Page 27 of The Rules of Courtship
Miss Edmonds affected false confusion, though her grin betrayed her. “I have no notion of what you could possibly mean. I think the sunlight feels pleasant but a bit warm, and walking along the water might be cooler.”
Did that mean the woman was manipulative, or merely interested in taking advantage of an opportunity to see the men sooner? Ruth didn’t know where the boundary lay between the two. As someone hoping to find love herself, she could not fault Miss Edmonds’ plan.
“If nothing else,” Miss Edmonds continued, “the view will be excellent.”
They walked together as if by mutual agreement. The path wound around the house and through a stand of trees. The downward slope was subtle, and they discussed the more popular haunts in London they had both enjoyed—Gunter’s for ices, Hyde Park, and the British Museum being their favorites.
Emboldened by Miss Edmonds’ frank conversation, Ruth slowed her steps and glanced at the woman. She was meant to be helping Oliver, and this opportunity was too good to pass up. “Are your sights set on a particular gentleman in the house?”
Miss Edmonds pressed her lips together. “Can I confide in you?”
“Of course.”
She hesitated, swiping a stray hair from her face. “You will not run off to the Temple twins and share what I am about to say?”
“We are not friends of that nature,” Ruth said. She would not run off to anyone, but she did intend to provide hints to Oliver if need be. “To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why I was invited. I suppose it has to do with my father being a friend of Lord Rocklin’s.”
“You were invited to even the numbers.”
“But they aren’t even,” Ruth said. “There is one more man than woman in the house.”
“Yes, but there are four young ladies and four young bachelors. This way, neither of the Temple twins are without an eligible arm at dinner or a partner at whist.”
Which didn’t account for the older set—Lady Helena, the Watsons, Lord Rocklin, and Mr. Kellinger. “Do you think it was planned so impeccably? What would they have done if we hadn’t all agreed to attend?”
“There are other young men and young ladies in the vicinity. I assume Lord Rocklin would have invited one of them.”
The pond came into view. Three boats rested on the calm water, soft ripples moving at the heads as they made their way toward the shore. Some men held fishing rods, while others rowed. Mr. Kellinger’s vibrant yellow waistcoat was visible even from this distance, brighter even than Samuel’s raiment.
The rhythm of their conversation felt like it was coming to a close, but Ruth wanted to know the secret Miss Edmonds had dangled in front of her, if she could. “All that to say,” Ruth murmured, “the only person I typically confide in at this house party is my mother.”
It was the truth. Oliver had not been her confidante these last nine months. Anyway, she would not share any secrets she had been expressly asked not to share.
“Then I hope you will refrain,” Miss Edmonds said, smoothing her raven hair back into its knot and arranging her parasol over her shoulder at an angle. “I have already accepted an engagement from a gentleman in attendance, though we cannot say anything until his affairs are sorted.”
Ruth swallowed her surprise. “Which man?” It could not be Mr. Edmonds, which left three eligible bachelors. She would like to think it wasn’t Oliver or Samuel—surely she would have known—but the very notion it could be Oliver tightened her stomach. He had been so reserved for the better part of a year that he could have made any number of commitments without her knowledge. But no, if he wanted her help in finding a good bride, he could not have already committed himself to Miss Edmonds. That only left the enigmatic Mr. Bailey.
Miss Edmonds looked toward the boats. “I cannot reveal his identity without his permission, but you needn’t worry. There is no danger of you falling for him. You have a connection with Mr. Rose and Mr. Harding, do you not? Besides, my gentleman will not lead another to think there is a possibility of a connection when he loves me so dearly.”
Miss Edmonds could have directly admitted that the man she spoke of was Mr. Bailey. There was no one else…Ruth hoped.
Either way, she needed to quell the gossip about herself before it could spread. “There is no understanding between myself and anyone else. I know Mr. Rose and Mr. Hard?—”
“Yes, yes, I do not need your explanations. I will take you at your word.”
That felt unsatisfying. “Why the secrecy, Miss Edmonds? Why not tell everyone you are engaged?”
“Emily, please,” she said, looking at Ruth expectantly.
“Only if you’ll call me Ruth.” She knew the lady’s deepest secret now. She ought to call her by her Christian name as well, she supposed.
“Certain arrangements must be made first,” Emily said, alittle impatiently. “My brother has been ruined once already. He will not approve a marriage for me unless the contract is impeccable, and the man is able to prove he claims a healthy income.” Emily looked out at the boats, her smile broadening. But which man was she looking at? “He is waiting for a letter from his solicitor to confirm everything is in order. Then we shall be married, and my brother will never have to worry about anyone but himself again.”
Chapter Ten
Rule #10: Never accept a gentleman’s arm unless you are willing to see the entire conversation through
Oliver noted the two women on the shore walking slowly along the path, and his heart skipped. He would know Ruth anywhere, but it took him a moment to place her companion. Miss Edmonds’ dark hair and beady gaze revealed her identity, the turn of her long, slender neck. There was something about the woman that did not feel entirely authentic, though he could not identify precisely what that was. She was polite, sometimes too interested, but then her attention would flee entirely, like she was only biding her time.
