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Rowena’s stomach twisted. Was word already spreading about her father’s intentions? But how could that be, and how many other people knew?
“I’m afraid I must ask how you claim to know that, my lord?” she said through stiff lips.
Suddenly, the baron’s face softened. He seemed to be considering her question, and Rowena was suddenly nervous, her palms growing damp inside her gloves. She didn’t know if she wanted to hear the answer. But he didn’t give her the information she sought.
“Another thing I know is that the match will soon become a reality,” he said, his voice markedly softer. “Especially now the viscount has just lost a substantial amount of money backing the wrong horse in the Derby.”
Rowena’s heart sank. Clearly, the baron knew more than she had only guessed at. Suddenly, she felt sick. If he knew about her situation, it was highly possible that others in thetonknew too. She was speechless, suddenly feeling as though she was falling through the air, with no way to catch herself.
“That is why I wish to make this proposal to you,” he said, giving her another grin. “All you need to do is agree to meet me at the park tomorrow.”
Rowena felt faint. She desperately wanted a way out of marrying the horrible earl. Was it possible the baron could offer her one?
She didn’t want to seem too eager. It perturbed her that Lord Elsbrook knew something about her family’s troubles. It was equally bothersome that he wouldn’t tell her how he knew. Still, if there was even a shred of hope that she could escape marrying the earl, she couldn’t reject the offer.
“I will think about it,” she said.
Chapter Eleven
The next morning, Rowena once more awoke with her thoughts consumed with Lord Elsbrook. She found him to be even more arrogant the day before than when she had danced with him at the party. And she was certain he had no romantic interest in her. What on earth could he possibly wish to discuss with her? She was grateful that he had rescued her from her father’s rant. But she couldn’t imagine why he would have cared enough to interrupt a family affair.
There is only one way to find out,she thought as she rose from bed and called Sally.And that is to go to the park and find out.
When Sally arrived, Rowena had helped her into the third finest dress that her sister had gifted her. Sally dutifully dressed her mistress, but there was an odd expression on her face all the while.
“Are you thinking of meeting with the Baron of Elsbrook today?” she finally asked.
Rowena sighed and nodded.
“It can’t do any harm,” she said, hoping she was not wrong. “It must be better than spending time with that insufferable earl.”
Sally bit her lip. She looked as though she wanted to say something. But she remained silent as she finished helping Rowena into the pink satin dress and matching gloves and shoes. She quickly styled mistress’s hair into a bun, with ringlets hanging down at the back and in front of her ears. Rowena finished by spraying a bit of lily perfume on her wrists, though she wasn’t sure why.
When she was ready, Sally escorted her to the dining hall. She remained quiet, and Rowena began to wonder if her friend was troubled. But before she could ask her, Sally curtseyed and took her leave.
“I will be waiting when you’ve finished breakfast,” she said before quickly turning and heading down the hallway toward the kitchen. Rowena frowned as she entered the dining hall. She decided to speak with Sally after breakfast.
Her mother and sister greeted her warmly as she took her seat. Her father, however, did not spare her a glance. The expression on his face was a sour one, and she suspected it was because she had avoided her father since his behavior at the races.
Conversation at the table was stilted, as though her mother and sister could sense the increasing tension. Rowena hurriedly finished her meal, all too happy when her mother allowed her to excuse herself from the table.
“Where are you off to?” Lord Worthingwood asked, his voice as cool as his attitude.
Rowena’s cheeks flushed. Fortunately, she had anticipated such a question. She smiled innocently at her parents.
“I am going to call in on Nancy,” she said. “She has some more dresses that I would like to try. I am, after all, seeking to find a match.”
Her father raised his eyebrow, but his face softened.
“Well, that is a fine idea,” he said. “It would serve you well to look your best. Especially since we are to have Lord Axenshire for dinner this evening.”
Bile rose in Rowena’s throat at the mention of the earl. But she succeeded in keeping her sweet smile. Her mother returned it, looking almost relieved. No doubt, she was concerned about the tension between her middle daughter and her husband.
“Have a wonderful day, darling,” she said warmly. “I will be meeting some of my friends for tea. It seems as though we will all have a busy day.”
The viscount nodded. The satisfied smile on his face made Rowena wish she had not made it sound as though she was giving in to him.
“And I will be busy at work in my study,” he said. “No trips into town for me today.”
