Page 49 of A Naughty Proposal for His Winter Countess
“The main one was about my sister Martha, but we spoke about it this morning. She says its marriage troubles. I’m not fully convinced that all is well in that regard, but I hope it will be,” Harriet replied.
“Speaking of marriage,” Lily's face grew happy, “I am delighted that you’ve found a man like Lord Barkley. He seems very considerate and mindful of you. I think you two will have a lovely life together.”
Shame and guilt settled hard on Harriet’s chest, and her cheeks reddened. Lily mistook the blush for flattery and reached over to grasp Harriet’s hand. “I am so happy for you.”
The truth about her relationship with Daniel was clogged in her throat, and though she needed someone to talk to, to tell the reality of it, the words would not come out. Even worse, she could not say them to Lily and burst the ideal her friend had in her mind.
Lord, how much deeper am I going to sink in this pit I’ve dug?
Seeing the pride on Lily’s face, and the happiness in her eyes, the only words that could come out were, “Thank you.”
“So, are you off to somewhere?” Lily asked as she saw the gowns.
Smiling, Lily took her friend’s hands. “It’s this eve, and Daniel and I are off to Vauxhall, dearest Lily, the lovely gardens of Vauxhall.”
* * *
“Why are we at the Thames River at Westminster?” Harriet asked, peering through the window of the coach.
Daniel's lips were flat and mirthless as he looked out as well, “It’s a glamorous way of going to Vauxhall, Dear. What more way to gainon-dit, and gain admirers than a boat ride to the gardens?”
Tightening her coat, Harriet waited for Daniel to step out before she joined him. The wherries, though midsized, were light and slender, while they bobbed on the water and Harriet wondered if they would carry the eight gaily dressed ladies and gentlemen, milling about.
Dawson came around, his double-breasted coat, high-hat and silver tipped cane, flamboyant displays of his wealth.
“Ah, Lord Barkley and Miss Bradford, my honored guests,” Dawson said smoothly, “Vauxhall awaits us, please, let us board.”
Harriet felt Daniel’s possessive grip on her hand as the boats filled. It was a precarious act, as the wherries could only take so much weight.
“Ah, looks like Miss Bradford must come with this boat,” Dawson said, “And you, Lord Barkley, the other.”
“I’d rather she stays with me,” Daniel said, coldly.
“Now, now, this is a delicate operation, Barkley, a tip over, and the boat can…well tip over. Surely you see sense in even distribution,” Dawson said suavely.
Daniel’s shoulders squared, “If we won’t travel together, I think we shall take our leave—”
“No, please,” Harriet said, turning to lay a hand on Daniel’s rigid arm. “Please, Dear, let’s go and enjoy ourselves. It is Vauxhall, after all.”
Entirely uncomfortable, Daniel made to go, but stopped and facing Harriet he said, “Are you sure?”
Harriet was blind to the narrow glare Dawson was giving him. “Of course,” she said. “We’ll be fine. There’s nothing dangerous here.”
With Dawson’s heated stare, Daniel begged to differ. He was sure the man was up to something and the snide Dawson spoke then, confirmed it, “I would agree Miss Bradford, but this is Vauxhall. Who knows what sort of temptations might lure you away from your moral high ground.”
Through his teeth, Daniel grated, “Very well; we’ll go.”
“Excellent,” Lord Dawson said as he held out his hand, Never fear, Barkley, I will return your lady in one piece. She is way too lovely for anything else.”
A quick look to Daniel made a cold shiver run down Harriet’s spine—Daniel had cold fury stamped on his face, but his expression was not for her; it was for Dawson.
However, it was too late; Dawson was already leading her into the wherry. They stood at the very back, while the other rows were filling in, and soon, the waterman took control, and the boat began gliding over the placid river to the gardens. The people before them were speaking, but the wind stole their words away, which was why the couples leaned into each other’s ears.
“As a late engagement gift,” Dawson said in hers, “please, sample any delicacy or enjoy any jaunt on my credit.”
“That’s very generous of you, My Lord,” Harriet said. “But I cannot accept.”
Glimmering gray eyes turned to her, “Why not? Aren’t you a part of the union as well? I think you would have as much say in any affairs as Barkley would.”
