Finally, she ventured a gentle question. “You seem troubled, Your Grace. Is this about the house party?”
His shoulders lifted in a subtle shrug. “It’s always about that house party these days,” he admitted, then gave her a quick half smile. “We can talk once we’re walking.”
Soon enough, they arrived at Hyde Park, and he handed her down from the carriage. The maid followed a discreet distance behind as they set off along one of the broad paths.
A mild breeze rustled the leaves overhead. Charlotte breathed in the scent of grass and daisies, acutely aware of her arm tucked into Henry’s. It felt oddly intimate, although she tried not to read too much into it.
He slowed his pace, glancing her way. “Thank you for coming. I… wanted to say I appreciate what you and your friends are doing.”
She tilted her head, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“William told me you wanted your friends to attend,” Henry said, lowering his voice so it wouldn’t carry. “I know you find these social gatherings difficult. He suggested that having more allies would help me navigate my mother’s matchmaking efforts. I’m relieved to have some support.”
When she didn’t reply, Henry’s eyes cut across to her. “William said you and your friends were aware of this plan?”
Her heart sank a little, but she kept her tone light. “Yes, of course. We’re happy to help. Thank you for inviting them. It will make the party much more comfortable for me. If we can help spare you from some overly eager debutantes, all the better.” The practical side of her was glad he acknowledged the ruse, but it also confirmed he had no personal interest in a wife at the moment.
Or in her.
In fact, he seemed to see her as an ally in his plan to not obtain a wife.
She suppressed a groan at how wrong their plans had gone.
He nodded, guiding her around a bend on the path. “I feel cornered. Mother arranged this entire thing, and now every family with a daughter is talking about it. My only defense is to invite enough people that I’m not the sole focus of their matchmaking hopes. Your willingness to help makes the prospect a bit less harrowing.”
She mustered a smile. It was lovely that Henry saw her as a friend and ally, and once that would have been enough. But now, she wanted more.
She tried to speak casually. “It’s good news for me, too, Your Grace. My friends can also help me dodge Sir Roger’s attentions.” A tiny pang struck her at how calmly they were discussing the dodging of romantic interactions. But she also knew if his mother forced him to choose a bride, he’d resent it.Better for me to help him than to see him married to someone else.Perhaps that was the most she could hope for.
They walked on. Dappled light fell across the path, and a few people they passed nodded respectfully at them. As they reached the trees, a young woman in a flamboyant pink dress appeared, escorted by an older lady. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the duke, and she hurried forward.
“Your Grace,” she exclaimed with an overly sweet smile. “How wonderful to see you. We’re looking forward to receiving your invitation soon, I trust?”
Henry tightened his jaw, returning her curtsy with a curt bow. “Good day, Miss…?”
“Brighton,” she supplied, batting her eyelashes. “Mother and I have heard such delightful things about Arundel Park.”
Charlotte remained silent, though the girl cast her a curious glance, her eyes narrowing.
The mother beamed, adding, “We’re quite eager to join you in the country, Your Grace.”
Henry’s politeness was very nearly frosty. “I’m sure the invitations will go out shortly. Enjoy your walk.” He then guided Charlotte past them before they could press him further. Charlotte saw the girl’s disgruntled look, and she shot Charlotte an envious glare.
Once they were out of earshot, Charlotte suppressed a laugh. “She was… enthusiastic.”
A weariness shadowed his features. “This is precisely what I’m dreading. Multiply that by a dozen or more, all hoping I’ll propose. I’ll need every ally I can get.”
She tapped her free hand lightly against his arm. “We will assist as we can.”
They strolled a bit farther. The shade of the trees was cool on her cheek. “I’ve always loved Arundel Park, you know. The gardens are so peaceful. I remember the few times that William and I visited, and you showed us that old orchard. It seemed practically magical.”
His expression turned sober. “Yes, it’s… a beautiful place, but it also carries problems I wish I could resolve.” When she arched an eyebrow in question, he simply shook his head, his eyes shuttering. “Just family issues. I won’t bore you.”
She dropped the subject, sensing it touched on something he felt it inappropriate to discuss, although her interest was piqued. They fell silent, enjoying a few more minutes of calm, and Charlotte realized her nerves were entirely gone. In fact, she was quite at ease in his presence.
Eventually, Henry suggested they circle back to the carriage, and they made their return journey in a comfortable quiet.
As they approached her home, a familiar green-and-gold carriage came into view, parked at the curb outside the Fitzgerald residence.
