Chapter Fifteen
Mari couldn’t believe how easy it had been to get away—that is, if she ignored Effie’s scowl and pursed mouth. No doubt, there would be the devil’s own due to pay with Jamie later, but she would not concern herself with that now.
Nicholas had spared no expense in obtaining a very fashionable two-horse barouche with plush, burgundy velvet squabs. The top of the highly polished carriage had been turned down, allowing all to see Mari being publicly courted as the matched bays briskly trotted toward Hyde Park. She was glad the day was warm enough that she needed no pelisse over her fitted, dark-blue wool carriage dress for the garment suited her coloring. She adjusted the lighter blue bonnet slightly and gave a merry wave to two matrons out for a late morning stroll. The day was just perfect.
If only Effie would stop muttering about dire consequences. Really. What could Jamie do besides rant and rave? With his brother present, he might not even do that. After all, Mari was doing nothingwrong. Carriage rides and picnics were perfectly acceptable ways for a gentleman to pay court, provided a chaperone was present—and Effie was quite proficient at chaperoning.
“Do stop worrying and try to enjoy the day,” Mari said to her.
Effie gave her a dark look and set her lips in a tight line.
Across from them, Nicholas smiled at Mari. “I thought we would circle the Ring before finding a picnic spot. I want all of London to see how beautiful you are today.”
Mari felt herself practically preening at his words. She knew it was flattery, but it was exactly what one might expect if one were invited to the prince’s court. With as popular as Nicholas was becoming with Almack’s patronesses—he’d finished a portrait of Lady Sefton who had crowed about it at the lastsoiree—that just might be a possibility, although Mari doubted the prince regent would host anything this autumn. Still, there was the spring Season. Mari bounced in excitement, drawing another look of disproval from Effie. Remembering she was being seen in London Society, Mari folded her hands in her lap.
“How kind of you,” she said demurely to Nicholas.
“It is the truth,” he answered. “I am quite proud to be escorting you. Especially,” he added, “without your usual bodyguard.”
Effie harrumphed.
Mari ignored her. “Mr. MacLeod is fortunately busy today.”
“Which makes me a most grateful man,” Nicholas responded. “I should like to enjoy our picnic without practically being held at sword point.”
Mari giggled. Jamie probablywouldhave hulked over them, the great claymore sticking out over his shoulder as they ate their lunch if he had come along. Blessedly, Ian had business with him and, for once, Mari was free. “We will not have to fret about that today.”
Effie harrumphed again.
Mari sighed inwardly. Jamie had managed to charm her candid maid just as he had Aunt Agnes and Maddie and most of the ladies of theton. Of course, he didn’t follow any ofthemaround, giving orders and expecting to beobeyed. Maybe if he did, those ladies would not find his handsome face or his husky burr so captivating.
She really needed to stop thinking about Jamie MacLeod.
Resolutely, Mari spent the next hour smiling and waving at occupants of other carriages ambling along the Serpentine Ring as well as strollers who stopped to stare. Being seen with Nicholas was exciting.
“And now for the picnic I promised you,” Nicholas said as the driver left the park through the Marble Arch and headed up Baker Street.
“Just where are you going?” Effie asked suspiciously. “There are plenty of places in the park to eat.”
“Do not worry,” Nicholas reassured her. “I just thought we might go to Queen Mary’s Gardens. It is a bit more quiet there.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Mari said quickly before Effie could launch any more accusatory words. How embarrassing if Nicholas were to get the idea that he was not trustworthy. To make sure her maid had no further comments, Mari chattered the distance it took them to arrive at Regent’s Park.
“Here we are,” Nicholas said a short time later as the driver stopped the team close to a flower garden nearly hidden by a sloping hill. He helped Mari and Effie down and took the blanket and basket from the carriage, telling the driver he could return for them in an hour.
Nicholas spread the blanket on the ground, helped Mari to sit and then busied himself opening the wine while Mari unpacked the picnic contents. Effie raised an eyebrow as Mari uncovered a small, silver dish offoie grasalong with a wedge of softbrieand a freshly baked French baguette, but she sniffed appreciatively as Mari unwrapped a succulently roasted pheasant and set out a small jar of orange marmalade.
“This is a wonderful feast,” Mari exclaimed.
“Since I am doing Countess Lieven’s portrait, I was able to convince her chef to put this together,” Nicholas replied as he handed Mari a crystal glass of wine.
“I am not sure Marissa should be drinking spirits,” Effie said.
“Nonsense. This is a German Riesling not any stronger than Ratafia,” Nicholas said and poured a glass for Effie. “Please have some.”
“I do not think—”
“Don’t be silly,” Mari interjected. “It will not hurt to have just one glass.”
