“What a pleasant surprise to run into you here,” Lady Persephone said, then turned her attention towards Miss Bentley. “And this must be the woman your mother is hosting this Season. I have been hoping for an introduction.”
“Allow me to rectify that situation right now,” Roswell replied, shifting his gaze to Miss Bentley as well. “Miss Bentley, allow me to introduce you to Lady Walmsley and her daughter, Lady Persephone.”
Lady Persephone tipped her head cordially, but he could see disapproval in her features. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Her words were amiable enough, but they didn’t seem genuine.
“Likewise,” Miss Bentley said.
Lady Persephone turned her attention back to Roswell. “What flavor of ice would you recommend?” she asked, batting her eyelashes at him. Has she always been this brazen, he wondered.
“I’m afraid I am the wrong person to ask,” he remarked. “I rarely frequent Gunter’s, and when I do, I always get the same flavor.”
“Which is?”
“I’m afraid I just go with the lavender ice,” he admitted. “It isn’t very adventurous, but I know what I like.”
Lady Persephone’s mother spoke up. “Would you care to join us while we partake of our treats?”
Roswell gave her an apologetic look. “I’m afraid I must escort the ladies home, and then I am needed at the House of Lords.”
“That is a pity,” Lady Persephone said with a pout.
“Perhaps another time?”
Drats! Why had he just committed to that? He had no intention of taking Lady Persephone to Gunter’s. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized they would never suit.
Lady Persephone’s pout turned into a victorious smile. “I shall be looking forward to it, my lord.”
As they all moved to continue on, Miss Bentley tumbled forward. Roswell rushed to catch her.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
Miss Bentley’s eyes shot towards Lady Persephone. “I am,” she murmured.
Roswell released her and took a step back. “You must be careful where you are walking,” he chided lightly.
Lady Persephone spoke up. “These streets are notoriously uneven,” she declared with a wave of her hand.
Roswell offered his arm to Miss Bentley. “It might be best if I escorted you back to the coach.”
“Thank you,” she said, placing her hand on his arm.
Once they had walked away from Lady Persephone, Emma glanced over at Miss Bentley and gave her a sympathetic look. “I am sorry for what Lady Persephone did back there.”
Roswell looked at his sister curiously. “What did she do?”
“She stuck her foot out and intentionally tripped Ellie,” Emma revealed.
“For what purpose?”
Emma frowned. “We both know that something as innocent as a fall can damage a woman’s reputation.”
Turning his attention towards Miss Bentley, he asked, “Is this true?”
“I’m afraid so,” Miss Bentley replied, “and I was most grateful that you were able to catch me before I fell to the ground.”
“As am I,” Roswell said. “I must admit that I find Lady Persephone’s actions reprehensible.”
Miss Bentley gave him a timid smile. “Fortunately, there was no harm done, and my reputation did not suffer any more because of it.”
