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“And neither do you. You don’t want me.”
“True.”
She nipped at her lip, continuing to stare over the picturesque countryside’s rolling hills and fields. “What I want…” she whispered, “is the strength to assert some choice in the matter.”
“Don’t we all.”
She looked at him again. “I’m hoping that if I learn to participate in these little defiances…”
He understood. She was building toward her most defiant act of all: choosing her own husband. It was a solid plan and she’d enlisted the correct person to help her cause. “Tell me. What’s next on the list?”
CHAPTER SIX
Two days had passed since Ethan had tossed her into a tree—two very fun days.
She’d not seen him again, which she could secretly confess would have made the days even more exciting.
But she had set herself to taking opportunities. Silly things like stealing her mother’s embroidery and hiding it, snitching a pasty from the kitchen when Cook wasn’t looking, feigning a megrim, and then spending the evening reading in her room instead of attending dinner.
It had been breathtakingly fun, even when she’d nearly been caught with her mother’s embroidery bag in hand, and she’d found herself humming as she walked down the halls, her back a little straighter, her chin a bit higher.
Now she and her family drove along the country lane toward the Viscount of Millville’s estate. He was having a ball before many of the local well-heeled families left for London for the season. Recent rain had made the roads bumpier than usual, and the carriage crawled along.
Natalie tapped her toe with anticipation, hardly able to wait for their arrival. Lord and Lady Smith would surely be there. Would Ethan be with them?
It seemed an excellent opportunity to make a public display of courting and an even better one for causing a bit of mischief.
She’d worn a pale green silk gown, the neck cut lower than to her usual taste, revealing a generous amount of her ample cleavage. Her hair had been swept up into an elaborate twist, a few choice tendrils falling about her face to soften her features.
She pressed her gloved fingers together and wondered what Ethan might think of her appearance.
But she shook that thought away. He was a rake. He’d surely compliment her, he might even truly appreciate her beauty. But he’d turn away sooner or later. Men such as himself never stayed with one woman too long, especially not a woman like her.
Timid, shy, straight as an arrow, she’d not likely appeal to him for long. He wanted a devilish woman with experience.
Her shoulders began to droop as she pictured his sweep of blond hair, the sparkle of his blue eyes, his strong jaw, and the cocky smile that was always lurking about his lips. He was so handsome…
“Do you think the Earl of Somersworth will be there tonight?” her mother asked, as though reading Natalie’s thoughts.
She blinked in surprise, not sure how to answer such a thought-probing question, but fortunately, her uncle answered for her. “I hope so.”
She looked over at him, sitting in the rear facing seat. “Why’s that?”
He grimaced, and she saw his expression even in the lamp light. “He’s a good candidate for you.”
She opened her mouth and then closed it again. Part of her wished to object. They’d all witnessed him defiling her shoes. Why did that make him a good candidate? Didn’t they care at all? But she’d also entered into a bargain with the earl. “I’m still deciding whether he is or he isn’t.”
“Natalie,” her mother gasped. “He’s an earl.”
“And a drunk,” she said before she could censor the words. Apparently, his lessons were having an effect.
Her uncle gave her a sidelong glance. “Then why allow him to pay you favor?”
“He’s an earl,” she answered as she dipped her chin. “His attention will help further my cause whether I choose him or not.” She and Ethan had already agreed on not. But her family did not need to know such details.
Her mother gave her a long look. “I’m impressed. That’s good thinking.”
Natalie’s chest swelled with pride. Normally, she was praised for her lack of words, not her abundance of them.
