Speaking over her, Lady Oxley said, “It has been decided. Once thetonsees you and Roswell on a carriage ride, I have no doubt that other gentlemen will follow suit.”
Anette looked at Roswell and she didn’t look pleased by the pursing of her lips. “Say something, my lord,” she muttered. “Anything will do.”
Despite many reasons to decline the offer, Roswell was unable to deny Lady Oxley her wish when he saw how eager she was. He couldn't bear to disappoint her. “I would be happy to take Anette on a carriage ride through Hyde Park.”
Lady Oxley clasped her hands together. “Wonderful. You have made Anette so happy.”
He doubted that, but he was too much of a gentleman to correct the woman.
Anette was truly, and utterly, miserable. She was sitting next to the man that she loved, but she had to pretend that everything was well, though her heart felt like it was breaking into pieces with every passing moment of his indifference towards her.
They had hardly spoken a word to one another since they began their carriage ride. In the corners of her eyes, she could see Roswell sneaking glances at her, but she didn’t want to encourage a conversation with him. It was best for her- and her heart- if they sat in silence.
But that didn’t last long.
“You are looking lovely today, Anette,” Roswell said.
“Thank you. You are most kind.” Perhaps if she kept her responses short and simple, he wouldn’t continue speaking.
Roswell glanced up at the sky. “The weather is beautiful, is it not?”
Drats. He commented on the weather. That is what one would discuss when you had nothing to say to one another. Which they didn’t.
Knowing he was still waiting for a response, she replied, “It is nice.”
He gestured towards her reticule that was around her right wrist. “Are you carrying a pistol?” he inquired.
“I am.”
“Do you intend to shoot me?”
Her lips quirked up. “I haven’t decided yet.”
“Then I shall strive to behave.”
Anette missed the easy conversation that used to flow between them. They could just sit for hours and never run out of things to say. Now it was a painful reminder of what had transpired between them.
Roswell adjusted the reins in his right hand. “I am grateful for this chance to speak to you. It has been rather hard to get you alone since…” His voice trailed off and he looked deucedly uncomfortable.
“You kissed me,” she said, finishing his thought.
He cleared his throat. “Yes, since I kissed you.” He paused. “I feel awful for that.”
Her heart dropped at his words. She had suspected as much, but it hurt to hear him confirm it. “You feel awful about the kiss?” she asked.
“No, you misunderstood me,” he rushed out.
“I don’t know how I could have,” she said. “You spoke rather plainly.”
Shifting in his seat, he faced her. “I do not regret the kiss, but I feel awful that it has ruined our friendship.”
That is what he was most concerned about- their friendship.
“Roswell…” she started.
He spoke over her. “I want us to be friends again.”
Friends. He wanted to be friends. But she loved him, and she always would. But all he was offering was friendship.
