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“For example,” she started, taking a deep breath, “I received an invitation to dine with Lady Somersby, so she could introduce me to several eligible bachelors. I really should respond, but do I ask her if you may join me or simply decline the offer for matchmaking?”
“How do you know Lady Somersby?” Fergus asked, his blood running cold.
“We met at a ball just last week,” Edwina explained casually, unaware of his discomfort. “She also called upon me, expressing her desire to help me. I did not necessarily feel – how do I say this kindly? I did not feel a desire to be friends with her, but I do believe I should be polite.”
“I do not see the need,” Fergus told her abruptly, pulling ahead.
“The need for what? Being polite to Lady Somersby or introducing me as your duchess?”
“Either.”
“I do not understand,” Edwina said plainly. Then, distracted by the conversation, she forgot of her discomfort with her horse. Urging the horse forward, she fell into step with Fergus. “What exception do you take with Lady Somersby?”
“There is a reason I dislike theton,” he explained, trying to say as little as possible. “I do not care who you might dine with or call upon or dance with. However, I will not be joining you.”
“What excuse should I give her that you would not be joining me?”
“I do not think you will need one,” he told her. Then, trying to change subjects so that she did not press him any further, he took the reins of her horse. “It seems that Gloriana will be a good mount for you. Should we let the groom know to make the purchase?”
“Very well,” Edwina said stiffly, allowing him to lead her back to the paddock. “But I will have you know, I will not allow you to avoid accompanying me out in public forever.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “I would like to see you try.”
They rode back in silence, for which Fergus felt grateful. Edwina making friends with Lady Somersby made him feel terribly uncomfortable, but he felt if he told her why, it would only make things worse. He had not attended a single social event in the past two years, and even though he had married, he had no intentions of starting now.
