“Unfortunately, we were just returning to the house,” Gregory said. He rubbed his thumb over my fingers again. I yanked my hand out of his grasp.
Mr. Lundall’s eyes narrowed at Gregory. “Miss Brinton, I was hoping to enjoy a quick, private word with you.”
Not again. “I apologize, Mr. Lundall, but I wouldn’t wish to be late for breakfast. Perhaps at a later time?”
“It will only take a minute.”
“Yes, but the air is uncomfortably chilled. After breakfast the air will have warmed.”
He didn’t look convinced but held his arm out to me anyway. “Very well. Please allow me to escort you in.”
I resisted the temptation to look at Gregory. “There is really no need for such formality.”
“I would consider it a great honor, Miss Brinton.” Mr. Lundall bounced his elbow up and down, emphasizing its presence.
I sighed and took his proffered arm. “Thank you.”
As Gregory passed my seat to take his own at the table, he placed the flower next to my plate. My gaze wandered to it more than I would have liked. Everything Gregory had said felt like the truth, yet he was still hiding something, and it seemed important. But how important was it? Was it worth sacrificing whatever attraction lay between us, whatever future lay before us, simply because he wouldn’t tell me? What if I were to set aside my misgivings and just see where allowing myself to care for him led?
Gregory and my father left the breakfast table and I tried not to watch Gregory as they disappeared out the door. When Lady Williams rose, I glanced around. It would be only Mr. Lundall and me left at the table. I would not be cornered in the breakfast room with the servants listening to Mr. Lundall propose yet again. I hurried after Lady Williams, leaving Gregory’s flower on the table.
Mr. Lundall rushed up to me. “Our walk? We have little time, for I have requested my chaise to be at the door at noon.”
“Of course.”
I dragged my feet through the entry. As we exited the front door, we came upon Gregory speaking with Miss Perrin. A servant arranged an easel a few feet away, and a lady who must have been Miss Perrin’s chaperone sat on a bench near the house, a book in her lap.
Gregory and Miss Perrin turned at our approach.
“Miss Perrin, how good to see you again,” I said.
“And you.” Her cheeks colored. “Mr. Lundall, I did not know you were still here.”
Mr. Lundall bowed and kissed her hand. “I am leaving in half an hour.”
“So soon?”
“I’m afraid so.” He turned to me. “Shall we?”
I sighed. “Very well.”
“Just a moment, Miss Brinton,” Gregory said. “Miss Perrin has come to paint a scene of the river. Would you be interested in joining her?”
“Oh.” Of course Miss Perrin was an accomplished artist. And of course I was not. “Um. . . .”
“Miss Brinton,” Mr. Lundall interrupted, “I did not know you were an artist. Which is a shame, because I am a vast lover of art.”
“Perhaps you will stay and attend to our progress?” Miss Perrin suggested rather hopefully.
The servant appeared with another easel, and Mr. Lundall straightened his shoulders. “I say, man, put that right here.” The servant set the easel in the appointed place.
“No, not there.” Mr. Lundall took a few steps to the side. “Here.”
The man did as he was bid.
Mr. Lundall surveyed the location, then shook his head. “Over here, I think.” He strode thirty feet away. “Yes, here. This is perfect.”
The man glanced at Gregory, who nodded, so the easel was once more placed where Mr. Lundall had indicated. Mr. Lundall shifted from side to side before nodding his head. “Yes, this is the perfect spot.”
“Oh, I have never painted from that location,” Miss Perrin exclaimed. Turning to me, she asked, “Would you mind?”
“Not at all,” I replied.
She smiled and hurried to Mr. Lundall.
“It appears Mr. Lundall has an admirer,” Gregory said.
She certainly did seem to enjoy Mr. Lundall’s company. And Gregory certainly did not seem to be interested in her, not when he was holding my hand and proclaiming that he did not wish to be formal with me. Yet there was a kind of familiarity between them. And Lady Cox believed an engagement imminent.
“I have been led to believe—and I am not the only one—that there is perhaps an expectation between the two of you.” I glanced at him to gauge his reaction.
Gregory’s brows rose in disbelief. “I assure you, Miss