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Rosalind thought her cousin would wait forever.
Blythe enjoyed the wealth of feminine attention far too much to marry. Another rake among the hundreds littering London society. Romy was terrified Theodosia would ruin herself over Blythe because she had made a complete cake of herself over him at Granby’s house party, practically begging to be compromised.
Rosalind had promised her cousin she would watch out for Theodosia and keep her from doing anything stupid. A monumental task.
“He reads.” A wistful look entered Theodosia’s eyes. “Blytheadorespoetry. He spent an entire hour reading to me once. He’s very romantic.”
Ugh.
Rosalind refrained from rolling her eyes. At this distance, Theodosia would have no trouble seeing her expression. “Is that why you agreed to accompany me today? So you could purchase him a book of poetry for his birthday?”
A small, secretive smile crossed her cousin’s lips. “No, I’ve something else in mind as a gift. Far better than a book of poetry.”
“You realize, Theo, how improper it is to give Blythe a gift.Anygift.”
Theodosia shrugged. “I think your negative mood toward Blythe is reflective of your attitude toward Lord Torrington.”
Rosalind slowed her steps. She spent quite a bit of time trying not to think of Torrington though it was because of him she was headed to Thrumbadge’s. “What would Torrington have to do with Blythe? Or anything else?”
“Just an assumption.”
“Well, it is an incorrect one. Mother arranged for our introduction at Granby’s party. Our complete lack of interest in each other was readily apparent. We are barely acquainted.” A warming sensation spread across her breasts and mid-section as she remembered the feel of his mouth on hers. That ridiculous curl laced with silver falling over his cheek as he looked down at her. How badly she wanted to twist the curl around her finger. “We’ve had a total of two conversations, and both were equally unpleasant.”
Theodosia shot her a dubious look. “Romy saw you together at the Ralston ball.”
“Torrington was merely being polite. Mother asked him to escort me to the refreshment table, and neither of us could refuse without causing a scene.” He’d thrust a glass of lemonade into Rosalind’s hand while simultaneously teasing her with the existence of a rare and highly sought-after French cookbook. Then Torrington and his broadunpaddedshoulders had disappeared in the crowd without another word. Rosalind had spent the time since the Ralston ball looking for the blasted cookbook, unable to think of anything else.
“Torrington merely handed me a lemonade and went on with his evening.” The lie to her cousin came easily to her lips. “Even if he were interested in finding a wife—”
“How do you know he isn’t?” Theodosia interjected.
“Because Torrington told me so himself. As I was saying, even if he desired a match with me, the feeling is not reciprocated. I find him far too old to be appealing. Much like every other gentleman my mother tries to match me with.”
“Your cheeks are red, Ros.”
“We’re walking very fast, and I’m laced tightly. You’ll be fortunate if I don’t faint. Your poor footman would have to carry me back to the carriage. Think of the scene we’d cause.”
“So, Torrington only handed you a lemonade? Nothing more? Romy says you were gone for some time.”
“He left me at the refreshment table. I had to make my own way back to everyone through the horrible crush of guests without getting trampled.”
“How very ungentlemanly of him.”
“He has a sarcastic wit I don’t care for, so conversing with him further wasn’t warranted. We don’t get on at all. I’ve not spoken to him since.”
She and Torrington had been in attendance at a handful of events since the Ralston ball, but he had not sought her out. Rosalind had wanted to question him further about the cookbook but had no idea how to approach him. They weren’t exactly friends.
I’ve already surmised you would rather be fondling dough.
Something coiled rather deliciously in Rosalind’s stomach at Torrington’s remembered comment. A proper young lady would have been offended at his language.
Yes, but a proper young lady would also not have read a collection of erotic books. Several times. But that was entirely beside the point.
“The fact remains that Torrington never had any interest in me at all. His appearance at the house party was the result of a scheme hatched between my mother and Lady Hertfort.”
“Lady Hertfort?”
“Torrington’s sister.” Rosalind waved a hand. “I suppose she finds me suitable. Sturdy.”
