A Dash of Scandal(79)

“Hmm. You’re right. Since we’re only thinking in possibilities, I guess if it were a woman she could quickly open a window and place the items outside and come back later and pick them up.”

“Or even if it were a man he could do that or hand them to an accomplice who’s waiting outside. That would be one way to get them out of the house without anyone seeing him.” He stopped and smiled. “Or her.”

“Tonight at the parties, let’s both make lists of all ladies and gentlemen we think are tall enough to be the thief, and then we can compare notes.”

He chuckled. “You and your notes.”

They arrived at the carriage and Millicent turned toward him. He was reluctant to let her go. He wanted to continue holding her. When he looked down into her eyes, he realized from somewhere deep inside himself, he yearned for her. And maybe it was arrogant of him, but he sensed she desired him as much as he wanted her.

“Do you know how badly I want to kiss you?”

She sighed peacefully. “I believe you have already mentioned that today. Twice. Chandler, you have wanted to kiss many young ladies in your life.”

Her words sobered him. How could he let her know that she was not just one of many? She was special. He couldn’t explain it to her, because he didn’t understand it himself.

“I suppose it is difficult for me to live down my past.”

She gave him a smile filled with pleasure. “It’s not necessary. I have enjoyed every kiss, every touch. And we have had very good luck not getting caught, but your antics must end. I must guard my reputation so that I will be able to go back home without scandal. Do not take this foolishness of slipping around to see me any further.”

“Millicent.”

“Let me finish, for this is important.”

He nodded.

“We have teased about a great many things today, and I have enjoyed it immensely. Now, I must insist that you not seek me out in secret again. Let me return home with the good reputation I brought to London.”

He had no argument. He wasn’t prepared to offer for her hand, so it was time for him to respect her wishes. He cared for Millicent, he admitted to himself, and he didn’t want to hurt her or her reputation.

“As you wish, my lovely lady, so it shall be. I will see you only at proper occasions.”

He gave her a quick, easy grin and wondered if she realized it was completely false. He reached for her hand and helped her into the carriage.

“Chandler.”

Damn.

He took a deep breath and turned to face Lady Lambsbeth. Annoyance pricked the back of Chandler’s neck. With all the people in the park, how did she happen upon them? Chandler had hoped that after their meeting the other evening that Lady Lambsbeth would seek the attentions of someone else. He didn’t want Lady Lambsbeth near Millicent.

“What a delightful surprise to see you here. How are you, Chandler?”

“Quite well,” he said stiffly.

“So, you’ve been out for a stroll this lovely afternoon.” She looked over his shoulder to Millicent. “And with such a fair young lady by your side. What a dandy you are.”

Fair? Chandler bristled. Millicent was more than fair. Millicent’s naturally innocent manner and beauty were what men’s dreams were made of.

“As I recall,” Lady Lambsbeth continued, “you didn’t use to enjoy coming to any of the parks. There were other places you’d rather spend your afternoons.”

Anger shot through Chandler, but he was determined not to let it show in front of Millicent. “If you’ll excuse me, Lady Lambsbeth, we were just leaving.”

She placed her open hand on his upper arm and gently pressed his muscles. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your companion?”

He lifted his arm away from her touch. “No, I don’t believe I will.”

“Ah—how rude of you, Chandler. Last year you almost had me convinced you were a gentleman.”

“Did I? How clever of me. I seldom consider myself a gentleman.”

“Well, if we can’t call men like you gentlemen, what exactly are you called?” she asked, pouting her lips suggestively.

“Unforgiving. Good day, madam.”

Chandler climbed onto the curricle and took his place beside Millicent. The groom handed him the ribbons and he immediately snapped them against the horse’s rump. The grays took off, leaving Lady Lambsbeth standing alone with her sensuous mouth agape.