AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Well, he still wouldn’t have enough money, but perhaps he could staunch the flow.
If they put their minds together—Harry, Bianca, Tina, even Father—perhaps they could find a financial solution that did not require decades of misery.
Carriage wheels crunched outside. Harry glanced out the open study window in time to see the Gladwells’ coach-and-four roll to a halt in front of the house.
Quickly, Harry shoved the ring back into his pocket. He raced from the study and out through the front door to catch the carriage before it left with Bianca inside.
Tina was waving goodbye to her friends when he skidded out of the house.
“Miss White,” he called out. “Could I speak with you for a moment?”
At first, he thought she would politely decline. But then she murmured something to her friends, who melted aside so that the footman could hand her down from the carriage.
Tina edged closer with avid interest.
“I’d like to speak with Miss White privately,” he informed his sister pointedly.
She made a face, but then shrugged and went to talk to her friends while he had a moment alone with Bianca.
Semi-alone. They were standing next to an overstuffed carriage on a busy street in the middle of Mayfair.
Harry would take what he could get.
“I’m sorry for earlier,” he said quietly.
Bianca arched her brows. “You’re sorry you ran away, or you’re sorry you kissed me?”
“I will never regret any kiss shared with you. I will always regret causing you pain. The truth is—”
She placed her hand on his chest. “Spare me the excuses. I already know your stance and your reasons.”
“I don’t think you do.” He caught her hand and held it against him.
Lightly, she tugged her fingers free. “I have had an unexpectedly eventful afternoon, and am looking forward to an evening alone with a good book. I hope you enjoy yours as well, however it is that you choose to do so.”
“Most likely, also alone with a book,” he said wryly. “Unless I can talk you into—”
“You can’t. I’m busy.”
“What about tomorrow?”
“Busy.”
“The day after tomorrow?”
She shook her head. “It’s a long book.”
“It’s also your birthday,” he reminded her. “If you want to spend your birthday reading, then by all means, you should do so. But you’ll also need to eat. Please allow me to spirit you away for a picnic. Even if all you have to spare is half an hour.”
She arched a skeptical eyebrow. “Is this to be a chaperoned or unchaperoned picnic?”
He smiled. “Lady’s choice.”
She snorted. “I’ll think about it.”
Was it any wonder Harry loved her? He gave her his most rakish smile. “Is that a yes for the birthday picnic?”
She gave him a long look. “Any specific reason you changed your mind and are suddenly eager to break bread with me and two dozen friendly ants?”
