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Rowena shook her head and sighed again.
“No,” she said. “I asked him, but he avoided the question completely.”
Sally’s expression became suspicious at once.
“You don’t think he could be bluffing, do you?” she asked. “Or that he might be out to ask something just as outrageous of you?”
Rowena shook her head.
“It is too much of a coincidence for him to be bluffing,” she said.
Sally nodded, but she didn’t relax.
“Do you think it is wise to meet with him, given what he knows?” she asked again.
Rowena shrugged.
“Truthfully, I do not know,” she said. “But I have to find out what he wishes to propose.”Especially since his exact words were that they would both benefit from it,she added silently.
Sally nodded again, but she looked less convinced than before. They were silent again until the carriage reached the park. The footman helped them from the coach, and they walked to a bench in a secluded part of the park.
Rowena’s stomach was knotted with nerves. She didn’t think the baron would try to do anything inappropriate with her while Sally was present. But now the maid had mentioned it, it was a concern. She was also nervous about what he was going to propose. She couldn’t imagine why he had taken such an interest in her life. And she was worried that she didn’t want to find out.
She was glad to see that the park was fairly quiet. It was not yet the fashionable hour. She hoped the baron would come and say his piece soon. She didn’t know that anyone would pay them any special attention. But even a casual mention of spotting her at the park would get back to her family, and her father would be furious.
Just then, she saw Lord Elsbrook approaching. She held her breath, giving Sally a nervous glance. When he reached the women, he bowed, and they rose and curtseyed in return.
“Good day, Miss Whitworth,” he said, giving her a smile. “I am glad to see you here.”
Rowena nodded.
“I suppose the curiosity was too much to bear,” she said, trying to sound casual and not as anxious as she felt. She couldn’t help glancing around, as she was still not comfortable with meeting the baron alone.
“Do not fret,” he said softly, in an almost reassuring tone. “I have a footman nearby keeping watch.”
Rowena sighed. That didn’t make her feel any better, as it would hardly save her if she were spotted there with him. But she could see he was trying to ease her mind, so she just nodded.
“All right,” she said. “Are you going to tell me what this is all about?”
He didn’t answer right away. He glanced at Sally, bowing again, and giving her a small smile.
“Could we maybe have a moment alone?” he asked gently.
Rowena’s eyes widened. Surely, Sally’s fears could not true. Even in a secluded part of the park, it would be foolish of him to think he could get away with anything untoward.
Sally’s expression mirrored Rowena’s feelings.
“I do not think that would be wise, Lord Elsbrook,” she said sharply.
The baron gave her an indulgent smile.
“I assure you that I have no unsavory intentions toward your mistress,” he said. “You can stand where you can keep us in sight, but I must speak to Miss Whitworth privately.”
Sally bit her lip, clearly uncertain about what she should do. She looked to Rowena for guidance, though Rowena was just as unsure as her maid. At last, however, she nodded her head. If the only way he would speak to her was if Sally went away, she would do it. She didn’t want to be in the park any longer than she needed to be.
“It’s all right,” she said. “I shall call for you if I need you.”
Sally looked at his lordship, then back at Rowena. Eventually, she nodded, though clearly still hesitant.
