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“You didn’t have to call on me,” she told in a low voice. “We are only faking an engagement in public. You don’t have to pretend in private.”
“It’ll be good for me to be seen calling on you,” he replied, coolly. “If we’re going to make this realistic, your uncle has to see this as a genuine courtship. Don’t tell me you are disappointed to see me?”
“Very strategic of you,” she said, ignoring his leading question. When he was quiet a moment, she asked, “Are you sure that I can’t call for some refreshments?”
“No, thank you, I’m fine. I promise,” he assured her. He waved to a bouquet on an end table. “I brought you some flowers.”
She turned, surprised. Entranced by his presence, she had not noticed the lavish bouquet. She turned to marvel at it, touching the white lilies. Trying to recall the last time she had received flowers from a suitor, she couldn’t help but smile at his gesture.
“This is beautiful,” she whispered, then turned back to him. Part of her hoped that he truly meant to please her, not just keep up their lie. “Truly, Your Grace, you shouldn’t have.”
“I had to make it clear that we’re engaged,” he grinned. “I’ve lavished much more on women who meant far less.”
She blushed, understanding the rakish implication.
“My lady, there’s something more.”
She raised her eyebrows at him.
“I would like to extend an invitation for you and your family to visit with me for some time in Marigold.”
“In Marigold?” she asked, surprised. “Out in the country?”
“Indeed,” he affirmed. “I spend most of my time out of the city these days. I did not plan to stay in London long, especially now that I’ve secured a fiancée.”
“Did you only come to London to make me out?” she asked, softly.
“I did.”
She nodded, staring at her hands.
He continued in a whisper, leaning forward. “If you were truly my betrothed, I would ask the same. I see no reason to continue our courtship in the eyes of society. What is more, having you removed to the country with me would further solidify your ruse.”
“I cannot ask my sisters to accompany me,” she argued. “They need to have the rest of the Season to secure matches. Frankly, I need to secure an advantageous match, as well, to ensure that they are all married. If any of us go to the country with you, it’ll be much more difficult for us.”
“I can understand about your sisters,” he agreed. “But you, you are already engaged to a duke. What more advantageous of a match can there be?”
“A real one,” she told him.
Her response seemed to catch him off guard. He sat back on the couch, studying her for a moment.
“Let me offer this, then. I will help you secure a match at the end of the Season. I have many friends and power within society. I can help you where your own family may not.”
“Very well,” she agreed, nodding stiffly. “Let me speak with my mother and my uncle to ensure they are amenable to the arrangement.”
“Can you call them down?” he asked.
“Now?” she asked surprised. “What’s the rush?”
“I told you, I do not care to stay in London any longer than necessary.”
She turned to the footman at the door. “Could you call my lord and my lady down, please?”
He nodded and stepped from the room.
“I would be remiss to say that I think I might enjoy your company more without the prying eyes of society all around us,” Michael told her in a low voice.
“Your Grace,” she said, shocked. “Do not tell me that you are whisking me away to the country to seduce me.”
