A loud knock echoed through the cottage, breaking her concentration. Mattie barely acknowledged it, assuming Mrs. Watson would see to it. After all, no one ever visited her, and it was more likely that someone was seeking out her father.
With a sigh, she crouched down and picked up a pinkgown, examining it closely. The fabric was still beautiful, and she thought about repurposing the material to line the inside of her bonnets or even her reticule.
The knock came again, this time more insistent. Mattie called out, “Mrs. Watson!” but received no reply. Annoyed, she placed the pink gown back among the others on the floor. This was absurd. She was capable of answering the door herself, even if Mrs. Watson believed it was beneath her station.
Determined, Mattie walked briskly to the door, prepared to face whoever was on the other side.
As she opened the door, Mattie was greeted by the sight of Lord Winston, his face etched with annoyance.
“Good gads!” he exclaimed. “You are answering the door? Do you have no shame, Woman?”
Mattie mustered up a polite smile. “Did you come all this way to insult me, my lord? If so, what a delightful treat.”
“No, that was not my intention,” he said, his tone softening slightly.
“Then what was your intention?” she asked, halfway considering slamming the door in his face.
Lord Winston peered over her shoulder into the house. “Shouldn’t Mrs. Watson be answering the door?”
“I am perfectly capable of opening a door.”
“But you are the daughter of a viscount now,” he pointed out, his brow furrowing.
Mattie sighed, a touch of weariness in her voice. “Thank you for reminding me,” she said. “Will that be all?” She began to close the door.
Lord Winston quickly placed his hand against it, preventing it from closing. “I have a purpose for being here.”
“Do you, now?” she asked, her interest waning.
Lowering his voice, he mumbled, “Would you like to…” His words trailed off, making him seem even more uncomfortable.
Mattie arched an eyebrow. “I’m sorry. Can you speak up? I couldn’t hear you.”
Looking rather pained, Lord Winston cleared his throat. “Would you care to go on a carriage ride with me?” he asked.
No.
Absolutely not!
That is what she wanted to say, but instead she found herself asking, “Why?”
He dragged his fingers through his dark hair, clearly frustrated. “It is a nice day for a carriage ride. Is it not?” he asked, his eyes darting everywhere but at her.
Realization dawned on her, knowing there would only be one reason why Lord Winston would ask her to go on an outing such as this. “Your mother asked you to take me on a carriage ride. Did she not?” she asked.
Finally, he met her gaze. “She did,” he replied.
Now Mattie was intrigued. She no more wanted to go on a carriage ride with Lord Winston than eat a shoe for dinner. But the fact that the prospect made him so uncomfortable made her want to go even more.
“A carriage ride sounds nice,” Mattie found herself saying.
Lord Winston’s expression fell, a look of mild panic flashing across his face. “Are you sure? There must be something else you want to do with your time.”
Mattie smiled, and this time it was genuine. “There is no other place I would rather be.” Just seeing Lord Winston’s reaction made it that much more worth it.
“Wonderful,” Lord Winston said through gritted teeth.
Opening the door wide, Mattie asked, “Would you care to come in while I collect a hat for our carriage ride?”
