Page 42 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

The single word cut through the warmth of the afternoon. Daphne’s expression turned immediately contrite, and she lowered her gaze to the blanket.

Felicity gave Edward a sharp look, full of disapproval, but he had barely cracked an eye open to look in Daphne’s direction.

Still, it appeared her silent censure was nonetheless felt. Edward sighed. “Not without a proper escort. You cannot wander about without protection, Daphne.”

Despite what sounded like little more than a practical note, a heaviness remained on the gathering. Felicity felt it keenly as the young ladies exchanged glances, and Mr. Montague stared evenly at Edward.

The young man, no more than twenty years old, smiled and offered a small bow to Edward. “Colonel, I should hope my sister and I, along with Miss Norman, are considered adequate company. While I am not so equipped as a soldier to protect Miss Daphne, I think myself equal to the task of looking after her long enough to enjoy an afternoon’s stroll in the environs near the picnic.”

It was quite a diplomatic speech, but Daphne’s crestfallen expression spoke well enough of what she and Felicity already knew. Colonel Halstead had no intention of letting Daphne out of his sight or hearing. The other young people had already grown more reserved, and even Mr. Norman and Mrs. Norman exchanged a glance.

This was what Edward did not understand. And unless she could explain it to him⁠—

“Unfortunately, Mr. Montague,” the Colonel began stiffly.

Felicity put her teacup on its saucer with a clatter. “Oh, a walk does sound lovely. Daphne, darling, do not forget your parasol. Where is mine? I should like to feed my crusts to the swans.” She stood and fluttered about. “Here is your parasol, I have mine. Would you like me to feed your crusts to the waterfowl, Mrs. Norman?”

The married woman chuckled and held her plate out to Felicity. “Indeed. I will stay put, I think.”

Edward rose to his feet. “Miss Price⁠—”

She cut him a sharp glance and smiled brightly. “You needn’t trouble yourself, Colonel.”

He narrowed his eyes, glanced at the young people, and nodded. “Of course. I will come with you. Daphne, enjoy your walk.”

Felicity watched her niece’s eyes brighten as she finally took Mr. Montague’s offered hand to come to her feet, parasol clutched in her other gloved hand. The young people started forward, their steps light, and laughter floating back on the breeze.

Holding the crusts in one ungloved hand, Felicity propped her parasol on her shoulder as though it were a rifle and marched directly to the water. Edward fell into step beside her.

“That was hardly necessary,” he muttered, keeping up with her quite easily given his much longer stride.

“On the contrary, it was entirely necessary.” Felicity forced a wide smile onto her face as she caught Daphne peering back at them. “We cannot deny Daphne every bit of independence, nor can we allow her friends to think you a tyrant.”

He grumbled, “I do not care what they think⁠—”

“You need to, Edward,” she said quietly. “Would you rather be the villain who ruins an afternoon for a young lady, or the gracious guardian who trusts her friends?”

He shook his head. “We have discussed this numerous times, Felicity. I have made my opinion quite clear⁠—”

“And they are within your sight, Edward.” She nodded to the little group. “And I sincerely doubt there are any secretive plans being discussed between three young ladies and a young man, who is brother to one of them. See, he escorts Miss Norman, as is right since she is the hostess. The other two ladies walk behind him. There is nothing amiss there. They are also in full view of Mr. and Mrs. Norman, a respected couple of your acquaintance. What is there to fear?”

Edward stared at the young people, sighed, then held his hand out to Felicity. She blinked at it. He hadn’t taken the time to put his gloves on, either, it seemed.

“May I have a crust of bread?” he asked, tone gruff.

“Oh. Of course.” She dropped it into his palm as they reached the edge of the Serpentine, her fingertips brushing his warm skin.

“Thank you.” He began breaking it into smaller pieces, tossing it outward to the water where the birds floating on its surface rushed to claim the scraps. Felicity did the same. His frown remained.

With a sigh, Felicity turned her attention to a mallard brave enough to waddle up to her and quack, asking for a crumb. She tossed him a piece. “Have you ever seen a man frown so crossly on such a fine day?” she asked the duck.

“I have reason enough for it,” the Colonel muttered.

Felicity, hands empty of bread, closed her parasol before she shook it at him. “Colonel Halstead, if you refuse to enjoy the afternoon all because Daphne wished to take a walk with her friends, I may very well put you up for court martial. It ought to be a crime, as Mr. Montague said, not to enjoy such a fine spring day as this.”

He stared at her for a long moment, his expression solemn. “Are you threatening me with your parasol, Captain Price?”

She looked at the instrument, then back up at him resolutely. “Yes,” she said, quite aware of the foolishness of such a thing. “I shall run you through with it if you do not start enjoying the day, immediately.”