her mind that Chandler Prestwick, the earl of Dunraven, captivated her. If only he wasn’t so charming, she would allow herself to be completely entranced by him and allow him to take her heart. If only she weren’t working for her aunt. If only he wasn’t a rogue. Oh, if only there weren’t so many if onlys where Chandler was concerned.

“Of course I know what people are saying about me. I wouldn’t be very good at my employment if I didn’t know the answer to that. I’m considered a poor young lady from the country whose ailing mother imposed on an old acquaintance to give her daughter a Season in London in hopes of making a good match. Did I cover everything?”

“You are in the know.”

“It’s not difficult.”

Millicent slowly twirled the handle of her parasol between her hands and looked at the people and the buildings they passed. How could she not enjoy this sun-drenched afternoon riding in a carriage with Chandler?

“What do you think about what is being said about me? Do you think any of it is true?” she asked with a flirtatious lilt lacing her voice.

He looked at her with a mixture of amusement and cautious insight in his blue eyes. “I think you would marry only for love, not just to make a suitable match.”

She laughed again, more sweetly than before. “You are so very good at saying exactly what a lady wants to hear, my lord. You must have had a wonderful teacher.”

“Experience was my teacher. But am I right about you?”

“Decidedly so. I’ve turned down offers because I didn’t love the gentlemen who asked me to marry them.”

He threw a glance her way. “More than one, I see?”

“Hmm,” she answered without acknowledging she had turned down three offers.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

They rode in silence for a few moments, listening only to the sounds of the busy streets, the creaks of carriage wheels, and the snorts of the horses.

Chandler said, “You don’t have to mention names, but tell me about your family.”

He wasn’t going to let it go, and she wasn’t going to give in. She found it impossible to resist his kisses, but on this subject she must remain firm. She would not jeopardize her aunt’s livelihood.

“It’s respectable.”

“I can see that no matter how hard I press you that’s all I’m going to get out of you?”

“Because of what I’m doing anonymity is essential. I honor it and I ask that you do, too.”

“All right. I’ll accept that, for now, but I don’t know for how long.”

His last two words were more muttered than spoken, and suddenly Millicent wondered if she should consider them a warning.

***

Chandler guided the horse through the west gate and onto the lane that led toward the Serpentine. Their curricle fell in line behind a fancy closed carriage that was driven by a liveried driver and drawn by a matching set of bays. The grassy areas of the park were packed with distinctively dressed gentlemen and elegantly fashioned ladies. Those wishing to see and be seen strolled the vast grounds while others rode horseback or drove carriages.

Chandler came to the park only because the ladies enjoyed it. Yet again he had the feeling that he’d much rather be riding in the countryside of one of his estates than the bustling Hyde Park.

The traffic was much too thick for his liking as he queued with the other carriages, so he said, “Let’s park over there and take a walk. All right with you?”

“I’d love it,” she answered.

As soon as the groom had hold of the horses, Chandler jumped down from the curricle and reached for Millicent. He saw uncertainty in her eyes. He wondered if she was worrying about how he’d behave, or that one day he wouldn’t take no for an answer when he asked about her family. And he’d given her plenty of reason to wonder. He wouldn’t take no for an answer much longer.