Page 27 of Introducing Miss Joanna (Once a Wallflower 2)

“You seem not to have suffered any effects from that business concerning the Prince Regent,” he said. “I trust I am right?”

“Yes, thanks to you. Nor did my maid. Have they found the person who shot at the royal coach?”

“I don’t believe so.”

They strolled beneath a majestic flowering tree, the air scented with sweet blossom. “What a magnificent specimen,” Jo observed. The crabapple reminded her of her garden at home.

“I am flattered.”

She gave a gurgle of amusement. “I referred to the tree.” Reade was being deliberately provocative tonight. She would like to think he came to find her because he liked to be with her but couldn’t quite believe that was all it was. She suspected he did nothing without an aim. The thought slightly unnerved her.

“Then, I am cut to the quick.”

She smiled. “I believe you shall recover, my lord.”

“Reade.”

She nodded, wondering what he meant by such intimacy. They strolled on through the gardens beneath the flickering lanterns. They were not entirely alone. Other couples with the same aim had deserted the overheated house. The air was soft and pleasant, a slight breeze swaying the branches.

“It’s a wonderful garden,” Jo said for want of something to break the silence which had settled between them.

“It is a pleasant facsimile of nature. Not equal to the countryside.” He strolled, not rushing her off her feet this time. “Living in a polluted city has its drawbacks. Once the heat of the summer arrives, most leave the city for the country.”

He sounded disillusioned. Did he prefer the country? She’d thought him a man more suited to town life. She glanced up at him, curious to know what lay behind his words. But attempting to read his thoughts was impossible. She was sure now that he had a reason to be here beyond escaping the heat of the house, and it was not to pay his attentions to her. Something weightier had crept into their conversation. She imagined she’d learn what it was soon enough.

The path led them to a stretch of lawn, silvery in the moonlight. Reade paused, a foot on the step leading up to an ornate gazebo. He went no further, as two people occupied it, standing close together. “Your father leased Lord Pleasant’s house for the Season?”

Astonished, she stared at him. “Yes. Why do you ask?” What interest could it possibly be to him?

They stepped out of the shadows, and she saw that impenetrable expression on his face again. To understand him felt like attempting to scale a high stone wall.

“Why did your father come to London?”

She scowled at him. “Does he need a reason?” She’d been right, she thought, disappointed. He was not here to steal a kiss. But what? Her chest grew tight. To learn something from her. “We came for my debut.”

“And only that?”

“Isn’t that reason enough?” she asked, eyeing him. Disliking his silence, she continued, “My father inherited some money. He always hoped to honor his promise to my mother for me to make my Come-out. Mama considered it important. She came from a good family.”

“Where did this newfound wealth come from?”

She gaped at him. What business was it of his? She was so flabbergasted, she rushed to her father’s defense. “He was the beneficiary of a distant relative’s will. You might consult our solicitor if you doubt us.”

He ignored her, not doubt considering her outburst unreasonable. “Your father has been to London before?”

“Many times, I imagine. But some years ago. Why do you ask?”

The couple abandoned the gazebo. Laughing together, they came toward them on the path. After they passed, Reade took her arm and drew her reluctantly along with him up the rise. “I apologize for these questions, but I need to know.”

“You might tell me why,” she said again. “My family must be the most uninteresting people in London. My father is a decent man,” she added grittily.

“I don’t doubt he is.”

“You are most mysterious, Lord Reade.”

“I fear you must find me so.”

---