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“You best remember that.” He glared at her, but then held out his arm. “Come, I’ll take you back to your sister.”
“I don’t need your help.” She shoved his arm away. “I can find my own way back.”
They walked in silence most of the way back. She almost tripped, and he caught her as they exited the trees. “Let go of me,” Iris snapped at him. He held up his hands and let her keep walking on her own.
Lady Iris stormed away from Lord Hampstead and stopped by Lady Violet. “Let’s go home. This has been the worst day.”
“Of course,” Violet told her. “It’s cold and wet, anyway. We’ll have tea by the fire and warm ourselves.”
“Yes,” Lady Iris said and sniffled. “That sounds wonderful.”
Violet led Iris out of the path and the gentleman walked behind them solemnly. After a few moments, Lord Merrifield asked the earl. “What did happen?”
“I don’t wish to discuss it,” Lord Hampstead replied in a sour tone.
“That good was it?” Zachariah couldn’t help teasing him. “She’s a pretty chit. Did you try to steal a kiss?”
“I said I don’t wish to discuss it,” Lord Hampstead said through gritted teeth.
They were not talking as quietly as they thought they were. Iris could hear every word. She wanted to scream at them both to be quiet, but she held her tongue. It had been an embarrassing day, and she never wanted to think about it again.
They finally exited the path, and Iris breathed a sigh of relief. There was no one around to gossip about their adventure. Before she had been so thoroughly rebuked by the earl she would have been glad to have been caught. It would have been a good reason for the earl to propose marriage. Now, though…it was the last thing she wanted.
“Should we follow them until they reach home?” Lord Merrifield asked the earl.
“It is probably a good idea. We can ensure they don’t find any more trouble.” Lord Hampstead didn’t sound any happier than Iris felt.
“Surely you don’t think they would decide on another adventure so soon after the last one.” Zachariah said, doubt in his tone.
“With that one it is best to always be on your guard.” Hampstead muttered. He was talking about her. Iris stiffened at his words. Despite that, she didn’t turn around. She fully intended to pretend he didn’t exist.
“Fair enough,” Lord Merrifield said in a light tone. He sounded so happy. Why did the marquess have that amused tone? Had something happened between him and Violet? Doubtfully… He was probably entertained by the earl’s sour mood. Men could be so contrary.
They walked in silence until they reached their home. Once they were inside, Iris closed her eyes and took a deep breath. All her dreams had been shattered, and nothing would ever be the same again. Suddenly, the idea of her Christmas ball didn’t sound as wonderful as it once had. There was no turning back now, though. The invitations had been sent. She would have to see it through, even if her heart was no longer in it. Lord Hampstead had shattered it thoroughly. Iris didn’t think she would ever love again.
