“Again,” Ellie said, “you are terrible at this.”
Emma laughed. “I am just stating the truth,” she replied. “Besides, you are most fortunate that Roswell will be going with you. I have no doubt he will be a dutiful chaperone.”
Ellie nodded as she walked over to the door. “It is just a ride through Hyde Park,” she replied. “I have no reason to be nervous.”
Emma opened her mouth to object, so Ellie continued. “No reason at all.” She opened the door. “I will inform you at once when I return.”
“See that you do,” Emma said. “Most likely, I will be in the drawing room.”
“No doubt surrounded by a horde of gentlemen.”
Emma gave her an amused look. “Be off with you and do try to enjoy yourself.”
After she departed from the room, Ellie hurried towards the drawing room on the main level. She had just stepped into the room when she heard Lord Bideford declare in a gruff voice, “There you are. I was just about to go get you myself.”
“I do apologize for keeping you waiting,” Ellie replied, taken aback.
Mr. Cosgrove gave her a reassuring smile as he approached her. “Do not listen to my friend here,” he said, stopping in front of her. “You are most definitely worth the wait, my dear.”
Lord Bideford huffed. “Shall we get this blasted ride over with?”
“Language, my good man,” Mr. Cosgrove chided as he turned to face Lord Bideford. “We have a lady present.”
“My apologies,” Lord Bideford muttered.
Mr. Cosgrove returned his attention to Ellie and offered his arm. “I saw the groom bring your horse out front,” he informed her. “Would you care to ride now?”
“I would,” she replied as she accepted his arm.
Mr. Cosgrove escorted her from the townhouse and down the stairs towards the awaiting groom. “May I assist you onto your horse?” he asked.
“I would be honored.”
Mr. Cosgrove intertwined his fingers and leaned down. Ellie placed her riding boot into his hands and he gently assisted her onto the side saddle. After she was situated, the groom extended the reins towards her.
Once they were all mounted, they proceeded towards Hyde Park, which was only a few blocks away. Passing through one of the entrances, they started walking the horses down the path, with Ellie between the two men.
Mr. Cosgrove glanced over at her. “Where do you hail from?” he asked.
“I am from Maidstone.”
“I’m afraid I am not familiar with Maidstone.”
“It’s in Kent, only a few hours journey from London by coach.”
Mr. Cosgrove bobbed his head. “Did you enjoy growing up there?”
“I did,” Ellie replied. “The manor I grew up in was near the River Medway, and I used to spend many hours fishing with my father.”
“You fished with your father?” Mr. Cosgrove asked with a lifted brow.
Ellie smiled. “I know it is rather unconventional for a young woman to fish, but it allowed my father and I to spend time together,” she shared. “You see, he was an avid fly fisherman.”
“And your mother didn’t object?”
“Not at all; she would even join us on occasion,” she said. “Furthermore, my father used to readThe Compleat Anglerto us over dinner.”
Lord Bideford spoke up. “I am not familiar with that book.”
