Page 24 of 10 Things I Hate About the Earl

The fury in her face made him want to cringe. “My brother put you up to taking me out, didn’t he?”

The accusation caught him unawares. He managed to keep the alarm out of his voice, but barely. “No, he did not.” Technically, he spoke truth, as Ainsley hadn’t specifically asked him to take her out for a carriage ride, but he skated on the thinnest ice possible.

“Then why have you taken this sudden interest in me?” Her voice wavered between outrage and hopelessness. “Dancing with me, the supper dance, a carriage ride. It smacks of Ainsley interfering in my social life again, and I will not have it. He thinks he knows what’s best for me.”

“Brothers often do.” Marcus dangled that bait, praying she’d take it and move swiftly away from the dangerous waters in which he now treaded.

“Hah. You think marrying you is what’s best for me?” Her voice rose alarmingly, and he peered around, terrified someone had heard her.

Fortunately, the park was lightly populated. Time to tease her back to safer shallows. “I would never presume to tell you, of all people, Miss Locke, what’s best for you. I would, however, like your advice on how to help Lady Letitia as she navigates the sometimes treacherous waters of her first Season.” He cracked a slight smile. “The waltz notwithstanding.” He pinned her with a sharp stare as she leaned forward and opened her mouth.

Marcus steeled himself for the onslaught.

She pursed her lips. “Why would you want my opinion, my lord? We obviously disagree on most topics.”

He released a sigh of relief. “You have expressed an interest in my sister’s welfare, Miss Locke. I appreciate that deeply. My sister has few friends, and Aunt Alexandra is much older. I would like to hear what you would recommend as one closer to her own age, to help bring her out of her shell.”

“She is rather retiring.” Miss Locke nodded in agreement. “I did notice that last evening.” She cut her eyes at him then stared straight at the horses’ backs. “I believe she is particularly fearful of the punishment or penalty you have imposed if she dances that waltz. If I may speak frankly—”

“I wouldn’t dream of trying to stop you.”

Miss Locke faltered, blushing, then chuckled. “Well, you might attempt it, my lord, but I would doubt your success.” Miss Locke sent him a sly look and adjusted her Spencer. “As I was about to say, your sister is frightened of dancing the waltz. You must lift this ban so she can take part in Society more fully.”

Marcus pretended to think on the scheme’s merits, furrowing his brows, pursing his lips, clenching his fist. “I cannot see my way clear to do so at this time, Miss Locke, although I do appreciate your point.”

She scowled at him and opened her lips, but he cut her off. “Other than dancing, however, is there some way you can think of to bring her out of herself?” He truly would be grateful if she could hit upon a plan that would help Letitia.

“Well,” she said, fingering the material of her reticule, “does Lady Letitia enjoy shopping?”

The simple question stymied Marcus. “I’m not certain.” He’d never heard his sister talk about such outings, but then he’d been seldom at home before his father’s death last autumn. During her mourning period, of course, she’d wanted to do nothing, save stay in her room and cry.

“If you will allow me, my lord, I will send a note to Lady Letitia this afternoon requesting her company on a shopping excursion tomorrow morning. Then I can better assess how much work it will take to bring her out of her shell.”

“My sincerest gratitude for your assistance, Miss Locke.” Marcus beamed at her, and she ducked her head. “If we can encourage my sister to interact more with other ladies and gentlemen, I will be forever in your debt.”

Miss Locke’s eyes sparkled, and Marcus’s stomach dropped. He had no idea what she might be planning, but he would’ve bet his fortune—if he’d had one—she would try to coax Letitia into standing up in a waltz in defiance of his edict. He suppressed a smile. Just let her try. “If you are free tomorrow afternoon, might we meet again, to confer on Letitia and perhaps come up with a plan for her for the rest of the Season?”

As she opened her lips, Marcus steeled himself for the rejection he was sure would come. Miss Locke had been too accommodating thus far not to expect it.

“Yes, of course.”

He pulled back on the reins so swiftly the horses jibbed. “Whoa, Samson, Delilah.” Marcus peered at Miss Locke, incredulous. “Yes, of course?”

She smiled at him, a genuine one this time. “If we are to help Lady Letitia, you must know what I find out as soon as possible. That way, we can come up with several things you can encourage her to do to help free her from her shyness.”

“Yes, of course.” Marcus suddenly had to concentrate on driving. He didn’t quite trust himself to look at Miss Locke. Her kindness toward his sister seemed out of character for her. Or perhaps he simply didn’t know the lady as well as he believed he did. “At this same time?”

“I think that would work admirably.” She gave him a serene smile then turned her head to watch the increasing number of people walking about the park.

So she did not seem to have an issue with being seen in public with him. All well and good. He shook the reins, and the horses picked up their pace. Time to move them further along in their courtship.

Chapter 11

Next afternoon, Marcus pulled the team up precisely at three o’clock, more than a little curious about what had transpired during the morning’s shopping trip. Letitia had found him at breakfast, beaming as she told him about Miss Locke’s invitation to accompany her shopping.

“Oh, Marcus, may I go?” she’d pleaded with him, doe eyed. “And with just Miss Locke? Not with Aunt Alexandra along. I’ve never been shopping with someone my own age before.”

“Of course you may, my dear. Miss Locke will be an admirable chaperone.” He’d never seen his sister so enthusiastic before. “Did she say what she wants to shop for?”