He wanted nothing more than to bend his head and kiss Pae. Instead, he assisted her into the carriage. Once she was settled he slapped the side of the conveyance. “The lady is ready to depart.”
Richard stood on the pavement for a few moments until she was out of sight, then returned to the hall. Lord and Lady Bellamny were already there.
“Did you have a good time?” Almeria asked. Her sharp, black eyes studied Richard as if she could read his mind.
“Better, much better than I had expected.” He had been able to spend time speaking to Pae without interruption. He glanced to a man he’d met earlier. One who spent too much time watching Pae. “Who is Sir Grant?”
“A libertine and fortune hunter,” Almeria replied. “He is safe enough for this type of gathering. The ladies here are completely up to snuff. He is not invited where there are young ladies present. I supposed it amused Sally to have him. He can be quite charming.”
Richard wished Lady Jersey had not bothered to entertain herself in that manner. He did not like the way the man had looked at Pae, as though she were a beefsteak he’d like to eat. “I merely hope I am not required to be in his presence again.”
Almeria chuckled knowingly. “I trust you to set him straight if his behavior becomes too familiar.”
Damn right he’d set the man straight. With a bloody nose.
* * *
Early the next morning, Richard visited a carriage maker Almeria had recommended. As luck would have it, the craftsman had a curricle that the buyer had cancelled. It was not at all what he would have ordered. The color was Spanish brown when he preferred black, and thick gold paint outlined every curve as well as the wheels. But needs must. Thankfully, there was no crest on the side. He would add his later when he had the vehicle repainted. He gave the carriage maker his card with the Bellamnys’ address written on the back. “Please deliver it to Green Street with the bill.”
“Thank ye, my lord.” The man tugged his forelock. “Glad to be able to help. It’s a well-sprung carriage.”
“A pleasure dealing with you, Mr. Hatchett. I was lucky to find you with an extra sporting carriage on hand.”
Richard strolled out onto Long Acre Street where he found a hackney. “Tattersalls.”
The coach lurched forward. It was a full half hour later before he entered the famous auction house. After inspecting several pairs of carriage horses, he made a bid on a matched pair of light Cleveland bays with white stockings and stripes on their faces. “Fifty quid.”
“Sixty.”
He glanced over and was not at all happy to see Sir Grant. The man inclined his head.
“Seventy,” Richard countered.
“Seventy-five.”
He briefly wondered how high the other man would go, when he realized that it did not matter. Sir Grant would no more get these horses than he would have Pae. “One hundred.”
He raised his cane to the brim of his hat in a salute. “I believe you have won this round, my lord.”
“Round?” Richard lifted one brow. “I believe you are under a misapprehension. I have no reason to be in competition with you over anything. Good day to you, sir. Better luck on your next bid.”
He turned to go settle his purchase, when Sir Grant called out, “Convey my compliments to Lady Worthington and tell her I look forward to seeing her soon.”
“If you happen to come up in conversation, I shall,” Richard replied without turning. “However, I think that unlikely. In the event you have not noticed, she is hardly enamored of you.”
“Ah, but ladies have a habit of changing their minds where I am concerned.” Sir Grant’s grin tempted Richard to wipe it off the man’s face.
Bloody hell!That was all he needed to do. Pae would never allow him near her again.
He’d warn Pae, but chances are she would not appreciate it. He’d simply have to remain as close to her as possible. The corner of his lips tugged up. Which would suit his purposes precisely.
In the meantime, he really should plan to meet with Worthington soon. Richard would have to do it in a way that would not set his beloved’s bristles up. Perhaps it was time to visit Brook’s.
Chapter Four
Patience glanced at the clock for at least the hundredth time in the past hour. “I have changed my mind. I think the blue with the gold braid would be better.”
Her lady’s maid, Reid, turned back to the clothes press. “My lady, this is the fourth time you’ve changed your gown. It is five minutes to the hour, and I’d have to press that gown for it to be presentable. Are you trying to be late?”
