Page 24 of Any Rogue Will Do
“Some might consider them an odd pairing. The former drunk with the former prostitute,” Agatha commented.
“‘Former’ being the most important word.” How lovely it would be to have her own household, where she could handle servant affairs the way she wanted to, without answering to anyone. Of course, Agatha would still have opinions, because she was Agatha. “Perhaps their history is common ground. Their pasts aren’t a secret.” It would be hard to hide Darling’s history, and everyone back home knew about the schoolteacher who used to teach while three sheets to the wind. “Despite their colorful pasts, they are wonderful people, with much to offer the right person.”
Agatha seemed content to let it go at that, so Lottie opened the letter. Rogers’s elegant script felt familiar, like a friend, although Rogers himself had never earned that designation. She read it through once, then again. “Father may have found a house for me. There’s a view of the sea and an established rose garden. Can you imagine a more lovely property?” It sounded perfect. Fertile land, a house with modern amenities, and a thriving nearby town—what could be better?
“This would be the property with which your father intends to entice you to marriage?” Agatha sipped her tea with a raised brow, staring over the teacup’s rim.
Lottie sagged in her chair. The house by the sea came with strings. Best not forget that, no matter how appealing it sounded.
“Not a subtle push, is it?” Agatha said.
No, her father’s lack of subtlety didn’t surprise her. Rogers would have written at her father’s direction. At least it meant Father was preparing to keep his side of their bargain. Now she had to keep hers—not an encouraging prospect when she lacked suitors other than Montague, whom she hoped to never see again after today, and possibly the absent Scotsman. Lottie neatly folded the letter back into its rectangular shape, creasing the edges with precise movements.
Dawson entered the room. “Mr. Montague is here to collect Lady Charlotte, madam. He’s awaiting her in his phaeton.”
“In my day, gentlemen came inside when they called. They did not wait on the street or expect a lady to come to them,” Agatha said in awhat is the world coming totone.
“Times change, Auntie.” She bent to kiss Agatha’s cheek. “I shan’t be long. When I return, I’ll take extra time dressing for this evening. I have to look my best if I’m to catch a husband.”
Hopping down from the high seat of the carriage, Mr. Montague swept a grand bow and kissed the inside of her wrist. “A vision, as always, Lady Charlotte.”
“You’re in a good mood today, Mr. Montague.” When he flashed that grin, Lottie couldn’t help softening toward him. After all, she had depressingly few friends in Town. The list of annoyances and doubts regarding him were bound to surface again when they parted ways, but the man could weave a charming spell when he wanted to. It was too bad their friendship would end after today.
“I had brilliant luck at the tables last night. Now I have the prettiest creature in London for company.” He helped her up into the seat, where she gripped the edge and tried not to look down. Goodness, these seats felt unstable.
Forcing a laugh through a suddenly parched throat, she said, “Mr. Montague, you are too kind.”
He swung up beside her, making their perch sway to a terrifying degree. Gathering the reins, he paused to tip his hat at a rakish angle with one finger. “Oh, I’m quite serious, as you know. But that’s fine. I’ll wait. Eventually, you’ll realize there’s no one better for you than me.”
“Sir, I must insist you cease with the flattery.” She’d wanted to ease into this conversation, but they might as well do it now, while they sat outside her house. “You see, I’ve given this some thought and—”
“You’ll come around.” Montague sent her a heated look. “Until then, I shall make do with stealing you away for times such as this.” He clicked his tongue, setting the horses in motion.
Obnoxious man. On paper, Montague checked every box on her list. But his apparent desire for her made her own plans for marriage entirely incompatible. No matter how handsome he was or how beautiful their children would be, she didn’t want that life. She didn’t want his adoration. Or his babies, come to think of it.
She tried again as the carriage sped toward the park. “As you know, our fathers desire a match between us. However, after some reflection—”
“The earl was ecstatic when I wrote him. I sent an express messenger the day I saw you on Bond Street. He’s given his blessing.”
“Excuse me?” She gaped at his presumption. Surely her father would never give consent without first consulting her. Not after she’d already declined this exact match. The disquiet in her heart stirred when Montague ignored her question in favor of navigating the phaeton through the streets of Mayfair. The verdant expanse of Hyde Park sprawled before them. Without a pause, Montague guided the horses past the park gates as they approached Oxford Street.
“Wait, I thought we were going to the park.” Over her shoulder, the bustling acres of Hyde Park shrank behind them.
“I have a different drive in mind for today. Trust me.” Montague signaled the team to a higher speed, away from Mayfair.
Trust him? Not bloody likely. Amesbury’s warning about Montague rang in her head. “Mr. Montague, I insist you take me home. If you don’t plan to drive in the park as planned, then this outing is finished.” City blocks of businesses passed, then houses. Hedgerows dotted the distance, and still they continued.
“You worry too much. We’re almost there,” Montague insisted.
“Sir, turn these horses around at once.” Who cared if her voice was shrill when the blasted man continued down the road in the opposite direction of where they should be going.
“Not to worry, pet. I’m sure you’re concerned about your reputation. But as an engaged couple, we can enjoy a nice drive in an open carriage.” He snapped the lines, pushing the horses to go faster.
“Not out into the countryside! And we aren’t engaged. We will never be engaged, which is what I was trying to say, but you kept interrupting!” There. Her chest deflated as she sighed with relief at finally getting the words out. She could have been more diplomatic, but the man was obstinate to the extreme. There was no way to misinterpret her wishes now.
“That’s not what your father says. Sit back and enjoy the drive. You said you prefer the country, so I planned this just for you.” Montague turned off the main byway, onto a rutted path.
“My father is not the one who’d have to marry you, and I’ve just said that I won’t. We aren’t getting married. Not now, not ever.” She bit the words out while her brain scrambled for a plan. At least they were off the main road, thus not going farther from London.
