Page 9 of Redemption of a Marquess

She glanced around as if to be certain no one listened, then leaned close and said, “I plan to marry a very old, rich gentleman.”

He stared. “Marriage to a rich gentleman. A time-honored tradition among ladies. Come.” He grasped her arm and began walking toward the mansion. “For your plan to succeed, you must not be caught in these gardens with the likes of me.”

“That is silly,” she said. “You have been nothing but a gentleman. No one could accuse you of being improper.”

She practically trotted to keep up with him, but he didn’t slow. “If we do not reach the ballroom unseen, you may discover how wrong you are.”

“This is the first time a gentleman has tried to drag me back into a ballroom,” she said.

“It is a first for me, as well,” he said dryly.

“Then why do it?”

He gave her a thin-lipped look. “You would prefer I drag you into the bushes?”

“Nae,” she replied. “I was just curious.”

“Surely, you know that curiosity killed the cat,” he said. “Did your mother teach you not to trust strange men?”

“Oh, I learned that on my own—and you usually can’t trust those you know, either.”

“For one so cynical, you are naïve to enter any garden alone.”

“I think you are the one who is naïve,” she said. “Most men don’t need gardens to become forward.”

He couldn’t help a hearty laugh. “I stand corrected.”

They turned a corner in the path and came face-to-face with another couple. Valan cursed before the moonlight revealed the couple as Sir Stirling and his wife.

“Your lordship.” He gave a slight bow. “My lady. I understand congratulations are in order.”

Lady Chastity smiled. “Yes, thank you. Ella is a hearty baby.”

“I see you are hard at work, as always, Northington,” Stirling said with laughter in his voice. “Miss Matheson, fancy seeing you here. You and the marquess seem to be getting along well.”

“Miss Matheson was lost,” Valan said. “I happened upon her and am escorting her back to the mansion.”

“Why don’t I see her back?” Lady Chastity said.

“That would be best, ma’am.” Valan canted his head in gratitude.

“But—” Miss Matheson began.

“Go along,” he cut in. “It is far better you are seen returning to the party with Lady Chastity than with me.” She shook her head and he added, “Remember your plans.”

She pouted prettily, but nodded. “I will go, this once. But don’t think you can order me about.”

“Heaven forbid,” he said, and the two women left.

“You are fortunate it was Chastity and I who happened upon ye,” Stirling said as they trailed the ladies at a leisurely pace.

“Far more fortunate for her than I,” Valan said.

“That is most assuredly true,” he said, making no effort to hide his amusement. “What is she doing here?”

“It seems Honoria secured her an invitation to the ball.”

“Interesting,” Stirling said. “I had no idea her services extended to securing ladies invitations to private parties. What were you referring to when you told her, ‘remember your plans’?”