Page 36 of Tempting the Earl

He stared intently back at her for a moment. Long enough to make her intensely aware of herself. “I think you’d enjoy yourself.”

“I’m not here to enjoy myself, Lord Wright.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how stubborn and unforgiving they sounded.

But he simply gave a subtle bow of his head as he replied, “Nevertheless.”

Chapter Twelve

Two days later, Ainsworth still hadn’t gotten around to sending her regrets to Mrs. Bentley’s invitation. And she was swiftly running out of time as the kind woman was coming by that afternoon to take her and Caillie shopping.

They’d planned the excursion while making their good-byes after dinner last week and Ainsworth distinctly recalled Mrs. Bentley mentioning she’d need to stop off at her dressmaker’s for a quick fitting.

It would provide the perfect opportunity to purchase a new gown. A gown that might be appropriate for an earl’s engagement party.

Still, it felt like such an extravagance.

Not that she couldn’t afford such a purchase if she wanted. The dowry her father had set aside for her would have been more than enough to earn her a very well-positioned husband and when combined with the inheritance from her mother, she had more than enough funds to last a lifetime considering their simple lifestyle in Dumfriesshire. A single gown certainly wouldn’t put a significant dent in their finances. But that wasn’t the point, was it?

And the point was what, exactly?

She could have excused her reluctance as insecurity. Though she’d been given all the tools necessary for a social come out, she’d never actually been presented. Her father’s death and the transfer of the barony to Angus then Caillie’s birth and Davina’s death had all put a rather hard stop to her planned debut. She’d never attended a formal party before. And for her first to be one that included sophisticated lords and ladies of London—no matter how informal—was enough to intimidate anyone.

But Ainsworth wasn’t easily intimidated and she honestly didn’t really care what others might think of her lack of polish.

No, as she analyzed the true motivation for her resistance, she feared it was far more self-pitying and ridiculous.

The truth was, the earl’s words in the garden had rung far too true. She didn’t want to go to the party because she very stubbornly didn’t want to enjoy herself in this world to which she was likely soon to lose Caillie.

As soon as she acknowledged the spiteful truth, she realized she was hurting only herself.

Perhaps it was time to start accepting what she’d been so intent on fighting. If Caillie’s destiny was here in London with her brothers, then perhaps it would only do Ainsworth good to establish some links here as well, so she could have more opportunities to visit.

A feeling like a punch to the stomach stopped her breath. It was something she suspected she’d have to get used to. But that same focused drive which had motivated her to build a new life out of nothing at Faeglen also urged her not to dwell on the pain these new changes would cause her. In the end, all that mattered was what was best for Caillie.

And as difficult as it was to even consider, Ainsworth was seriously starting to think that might be the earl.

Though she might not attend the engagement party, she could certainly bring herself to enjoy a day of shopping with good company. Caillie’s infectious excitement definitely helped in that regard. The lass was thrilled at the opportunity to see more of the city.

Mrs. Bentley arrived promptly at the appointed hour in a smart carriage painted a royal blue with black trim. Since she and Caillie were already in the entry hall donning their bonnets when the vehicle pulled up out front, they made it outside before Mrs. Bentley could step down from the elegant conveyance.

Spotting their approach through the open carriage door, Mrs. Bentley flashed a smile as Caillie bounded toward her. The lass’s enthusiasm was undeniably evident. “Oh, hello. I would have come to the door for you.”

Ainsworth smiled in return. “Dinnae fash yerself, Mrs. Bentley. I wouldnae’ve been able to hold her back even if I’d tried.”

“Aside from the park, this is our first real outing,” the girl explained as a young groom stepped forward to help them into the carriage.

“Then I’m quite honored to be your guide today,” the lady replied.

Ainsworth followed Caillie into the well-appointed vehicle and noted that Mrs. Bentley wasn’t the only occupant. As they settled into their seats and the carriage door was closed, Mrs. Bentley nodded to the dark-haired young lady beside her. “Allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Lily Chadwick. Lily, this is Miss Ainsworth Morgan and Roderick’s sister, Miss Cailleach Claybourne.”

Miss Chadwick gave them a warm smile that softened her grey eyes to a lovely misty shade. “A true pleasure to meet you both. I’m so glad you’re able to join us today.”

Though Mrs. Bentley was fair and somewhat willowy in form, her sister had rich brown hair and a fuller figure. But they were both lovely and graceful in a way Ainsworth could never aspire to be.

“Lovely to meet you,” Caillie said readily.

“Likewise,” Ainsworth noted before asking, “Are you due the congratulations on the recent betrothal or is there another sister?”

While the young lady blushed a pretty pink, it was Mrs. Bentley who answered. “I do have another sister but you’re correct, it is Lily who will soon marry the Earl of Harte,” she noted with gentle smile toward her sister.

---