Roswell gestured towards the waiting coach. “But there is no need. Allow us to escort you home.”
“I am not going home, and even if I were, I would not wish to be seen with you two,” Miss Delacourt said. “You two attract far too much attention for my tastes.”
Fredrick had to admit that Miss Delacourt did have a point. They did attract attention wherever they went, partly due to his position as the heir to a marquessate. But could he, in good conscience, leave her here unaccompanied and defenseless?
Miss Delacourt watched as people brushed past them on the pavement before returning to address them. “I appreciate your concern, but if this arrangement is to work, you must refrain from treating me as you would any other lady.”
Fredrick made one last attempt. “At least let us take you part of the way,” he insisted.
She pursed her lips. “Did you not hear what I just said?”
“I heard you, but I cannot leave you defenseless on the street,” Fredrick said.
Miss Delacourt let out a slight chuckle. “I am not defenseless, and if I didn’t find that so humorous, I would be insulted,” she remarked. “Good day, gentlemen.”
They both watched Miss Delacourt’s retreating figure until she was out of sight.
Roswell turned towards him. “We couldn’t force her into the coach.”
“No, but she is rather a stubborn thing,” Fredrick said. “I am not quite sure how Kendrick expects us to work together.”
“We will find a way,” Roswell asserted.
After they stepped into the coach, it merged into traffic and Fredrick’s eyes scanned the pavement for any sign of MissDelacourt, but she was nowhere to be found. Where had she disappeared to?
Roswell followed his gaze. “I do hope Miss Delacourt is more cooperative this evening.”
“I shall wait with bated breath,” Fredrick said. “But it doesn’t appear she wants to work with us any more than we wish to work with her.”
A short time later, they arrived at their townhouse and they hurried inside. They were met by Anette with a bright smile on her face.
“Wonderful, you both are just in time,” she announced.
“In time for what?” Roswell asked.
Anette looped arms with her husband. “We need to call upon Emilia and teach her the dance of love,” she said, her eyes filled with amusement. “That is where Fredrick will come in.”
“You wish for me to teach Emilia to dance the waltz?” Fredrick asked.
“Isn’t that what I just said?” Anette pressed.
Fredrick put his hands up in front of him. “I’m afraid that is impossible. I have a lot of work that I need to see to. It is rather urgent.”
Anette gave him a knowing look. “Emilia must dance the waltz and her ball is only two days away,” she said. “If not you, then who will teach her?”
“Surely there is someone else,” Fredrick contended.
A thoughtful look came to Anette’s face. “You are right. I can ask another gentleman.”
Fredrick hesitated, as that thought did not sit well with him. Emilia couldn’t just dance with anyone. “Which gentleman?” he inquired.
“Does it matter?” Anette asked. “There are many gentlemen that would love to practice the waltz with an heiress.”
Roswell chimed in. “I shall ask Lord William.”
“No, you most assuredly will not,” Fredrick swiftly objected. “He is a known rakehell. He shouldn’t be anywhere near Emilia.”
Anette arched her brow. “Then who do you propose?”
