Page 70 of A Rake's Redemption
Inis’s eyes grew round and pink spread across her cheeks. He wasn’t sure if she was embarrassed or angry. He had simply meant to…
“Ye are correct,your lordship.”
Ah. Angry.
He relaxed his stance and grinned at her. She didn’t smile back. “I was merely trying to point out that most…people…would not use that tone of voice or pose that question “
“Ye meantfemaleswould nae ask such.”
“I cannot recollect any that have.” Alex’s grin widened. “Most are rather complimentary, now that I think on it.”
She huffed a breath and reached for the teapot to pour some tea. “Ye might be a wee bit full of yourself.”
Alex laughed out loud. “You might be aweebit more genteel in your criticism of me, Miss O’Brien.”
She colored again. “I should nae have said that.”
“Do not apologize.” He sobered. “I like the fact you speak your mind. You have no idea of what a rare trait that is for women of theton.”
“Which proves I am nae a member of theton.”
“Thank God for that,” Alex replied. “You have to act like one at George’s ball, though, which is why I suggested you practice assuming airs, as you put it.”
Inis frowned. “I doona want to treat the other servants like that.”
Alex grew thoughtful. “Perhaps we can arrange for you to practice elsewhere.”
Inis stopped with her teacup half raised to her mouth. “Where? Caroline’s?”
“No. I was thinking…” He paused for a moment. “Since you feel ‘imprisoned,’ perhaps an outing is in order.”
Inis set down the cup. “Aye. We could take Goldie to the park—”
“Not Goldie or the park. I was thinking of a brief ride in the country to a little inn that serves a substantial high tea. It’s quite the place to see and be seen, and every person who works there expects the clientele to have airs. In fact, they are nearly as snooty about serving commoners as some aristos are about associating with them.”
“It does nae sound like a pleasant place.”
Alex shrugged. “It would be a perfect place for you to practice without stepping on the toes of our servants. And we really do need to practice a bit with the ball being next week.” When Inis gave him a dubious look, he added. “Would you rather attend a soiree or rout? I could—”
“Nae.” Inis waved her hand so quickly she nearly spilled her tea. “A ride in the country sounds much better.”
Alex stood to leave. “I will arrange it for this afternoon then.”
…
As Alex helped Inis on to the bench of the cabriolet after lunch, he looked up at the sky. Inis followed his gaze. A few patches of blue could be seen through the cloud-laden sky. “Do ye think it will rain?”
“Quite possibly,” Alex replied. “Perhaps I should switch carriages and take the landau instead.”
“I doona want to be cooped up inside a carriage,” Inis said emphatically. “I want to enjoy the countryside.” The landau used four horses and required a coachman. Inis really didn’t want any of Alex’s servants watching her play the aristocrat. “Besides, Jameson said this gelding needs more practice in the traces.”
“Even so, the cabriolet is open,” Alex said. “You’ll get wet if it rains.”
“I will nae melt. Besides, we have oilskins, and ye said we are nae going that far.”
“About an hour’s ride. A little less in this gig.” He looked at the sky again. “We can probably make it, although we could wait until tomorrow—”
“Nae.” Inis was practically bouncing on the seat. Three days inside a small room had been enough. She didn’t want to delay any longer. “It will probably rain tomorrow, too. This is London, ye ken.”
