“But the goal of social gatherings is to have fun.”
“Not for young women and their mothers,” Roswell asserted. “They use that time to prove their daughters are more accomplished than the rest.”
“You ride, though,” Miss Bentley said.
“I do,” he replied. “It is one of the few things that brings some enjoyment in my life.”
“Why is that?”
“It is because I am alone and no one is bothering me with pesky questions,” Roswell answered, giving her a pointed look. “You have three questions left.”
“Mr. Cosgrove mentioned that you both went to university together.”
“Is there a question in there?”
“Yes,” she answered. “Did you enjoy your time there?”
He nodded. “I did,” he replied. “I studied philosophy while there.”
“You did?”
“You seem surprised.”
“I just can’t seem to imagine you as a philosopher.”
Roswell grinned. “I studied philosophy. I never said I was a philosopher; and you are down to your last question.”
Miss Bentley looked unsure as she asked, “Will you join Mr. Cosgrove and I on our ride through Hyde Park?”
“No,” came the swift reply. “I ride alone.”
“But Mr. Cosgrove mentioned you used to race through Hyde Park together.”
“That was a long time ago.” Roswell’s words came out much harsher than he had intended, but it made what he said no less true.
Miss Bentley gave him a weak smile. “I just thought it might be fun to ride through Hyde Park together.”
“What transpired between us last night does not make us friends,” Roswell said in a lowered voice.
His words had the desired effect, as he could see the hurt on Miss Bentley’s delicate features. “I understand, my lord,” she muttered.
Now he felt like a brute.
“Miss Bentley—” he attempted.
She placed her hand up, stilling his words. “Please do not say anything,” she replied, her words soft. “You made your point.”
“You must believe me when I tell you that you don’t want to be friends with me.”
“Why is that?”
He met her gaze. “It is much simpler that way,” he replied. “I would just find ways to continue disappointing you, time and time again.”
“It is a chance that I am willing to take.”
“Why?” Roswell asked.
Miss Bentley shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose I don’t have a lot of friends.”
