Page 23 of Trapped with the Earl of Sin

As she laced up her boots, her thoughts kept drifting back to Martin and their shared determination to uncover the truth about Edwin. Thank goodness he cared about Luke just as much as she did Mary.

As Susanna descended the stairs, she sought out Mary. Luke was standing right beside her, of course. They had almost been inseparable in the run-up to the wedding. But he was not the only one waiting in riding gear. Martin was there too, as was Edwin.

Was this really happening?

Was Edwin about to come riding with them?

Susanna was not sure if she should be worried about this or pleased because it was an opportunity to see where his head was. She might be given a better chance to understand what his plan was—ifthere was anything to worry about, of course…

Susanna caught Martin’s eye and spotted the same bubble of confusion flowing through his gaze.

What on earth were they going to do?

“Ah, there you are,” Luke declared, looking blissfully happy. “I like your riding gear, Susanna. Shall we go to the stables?”

Susanna nodded and followed the crowd. Martin was close to her, but she could not speak to him. There were many things she wanted to say to him, but she was afraid of being overheard.

Especially because Edwin seemed far too close to the pair of them for her liking. His presence felt creepy, he was causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on edge.

“I cannot recall the last time I went riding with you, my lord.” Edwin chuckled as he tried to act overly friendly. “It must have been while we were children.”

“Hmm, perhaps,” Martin agreed. Somehow, he managed to sound like he was not irritated by Edwin’s presence, which surprised Susanna. “I cannot remember myself.”

“You are just so very busy these days, from what I hear. Too busy to even participate in the Seasons and Society events.”

Martin gritted his teeth. Susanna was starting to see what he looked like when he was actually annoyed. “That is simply not my scene.”

“And how do you think you will ever find a lady to marry with that attitude?”

“Haveyoumanaged to find someone yet?”

Uh oh.

Panic seized Susanna in a vice-like grip.

She did not think it was the best idea for Martin to outright challenge Edwin like that. They had not even climbed onto the horses yet.

Edwin frowned. A redness stained his cheeks as he automatically glanced Mary’s way. It seemed like he could not even hide his feelings when he had to.

“I have not yet been lucky enough to find a lady I find captivating enough to marry,” Edwin admitted in a self-pitying manner that disgusted Susanna. She was not buying it at all. “But I am sure it will not take me long to find the one. Especially if I attend all the dances that I am expected to. If I continue to accept every invite that comes my way, I am sure to find her.”

Not long… I am sure it will not take me long…

What was that supposed to mean?

It was not the most incriminating comment he could have made, but it certainly put Susanna on edge. It seemed like he was trying to get a rise out of Martin, but it was her skin he had managed to get under. She did not like this. Not one bit.

“I am sure whoever you find will be a very lucky lady,” Martin responded. It seemed like he had decided against getting into this battle of wills with Edwin. Arguing with him was only going to push him further away and perhaps prevent them from talking again. “Especially if she sees your dance moves.”

“Hey! My dance teacher used to tell me that I was the best in the class.” Edwin chuckled good-naturedly. “I am the perfect gentleman on the dance floor. Just ask Mary, I have danced with her a number of times over the years.”

Thankfully, Martin did not bring Mary into the conversation, which came as a big relief to Susanna. Since she was clearly having a nice time with Luke, there was no need to distract them. Especially because it would be giving Edwin exactly what he seemed to want… Mary’s attention.

Susanna could not tell if Edwin was upset or annoyed by this. He hid his expressions well, which was not helpful for Susanna. She wanted him to give hersomething.

“Well, it seems that it is time to choose our horses,” Martin declared, changing the subject rapidly. “This should be a lot of fun.”

“Oh my!” Susanna mouthed to Martin as soon as Edwin took a step ahead of them. He seemed just as alarmed as she was.

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