Page 27 of The Viscount's Unwanted Bride
“I enjoy art.” She was tempted to elaborate, but drunk or not, he’d hurt her pride by not recalling what she looked like, and she wasn’t going to make this too easy for him.
He raised his teacup to his lips and drank. He must have found it to his liking, because he promptly took another mouthful. “What kind of art?”
“Drawing. Painting. Other types too.”
He nodded, and his gaze flicked to the window. “It’s no longer raining. Would you like to walk in the park with me?”
She hesitated. On the one hand, she should take advantage of this opportunity to get to know Lord Blackwell better so shecould decide what to do next, but on the other… “We would attract a lot of attention.”
The last thing she wanted was to feel everyone’s eyes on her again. Being stared at last night had been unpleasant enough.
But Lord Blackwell’s mouth lifted in the barest hint of a smile. “Perhaps that would be the most sensible way to get ahead of this.”
“How do you mean?”
He shrugged. “If we’re seen together today, then surely it makes yesterday’s incident seem less scandalous. We can act as if we’re courting and show that neither of us are concerned by any gossip.”
It was… actually not the worst plan she’d ever heard.
“Wait here,” she said, then got up and marched down to the other end of the room. “What do you think?” she asked Sophie.
Sophie blew air out the corner of her mouth. “His idea has merit.”
“I know,” she murmured. “But it will also cement any rumors that we’re courting.”
“Which would be more scandalous in the eyes of theton: a tryst or a broken engagement?” Sophie asked, her tone making it clear that she wasn’t sure and the question was genuine.
“I don’t know,” Kate admitted. “But I’m not marrying him upon the barest acquaintance—especially not with his reputation—so I suppose walking with him is at least a way to deepen our relationship, regardless of any consequences it might have.”
“I can be your chaperone,” Sophie said.
“Thank you.” Kate squeezed her shoulder, then rejoined Lord Blackwell. “I will walk with you, and Lady Sophie will chaperone us.”
Blackwell rose. “My carriage is outside. Will you need much time to prepare?”
“A little while.” Kate looked down at her dress. Her current attire wasn’t suitable for being outdoors during such cool weather.“I’ll have to change.”
“I’ll wait here.”
Kate sent a maid to inform her brother and mother of their plans, and she and Sophie went upstairs together. Sophie had brought a pelisse with her, and she wore walking shoes already, which was fortunate in the circumstances.
Margaret helped Kate change into a more appropriate dress and pelisse and don shoes that would survive the damp ground. She also packed an umbrella, since the last thing she wanted was to be soaked through if the weather turned again.
Back downstairs, Lord Blackwell was waiting for them patiently, but, to her surprise, none of her family had arrived to invite themselves along. She’d expected either Lady Drake or Andrew to have come snooping, but for some reason, they’d both kept their distance.
As Lord Blackwell escorted them out to his carriage, Sophie asked him how long he’d been in London and where his country residence was. He answered in clipped tones without offering any extra details. Sophie was a bright conversationalist, but beyond answering her questions, he didn’t carry on the thread of conversation or give her much to work with.
They reached the carriage, and he took Kate’s hand and helped her in. A frisson of awareness rushed through her as their skin brushed, but she did her best not to let it show on her face. She sat on the far side by the window, and Sophie took the spot beside her. Blackwell sat opposite, his back rigid. He was clearly uncomfortable.
The carriage rolled forward, jolting slightly before the horses found a smooth rhythm. Kate watched the streetside, wondering how many people had been peeking through their windowswhen they left the house, eager to spread gossip about her jaunt with Lord Blackwell.
Sophie remained uncharacteristically quiet, and Blackwell didn’t speak either. After several minutes, the silence grew almost painful.
Kate itched to say something—anything—to break it, but she didn’t know what. Blackwell was essentially a stranger to her. A stranger whom she might be forced by circumstances to marry. While she wasn’t shy, this situation wasn’t one she’d ever expected to be in, and she didn’t know the proper etiquette.
The carriage stopped at Hyde Park, and they waited for a footman to open the door. Blackwell climbed down, his long limbs moving gracefully, and assisted each woman as they disembarked.As she drew near him, she noticed that he didn’t have that little freckle she’d spotted on his chin last evening. Perhaps it had been a smudge rather than freckle.
Together, they turned and started along the pebbled path into the park. There were few others around, most likely because of the poor weather, but every person without fail stared at their little group when they noticed them coming.
