His face was normal. It was always normal. He didn’t know what she was talking about. “Of course not. You know me better than that. I have a plan for my future, and you are the only woman in it.”
“Not everyone’s life goes according to plan.”
“Mine does.”
“Your father’s didn’t. You didn’t go into the army as he planned.”
A low blow by the one woman he wanted to impress. He would never join the army though. It was a decision not only made, but set in stone. The stone over his mother’s grave. “Howard did. One son in the service will have to do for him.” He hated speaking of the army. When he had first promised his mother he would never be a part of it, he had floundered with an unsure future. Meeting Miss Morgan had changed all of that. She had given his life a purpose again. One that would make both his mother and, hopefully, his father proud of him.
“I don’t understand why you don’t just join. You know you would be promoted at a spectacular pace.”
“Only because of my father’s reputation.”
“Because of your father, yes, but also because you would deserve it. You could be a powerful force in the army, and yet, you have no desire to join. I’ve never understood it, and frankly, neither have my parents.”
“I thought you did understand. Not long after we met, you told me you understood.” Truthfully, that was the conversation that had made him decide to pursue her. Yes, her position in society and her dowry were perfect for him, but that moment had been the turning point he had needed to call him to action. “I remember that conversation perfectly. You said you couldn’t ever imagine being in the army.”
“And I stand by that. I couldn’t imagine being in the army. But I suppose I thought that you, as a man, would eventually come around. I mean, what else are you going to do with your life? Keep serving as your father’s steward? I’ve heard you do remarkably well with that, but let’s be honest. He could hire someone to take your place in a heartbeat.”
Anthony held his hand out. He wasn’t going to stand here and listen to Miss Morgan make any more disparaging remarks. All he needed was to know the location of their next meeting. The longer they stood here, the more likely they would be discovered. “Hand me those ribbons.”
“Pardon?”
“All those ribbons you have mangled. I am going to purchase them.”
“But I don’t want them. I didn’t even realize I was doing it.”
“Yes, and I hardly see why the shopkeeper should have to pay for your carelessness.”
“Well, I never,” she huffed, handing Anthony the ribbons. He tucked them into his hand atop the gloves. “You are still going to buy those gloves for that Miss Smith?”
“Yes.” He strode past her. “Your aunt is headed this way. What social function were you planning on us attending next? Please let it not be another ball.” The last thing he wanted was to watch either Miss Morgan or Patience dance with other men.
“Lord Bryant will be picnicking in Green Park, as will Miss Paynter. Everything has been arranged. They won’t arrive together but will manage to stop in the same place and will wind up spending the afternoon in each other’s company.”
“Picnicking? Lord Bryant? That seems rather . . . beneath him.”
“Of course it is beneath him. But so is that lady he is pursuing, so he will be there. One of my maids knows Miss Paynter’s maid, and she assured me this is their plan.”
“And your parents will be there as well?”
“My parents? On a picnic? Most certainly not. I will tell Mama I am picnicking with you and your sister. Send me a carriage at noon.”
“Your parents won’t be there, and I am to send you a carriage? That seems quite the opposite of our plan.” If he were to escort her on a picnic, it would hardly seem that they were growing apart.
“I will let them know you are also bringing Miss Smith. What kind of lady is called Miss Smith? The name certainly inspires no imagination.”
That was precisely why he and Sophia had chosen it. There was no reason to remember a woman with the last name of Smith. “Yes, Smith. But wouldn’t it be wiser to simply attend a card party together where we can remain apart and hopefully make your parents worry about their loss?”
Miss Morgan placed her hand upon