Vivian thought she’d faint when Barnes announced Lord Stanstead was here to see her. She could not sit with him while the drama between Silvia and Nick was playing itself out across the garden. “Is her ladyship in?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Would you please ask her to attend me?”
Barnes, bless him, bowed and went back into the house. Vivian had known that she had to be able to intermingle with Rupert outside the bedchamber and behave in a reasonable manner, yet she thought she would have time to think of how to do it. On the other hand, putting the encounter off would not make it easier.
A few minutes later, Clara sat down at the table, glancing toward the garden. “Are they courting, or can we expect fisticuffs?”
“I’m not quite sure.” Vivian pulled a face. “They appear to be doing both at the same time. She has struck him twice, but, as you see, he will not release her hands, and they are still talking.”
“Intelligent man.”
“I think you are right.” Truth be told, Vivian could not think of a better match for Silvia than Lord Beresford. “Lord Stanstead has come to call.”
“Off with you then.” Clara’s gaze seemed to be fixated on the young couple. “If one of them pulls a weapon, I shall intervene. Until then, I’ll leave them to sort it out on their own.”
Vivian leaned down, bussing her cousin on the cheek. “Good luck.”
“Mm-hm.” Clara shooed Vivian away with the wave of a hand. “Go tend to your gentleman.”
Vivian shook out her skirts and made her way to the hall.
The butler bowed. “He is in the front parlor, my lady.”
“Thank you, Barnes.” She opened the door and Rupert turned from the window. “You wished to see me?”
Grinning boyishly, he came forward. “I realize I did not make plans with you and for that I’d ask your forgiveness, but I would like to take you for a carriage ride.” He held out his hand to her. “Will you come?”
What was he up to? He’d seemed perfectly happy with Cleo’s company last night. There was no reason to have Vivian’s as well. Still, as she’d told herself only a few minutes ago, she had to learn to be around him during the day, and there was no time like the present. “It would be my pleasure, my lord.”
His fingers touched hers, and she sucked in a breath. This would not do at all. She had to get hold of herself. She pasted a polite smile on her face as he led her through the hall, then out to his phaeton. Knowing what would come next, she braced for the flood of sensations as he lifted her into the vehicle.
Oh, good God. This was far worse than before. His simple, innocent touch had her wishing for more. Rupert’s energy, his physical intensity, swamped her senses. Vivian wanted his lips on hers, and his hands caressing her.
Her mouth dried. How was she to survive this ride without betraying herself? She fidgeted alternately with her gloves, her skirts, and her bonnet ribbon, before being able to speak again. “What an unexpected pleasure.”
“I’m glad you think so. I hope you’ll enjoy yourself.” He slid a glance at her, then his attention was on his horses.
“I’m sure I shall. Where are we going?”
“Around the Park.” His lips curved into a smile. “Where else?”
“Surely it is not time for the Grand Strut?” She gasped for air. If she was not careful she would stop breathing. Never before had she thought that possible.
“We are a bit on the early side.” He looked at her again. “Something you said made me think you might like to take a drive when you are not fully on display.”
“I’m surprised you noticed. It’s true. I am not completely comfortable in situations that are purely social.” If he’d perceived that, what else had he discerned?
Keeping his eyes straight ahead as they maneuvered through the busy streets, Rupert responded, “You might be surprised what I pay attention to.” She couldn’t think of a response. After a few moments, he continued. “My lady, this is merely a carriage ride. I beg you enjoy it.”
She should, she would. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry. When you arrived I was chaperoning Miss Corbet and Lord Beresford. My mind was still on them.”
Rupert laughed so suddenly, Vivian jumped. “I understand now why you are so on edge. If I had to play that role, I believe I’d give them boxing gloves. A more fractious pair I have rarely come across.”
Her spine sagged with relief. “They are, indeed. Yet for all that, I do believe they care very much for each other, but are unable for some reason to express their feelings.”
“All I can tell you is that he has deep feelings for her.” Rupert spared Vivian a sidelong glance.
