Rafe had been a sort of neighborhood royalty. People had watched him as he walked past or treated him with deference. Women tried to catch his eye, and men worked to earn his respect and favor.
“Good afternoon!” Lady Satterfield greeted them from next to the path. “Miss Pemberton, how lovely to see you out.”
“Allow me to introduce Mr. Mallory,” Anne said. “Rafe, this is Lady Satterfield. She is a member of the Spitfire Society.”
Rafe bowed his head. Selina had mentioned the countess, indicating she was a kind and generous person. She was also very well respected in Society, and her stepson was the much-revered Duke of Kendal. Rafe wondered if he was also on the Committee for Privileges. From what he understood, the duke was a powerful figure in the Lords.
The countess, who was perhaps in her late fifties, smiled warmly at him. “You’re soon to be declared the Earl of Stone, I hear. I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance. I knew your parents. They were absolutely wonderful people.”
She stood with two other women, who stared at him with excited interest. Lady Satterfield introduced them as Lady Exeby and Mrs. Childers.
Rafe ignored them in favor of hearing more about his parents. “I’m always pleased to meet someone who knew them. I barely remember them.”
Lady Satterfield’s eyes creased with sympathy. “I’ve met your sister on several occasions. Your mother would be so proud of her commitment to charitable works.”
“Which sister is that?” Mrs. Childers asked.
“Lady Selina Sheffield,” Lady Satterfield replied.
“Lady Rockbourne isn’t really his sister,” Lady Exeby muttered while trying to smile.
“Yes, Rafe is shortly to become the Earl of Stone, and I will be his countess,” Anne said with more volume than was necessary. Enough volume that people nearby turned their heads.
Rafe stared at her, his heart pounding. Now their betrothal was public. She couldn’t withdraw without causing a scandal. A sense of relief flashed through him along with a jolt of self-derision. She no longer had the choice she deserved when she learned the truth about him. And damn him, it seemed he’d unconsciously wanted that. He was a selfish, coldhearted blackguard, and he was afraid of losing her.
Lady Satterfield’s eyes lit with joy. “You’re betrothed?”
Anne gave his arm another squeeze. “Yes.”
“How wonderful. I’m so happy for you both.”
Lady Exeby and Mrs. Childers’ eyes rounded briefly. “Such happy news,” one of them said. Rafe couldn’t remember who was whom.
“A shame you didn’t give anyone else a chance on the Marriage Mart,” the other added with a laugh.
“I didn’t need to. Miss Pemberton is everything I could want in a countess. If you’ll excuse us, we will continue on.” He inclined his head before escorting Anne away, his pulse uneven.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I blurted that out after Lady Exeby mentioned Beatrix. And I told my godfather earlier.”
Rafe tensed more than he already was, his neck and shoulder blades tightening. “What did he say?”
“He wasn’t pleased, but he was more fixated on your claim. He was on his way to Westminster.”
“To do what?” Rafe wondered if his uncle was urging members of the committee to reject his claim.
“He didn’t say specifically.”
Rafe noted she kept her gaze trained forward, and her body had stiffened as they discussed her godfather. Had something happened? “You don’t have to keep anything from me,” he said softly. “I imagine my uncle is angry and perhaps even wishes I had never been found.”
She turned her head swiftly, her gaze hot. “Don’t say that! Yes, he is upset, but he’s trying to accept this shocking change to his life. Just as you are doing.”
Her defense of him rankled, but what did Rafe expect? The man was a part of her life, as close as family.
They walked in silence for a moment before Anne asked, “Where will we go after the wedding? Or do you prefer to stay in London?”
He wanted to ask why she’d changed the subject but decided the park was not the place to have a conversation about his murdering uncle. “I honestly hadn’t thought that far ahead.”
The staring seemed to grow worse as they reached the intersection with another path. The Ripleys and Coltons turned to the left, but Rafe was sorely tempted to continue to the Cumberland Gate and leave the park entirely.
“You slowed down,” Anne observed. “Shall we stop?”
“Don’t we need to keep up with your chaperones?”
“Probably, but the park is very crowded. It’s not as if you can compromise me here.” She lowered her voice. “As if you hadn’t already.”
Her