“That’s surprising. I wonder what they have in common,” Robertson said.
“No idea, although I wouldn’t be surprised if it had to do with new investment opportunities. You know Miles—he’s like a ferret, finding these deals. Perhaps he’ll enlighten us after the picnic.”
With full plates, the men headed back to the blanket to join the ladies.
“I wasn’t sure what you preferred, so I got a little of everything,” Robertson said as he placed a plate in front of Lady Armstrong.
“Oh, this looks delicious. I adore lobster patties.”
Robertson filed that information away for later. It was one more little tidbit in getting to know Lady Armstrong better.
“Lady Williams, I understand Lord Fleming has arranged boat rides on the lake after luncheon. Would you care to accompany me?” Noah asked Lady Williams.
“I’d be delighted, Mr. Hughes. Thank you.”
Rowing on the lake would be the perfect way to have some time alone with Lady Armstrong, but before Robertson could open his mouth to ask her, something bumped his shoulder, and the next thing he knew, Miss Bartlett was tumbling into his lap.
“Oh, noooo!”
Robertson acted instinctively, catching and holding her tight. “Miss Bartlett, are you hurt?”
The young woman’s face was beet red from embarrassment. “Oh, Lord Robertson, I’m deeply sorry. I was getting some more lobster patties and tripped on the way to my blanket. Please forgive me,” she said, struggling to stand.
Just then, Lady Bartlett came bustling over. “My darling, whatever happened?” She speared Robertson with a stony stare. “Lord Robertson, there’s no need to manhandle my daughter.”
Robertson helped Miss Bartlett to her feet and stood beside her. “Lady Bartlett, I assure you, I did nothing of the sort. Your daughter tripped, and I caught her. That’s all there is to the story.”
“Mama, he’s—”
“Hush,” Lady Bartlett said, pulling her daughter next to her. “A boat ride this afternoon should go far in smoothing over this embarrassing situation. Don’t you agree, Lord Robertson?”
The last thing he wanted was to spend any more time with Miss Bartlett, but with Lady Bartlett talking louder than necessary, too many eyes were upon him. “I suppose that can be arranged.”
“Excellent. Come along, my dear. After luncheon, you can join Lord Robertson for a boat ride around the lake.”
That fiasco put a damper on the conversation for the rest of the luncheon. Noah tried to make light of the mishap, but Robertson was in no mood for teasing. Rowing on the lake had been his opportunity to spend some time alone with Olivia, not babysit Miss Bartlett.
“Lady Armstrong, would you care to join us for a ride?” Noah asked. “I would be delighted to row two beautiful ladies around the lake.”
Olivia shook her head. “No, thank you, my lord. I’ll be joining Lady Fleming this afternoon.”
Robertson was fuming. Another opportunity to be with Lady Armstrong had been thwarted through no fault of his own. Were the fates playing with him again?
Damn that Lady Bartlett for ruining the perfect afternoon I had planned.
Olivia didn’t really wantto spend the afternoon with Lady Fleming and the other ladies. She’d very muchwanted to go rowing with Lord Robertson, and she’d been sure he was about to ask her when Miss Bartlett tumbled into his lap. She hadn’t seen whether the young lady actually tripped, as she’d claimed, or if it was a ploy of Lady Bartlett to corner Lord Robertson. It was of no concern of hers, or so she told herself. Lord Robertson could spend time with whoever he liked.
“Lady Armstrong, are you sure you don’t want to come with Mr. Hughes and me?” Bett asked again.
She shook her head. “No. I don’t want to intrude. You go ahead and have fun. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Bett hesitated a moment longer, but eventually, she and Mr. Hughes wandered down to the lake.
“Lady Armstrong, could I speak to you in private for a moment?” Lord Robertson asked.
“I’m afraid it’ll have to wait for another time, my lord. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to head back to the house. Enjoy rowing with Miss Bartlett.”
Olivia had almost decided to go with Bett and Mr. Hughes but realized she didn’t want to witness any more interactions between Lord Robertson and Miss Bartlett. She knew it was unfair of her to be upset, but somehow, the disappointment over not going out on the lake with him took center stage. She stood and headed back to the house. She was nearly there when someone grabbed her arm, and she squeaked in fright.
