Instead, he pushed back his chair and reached for his gloves.
"The matter is settled," he said."The Mutual Mischief Society has a meeting today.Woodmere House will drive in the Park, and I intend to be there—at a respectable distance," he added when Magnus opened his mouth.
"Define respectable," Magnus said.
"Far enough not to be accused of seduction," James said."Close enough to offer rescue if Watford begins a lecture on ink again."
Alexandra laughed."Do try not to fall in love in the middle of Rotten Row.It will upset the horses."
"I shall do my best," he said.
By four o'clock, Hyde Park was fashionable.
Rotten Row glittered with carriages.Parasols bobbed, plumes nodded, and the Serpentine shivered.
Esme sat in the Woodmere barouche, the blue muslin gown feeling more like a uniform than a choice.The viscountess perched beside her.Harrison sat opposite.And sitting beside Esme, Genny resembled an escaped cherub who had raided a milliner's shop.
"Look at them," Genny murmured as the barouche rolled into the proper circuit."Milling like very polite sheep.Do you think any of them know they are alive?"
"Genny," the viscountess said faintly.
"I mean it in the fondest possible way," Genny amended."Beautiful, well-dressed sheep."
Esme bit her lip to hide a smile.
The park was full of familiar faces.Lady Honoria's phaeton flashed by.Debutantes pretended not to stare at passing gentlemen.Matrons arranged themselves along a bench.
Somewhere in that shifting sea of respectability, she knew, Redford waited.
The thought made her pulse jump.
"I do not see Watford," her mother said."Perhaps he is already at the Serpentine."
Harrison nodded."A good sign.Punctuality is a mark of character."
Genny sighed."I suppose so is snoring.Yet we do not marry for that."
"Genny," Esme hissed, though the words warmed her.
They circled twice, exchanging nods and bows, Esme performing the necessary smiles.
And then, as the barouche approached the stretch of drive nearest the water, she saw him.
Redford rode a bay gelding a little off the main path, one gloved hand resting on the reins.Conversation passed around him.He nodded, offered a smile, but his attention seemed elsewhere.
Until it found her.
Their gazes met, then he tipped his hat, and the noise of the park faded.
"Lord Redford," Genny breathed."Punctual."
Harrison's spine stiffened."Of course he is here."
Mother raised her lorgnette."He has come to be seen, as always.Do not look eager, Esme."
"I never do," Esme said.
Genny snorted.
