“I shan’t repeat our argument, Blackmoor. I will simply remind you that Stanhope and I are friends. We have been for years. Just as you have been, I might remind you. Yes, he’s a rake. Yes, he prides himself on his dastardly reputation. But you and I both know that he’s more bark than bite, and that he is approximately as likely as you are to do damage to either me or my character.” Her tone turned teasing. “If you’re allowed to defend Penelope’s honor, do I not deserve the same chance to defend Freddie?”

The noncommittal grunt he released was the closest he would come to admitting that Alex was right in this case, but when she heard it she knew she had won. For now.

Allowing a few moments to pass, she turned and asked impishly, “Tell me, my lord, in all seriousness, when will I get a chance to drive this gig?”

He laughed before responding, “In all seriousness, my lady, not any time in the near future.”

nine

Your mother allowed you to forgo an outing that would have brought you closer to marriage to go riding with Blackmoor?” Ella’s eyes were enormous in their amazement.

One side of Alex’s mouth turned up. “Indeed. When she asked me who I’d chosen, Gavin stepped in and convinced her it was all for the best because we would see a number of the men in question on our ride, and I could make ‘an informed decision by the light of day as to who I would consider a potential husband.’ She agreed without protest. It really was quite marvelous. What about you two? How did you fare on the morning after?” Alex looked from Ella to Vivi as they walked across Hyde Park meadow searching for the perfect spot to picnic in the midday sun.

Vivi spoke first. “I received callers all afternoon, which was as uninspiring as one would imagine, considering that both of my aunts swooped in to chaperone the entire event.” Alex and Ella groaned in sympathy as Vivi went on. “Individually, they’re tolerable, but as a pair, they’re completely insufferable. They simpered over every eligible male who entered the house with a complete disregard for personality or motive. It appears all they’re hoping for is a heartbeat. I’ve never been happier to see my father as I was when he came home and ended the whole fiasco.”

“So you didn’t receive a visit from The One, I’m guessing?” Ella asked drily.

Vivi laughed and shook her head. “I certainly hope not!” Pointing to a sunny rise in the meadow nearby, perfectly situated under an enormous oak, she suggested, “I think that looks like the perfect spot for a picnic.”

Alex agreed, “And it’s in a line of sight to the entrance to the park, which means Nick and Kit will find us easily.”

The girls continued chatting happily as two footmen spread a large square of linen on the warm green grass and set stakes at its corners to anchor it in the spring breeze. One set a large wicker basket that he had carried from the carriage on the edge of the square, stood, and spoke. “My ladies, your picnic is ready.”

Vivi turned with a smile. “Thank you, George. And you, John. This is lovely. There’s no need for you to stand on ceremony…please, enjoy this wonderful day.” With short bows to the girls, the two footmen moved several yards off to join the girls’ ladies’ maids, who were acting as chaperones for the afternoon. The servants opened a second basket of food and began their own afternoon luncheon.

The girls had just settled down and started unpacking the picnic basket when they heard a loud noise from across the meadow and saw Nick and Kit running toward them with no regard for decorum. Alex shook her head, watching them. “Boys. A shilling says that Nick challenged Kit to a race.”

Ella looked up from her task and grinned. “Kit will win, as always.”

“And Nick will pout, as always.” Vivi looked out across the meadow in the direction from which the boys had come. “It looks like someone else came with them…” She squinted in the sunlight to make out the figure. “Is that Lord Stanhope?”

Alex shielded her eyes in the midmorning sun and attempted to make out the features on the young man in the distance. “It certainly is Stanhope…I had better be careful,” she said, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Blackmoor thinks I’m in danger of spending too much time with him.”

Ella settled onto the blanket and smoothed her skirts before beginning to unpack the luncheon from the basket. “Yet another double standard. Rakes are too dangerous as companions to women, but when there are other men nearby, they’re perfectly acceptable…as long as they have a title.”

Vivi looked at her friend thoughtfully. “I think perhaps Stanhope is a rake willing to be reformed.”

“If you’re suggesting what I think you’re suggesting”—Alex stared wide-eyed at her friend—“your brain is obviously addled.”

“Think what you will.” Vivi smiled smugly. “I wager I’ll be proven right before the afternoon is through.”

A smart retort was left on the tip of Alex’s tongue as Kit flew up the rise and nearly crashed into the massive oak. Turning quickly, he leaned back against the tree with his arms crossed and made a show of looking bored as Nick tore up behind him.

“Oh, Nick, you’re here at last. We were just wondering what had happened to you.”

Nick glared at his brother while he caught his breath. “I’ll get you next time—I didn’t eat much of a breakfast today.”

“Is that your excuse for all the other times you’ve lost to him in a footrace?” Alex said teasingly. “Really, Nick…I should think you’d have learned your lesson by now. He’s faster than you.”