Page 22 of Beyond Scandal and Desire
“Quite innocent, then.”
“I suppose it depends upon what she welcomes him speaking to her about.”
He chuckled low. “I suppose it does at that.” He gave an elegant bow. “It has been my pleasure to spend a few minutes with you, Lady Aslyn. I do hope our paths will cross again.”
“I’m not certain that would be wise.”
“Sometimes a man gains more by being unwise.” Before she could respond, he mounted his horse, tipped his hat to her and took off at a gentle canter.
She was not as he’d expected. He did want to cross paths with her again, and it had little do with reprisal. The thought making him uncomfortable, he shifted in the saddle and spurred his horse on. If he were a smart man, he’d cast aside this part of his plan. But then he’d already admitted to finding profit in not always being wise.
“I heard you were seen strolling through Hyde Park with Trewlove yesterday afternoon.”
Aslyn stared up at her waltzing partner’s somber face. She’d never known Kip to look so serious. She’d arrived at the Collinsworth ball, maid in tow, respectfully late, expecting him to arrive even later. Instead he’d already been there. As soon as she’d greeted the host and hostess, he swept her onto the dance floor.
The inquisition began without his even asking how she’d fared since he’d last seen her. “It wasn’t arranged.” Exactly. “Our paths simply crossed, and he was gentlemanly enough to spare me a few moments.”
“He’s a bastard, Aslyn.”
Her mouth dropped open at the harsh word, delivered cuttingly, in a manner she knew he’d never say it to Mick Trewlove’s face. His voice held disapproval, disappointment, but also a measure of something she thought might be jealousy. “You indicated the other night during dinner his illegitimacy was only rumor.”
“Now I know it to be fact.”
With the knowledge, she should have thought less of Mick Trewlove, been horrified at the way she’d stared at his hands as he assisted her with her bracelet, been mortified by the gladness she’d felt as he escorted her in the park. Yet she seemed incapable of viewing him any differently. “Have you ceased your associations with him?”
Kip appeared decidedly uncomfortable, glancing around quickly as though fearful someone might overhear their conversation, while all along his terse expression was going to be cause for much gossip and speculation. “It will do your reputation no good to be seen speaking with him.”
“So if he approaches, what am I to do? Give him a cut?”
“Simply don’t acknowledge him. If you do not speak to him first, he cannot speak to you.”
“Did he strike you as someone who follows Society’s rules?”
“You cannot encourage him or give any indication that you overlook the circumstances of his birth.”
“That’s hardly fair. He’s done nothing to deserve my censure.”
“He was born on the wrong side of the blanket.”
“How is that his fault?”
He released an exasperated sigh. “My parents would not be at all pleased to know you’d spoken with him. They made that perfectly clear the other night.”
“You were the one who brought him up during dinner after we both agreed we wouldn’t mention the encounter.”
His cheeks flamed red. “I didn’t mention the encounter, only the man. You are the one who is going to cause problems if you continue to associate with him.”
“I’m notassociatingwith him. We merely spoke when our paths crossed in the park.” And near the shops. Not that she was going to mention that. It would only heighten his upset, which she was finding distressing enough, as he’d never been cross with her before.
“How did he know you’d be in the park?”
Having never seen him so blistering mad, she was feeling rather put upon. “How do you think? I sent him a missive and told him to meet me there.”
The anger that flashed in his eyes gave her pause, made her realize it might be best not to taunt him. But communicating with her fan left a great deal to be desired, and at the moment, she had a need to speak what was on her mind. She had the fleeting thought that Mick Trewlove would applaud her, and inappropriately, she took a measure of pleasure in that. “Honestly, Kip, you can’t think I encouraged him in any way.” Although she had, just a tad, when she’d mentioned the hour she usually strolled through the park. She did hope the heat rushing into her cheeks was not giving her away. She’d longed to do something she shouldn’t, to take a chance, a risk, and then Mick Trewlove had come along, dark, dangerous and tempting. Even though she’d never go beyond a stroll with him, she’d been flattered to know she appealed to someone other than Kip.
“It’s frightfully warm in here,” he said curtly. “Shall we take a turn about the gardens, allow the fresh air to cool our tempers?”
“This heated discussion seems to warrant it.”
