They strolled on for a time, just making small talk. All the while Augusta’s head was full of questions. When she could stand it no longer, she stopped.
“Why? Why now have you decided that you are ready to build a life with me? And how is it that you have suddenly come up with a plan to make it all work?”
Suspicion sat heavy in her mouth, and it was reflected in the tone of her voice. She might be in love with Flynn, but Augusta wasn’t stupid. Something major had to have occurred in his life, and she needed to know exactly what that thing was. Her future happiness depended on it.
He let go of her arm, and his gaze dropped to the ground. The badly worn toe of his boot was further scuffed as he pawed at the dirt and stones. His nervous tics only served to heighten her concern.
“I have wasted too long. Spent years wondering how I could win your heart. Then when I realized you truly did love me…” His head lifted, and their gazes met. “Well, I didn’t know what to do. I shouldn’t have taken the liberties I have with you, but I couldn’t help myself. I was still trying to figure things out when you told me you were done with waiting and that you would look elsewhere. Even then I didn’t quite believe it. Not until I saw you dancing with another man. Smiling at him. That’s when I realized I couldn’t live without you. That for you I would risk everything.”
She hated that it had taken an ultimatum on her part for Flynn to finally decide that he wanted her. It should never have come to that point.
“I need to know how we are going to deal with your father. I am sure that he won’t take the news of us becoming betrothed all that well. Last night, you mentioned having plans.” Out of the corner of her eye, Augusta caught sight of a small group of other park visitors heading their way. She moved to one side, making room for them to pass.
It was a relief to note that none of them were women she recognized from her acquaintance. She wouldn’t have to exchange pleasantries or small talk with them. All she wanted to do was sort things out with Flynn.
But the group, which was led by a young woman dressed in a pale green gown with matching coat and feathered hat, kept on heading directly toward them. Augusta and Flynn both took a step back.
Hyde Park is big enough that you don’t need to cut us down in your haste.
The woman and her small party of friends drew close. A collision was inevitable. When they finally got within a yard of where a perplexed Augusta and Flynn stood, the young woman hailed them. “There you are. I was beginning to think you had gone.”
“Is she a friend of yours?” asked Flynn.
Augusta shook her head. “No, I have no idea who she is.” From the way the young woman spoke, she wasn’t from elegant London society. There was a definite hint of an East London accent in her voice.
“May I help you?” asked Augusta, trying her best to be polite, while praying that the woman and her friends would go away. She wanted to talk to Flynn, not this stranger.
The fair-haired young miss gave Augusta a quick once-over, then sniffed. “You can start by stepping away from my fiancé. And then you can keep your bloody hands off him.”
Fiancé?
Augusta’s gaze shot to Flynn, but he was slowly shaking his head. A look of horrified disbelief sat on his face. “I’m sorry. I think you might have the wrong person. I am not engaged to anyone.”
“Come now, Viscount Cadnam. Or since we are engaged and shortly to be sharing a bed, can I call you Flynn?” replied the woman. She turned to her friends, and they both nodded. As she turned back, a grin of expectation slyly spread across her lips.
A wave of nausea hit Augusta, and she swayed on her feet. This was some strange nightmare. One she hoped she would soon wake from.
Flynn cleared his throat. “This is not the least bit amusing. I would suggest you and your friends should take your leave. You are disturbing the peace and this young lady.” He nodded in Augusta’s direction.
The smile disappeared from the other woman’s face. “But we are engaged to be married. As far as I can see, the only person who should be leaving is her.” She pointed a gloved finger at Augusta. “Lord Cadnam, I won’t stand for you to be bedding any courtesans. Get rid of that woman, or my papa will be hearing about it.”
Augusta blinked out of her stupor. Had the woman really just accused her of being a whore? “I am Lady Augusta Kembal. My father is the Duke of Mowbray. How dare you?”
“I don’t care if you are the bloody Queen of Sheba. Stay away from my intended, or else you might find yourself receiving an unpleasant visit from one of my father’s employees.”
It wasn’t every day that a young noblewoman taking a casual stroll in Hyde Park was accused of being a courtesan, but the threat of bodily harm was a step too far. Augusta moved forward, ready to have harsh words with the unwelcome interloper. Flynn put a hand up and held her back.
For a long moment, he simply stared at the girl in the pale green ensemble. Flynn’s silence had a gnawing sense of unease settling over Augusta’s heart.
“When did we become betrothed?” he asked.
She batted her eyelashes at him and grinned. It was the smile of a victor. After slipping off her white leather glove, she gently waved her left hand in Flynn’s face. A pearl and ruby cluster sat on her ring finger.
“You silly, wonderful man. How could you forget such a momentous day so soon? But not to worry. Papa received our special marriage license from you yesterday, so all we need to do now is set the date.”
Augusta stood rooted to the spot, as Flynn’s supposed fiancée brandished her betrothal ring at him.
“I… I,” stammered Flynn.
