That did it.
With an indignant huff, Miss Theodosia rose from the bench, causing him to rise as well. “I daresay I’ve reached my threshold for stupid remarks today, my lord,” she declared.
“Miss Theodosia?—”
She held up a hand to silence him. “You’re asking me to leave my home, my work, my freedom, and enter a world whereI must constantly bite my tongue and pretend to be someone I’m not.”
“I never said that,” he countered, irritation threading through his tone.
Lowering her hand, she stared at him. “You didn’t need to. To think I nearly agreed to go with you. What a terrible mistake that would have been.”
Richard clenched his jaw. This woman. She was the most maddening creature he’d ever met—and yet, somehow, she was exactly the person he needed. He had no desire to force her hand. But he would have her in London, one way or another.
He took a breath and did something that did not come easily to him.
He swallowed his pride.
“You’re making a mistake,” he stated, as she turned to leave.
She paused. “Am I?”
“Yes.” He took a slow step towards her. “You asked why I chose you. It’s because my sister needs a friend. Someone with strength. Wit. A sharp tongue. Someone unafraid to speak her mind. You may think I find your honesty intolerable, but the truth is, it’s precisely why I believe you would suit.”
She blinked, clearly surprised by the admission, but before she could speak, he continued. “And if I’m wrong—if you meet my sister and decide it isn’t a fit—I will pay you two thousand pounds for your time.”
“Two thousand pounds?” she repeated.
He nodded. “A fair sum, I think. Come to London. Spend a fortnight in my sister’s company. If, at the end of that time, you believe the arrangement would never work, I will see you returned home safely with the money.”
“And if I stay on as her companion?”
“Then you will receive the money after one full month of employment.”
Theodosia bit her lower lip, clearly weighing the offer. “That’s… generous. It would allow me to buy new farm equipment and fill the coffers.”
“I hope it’s generous enough to earn your agreement,” he said, trying to keep the eagerness from his voice.
She studied him for a long moment. “And will I be expected to bite my tongue in your presence?”
“No,” he replied. “Inside the townhouse, you may speak as freely as you wish. But I would advise discretion when among theton. They are not as forgiving as I am.”
That earned a small laugh from her. “Forgiving? You, my lord?”
He gave her a crooked smile. “Shocking, I know.”
Her eyes dropped to her simple green gown. “And my wardrobe? I have nothing appropriate for Town.”
“Then we’ll see to it that you have one. I don’t want you drawing unnecessary attention.”
Her gaze lingered on him, the silence between them charged and thoughtful. He didn’t press her. Not yet. But he could feel her resolve weakening.
At last, she drew in a steady breath. “Very well. I will go with you.”
Richard barely resisted the urge to let out a breath of relief. He clasped his hands together to mask his satisfaction.Step one accomplished.Now it was only a matter of luring Mr. Smith into the open.
Taking a step back, he said, “Wonderful. If you have no objections, we will depart at first light tomorrow. I’ll arrange for the coach.”
“Will you also ride in the coach?”
