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Perhaps it was because now, it was real. Theirs wasn’t a half-cooked plan, made out of wishful thinking and vague ideas. It was really happening. To all intents and purposes, she was courting Lord Benedict. Their courtship was serious, and an engagement expected soon.
Only, of course, it was neither serious nor likely to end in marriage. She had to keep reminding herself that.
“Are you alright?” Lord Benedict asked, glancing down at her. “Needless to say, it’s too late for second thoughts.”
“I’m not having second thoughts. I just thought I’d have a few more days, that’s all.”
He frowned. “A few more days to do what?”
“Idon’t know. Revel in my singleness? Take delight in how unattached I am? Ours is a big commitment, you know.”
“Isuppose so. Still, young ladies do enjoy dinners and dances, don’t they? Or so I’ve heard. You’re set to have a Season of fun.”
“Yes, but I’ve got to do it all on your arm.”
“Is that so terrible?”
Lord Benedict’s voice dropped when he said that. Rosaline kept her gaze firmly ahead, ignoring the shivers that passed through her body at his voice.
“No,” she said, once she’d composed herself. It wouldn’t do to let him know the effect he had on her. “But I’d much rather do it all myself. I don’t like being dependant on others.”
“That’s a fair point. I would agree with that, too. However, as I said before, you needn’t feel indebted to me.”
“The more you remind me that I’m not indebted to you, the more you mean that I owe you a debt. The very act of saying that I don’t owe you anything implies that you think I really do, but you don’t intend to call me to account on it.”
“That isn’t…” Lord Benedict paused, taking in what she’d said. “No, that’s not what I mean. I merely mean to say that we’re a team on this. Neither is giving more than they are receiving. In fact, most good marriages work on that principle.”
“We aren’t married, though, are we?”
“It is a metaphor.” Lord Benedict said patiently. He glanced over his shoulder. “Goodness, your maid walks fast. At least she has the good sense to stay well behind.”
“We’d better be careful what we discuss. I like Margaret, but she gossips terribly.”
“Very well. Thank you for the warning. Now, I wanted to talk to you today about your future.”
Rosaline raised her eyebrows. “My future?”
“Well, as you have rightly pointed out, we are not married, and we will not become engaged, either. Our courtship will be broken off when it’s served its purpose.”
“And when will that be, I wonder?”
“Don’t interrupt. Now, I want you to make me unavailable to single ladies and their ever-watching Mamas. However, when I no longer need you – when I find a lady I truly like, or when the Season ends – I don’t intend for you to be cut loose. You must find a man of your own.”
Rosaline tilted her head back, watching the foliage of the trees sway gently in the wind, far, far above her head. “People keep telling me that.”
“You know what I mean. Being my almost-fiancé will give you status in Society. It will make you interesting and desirable to eligible men. Not, of course, that you aren’t already those things.” He added hastily.
Rosaline chuckled. “Please, don’t do me any favors, Lord Benedict. I’m not fishing for compliments.”
“Anyway, my point stands. It’ll give you opportunities. You’ll be seen in a different light. Use those opportunities to secure yourself another man. I don’t wish for it to be publicly known that you’re throwing me over for someone else, however. We’ll work it out. Our relationship will officially end, and you’ll be free to start another. If he wants to think that he’s winning you away from me, fine. Just don’t make it a spectacle. That way, you’ll have a good match and a happy ending, and our working relationship and friendship will end there. How does that sound?”
“It sounds very fair. You’d spent a lot of time thinking about this, haven’t you?”
“Of course. I am aware of how delicate and fragile ladies’ reputations are. You’re helping me, Rosaline, just as much as I am helping you. It wouldn’t be fair to simply cut you loose when I am finished. That is not the kind of gentleman I am. There’s no reason your future should not be secured by helping me this Season.”
Rosaline glanced up at him. He was looking straight ahead, the afternoon sun playing enchantingly across his sharp cheekbones and square jaw. He had a small frown line between his brows and chewed at his bottom lip. He was thinking of something, staring seriously ahead of him while he walked.
“Hm. I suppose not all hawks prey on small, helpless animals, then.”
