Wed in Disgrace (Convenient Arrangements #3) - Rose Pearson Page 0,27
his head. “I was unaware that Lord and Lady Parrington were back in London.”
“At least now you are prepared when it comes time to meet with Lord Parrington,” Lady Newfield said practically, looking all about them as though it bored her to stand in the same place for such a length of time. “Now, Miss Jamieson, shall we continue on our walk?” She looked pointedly back at Lord Coventry. “Lord Coventry, I believe you wanted to speak to my goddaughter?” Gesturing to Delilah, she gave him a small smile. “Do not remain far from us, if you would.”
For a moment, Lord Coventry appeared hesitant, making Delilah fear that he would not wish to converse with her any longer, that he would, instead, step away from her and excuse himself. Instead, however, he finally nodded and cleared his throat, holding out one arm towards Delilah with a small lift of his brow but no question on his lips. Realizing what was expected of her, Delilah took his arm and stepped forward, seeing Lady Newfield nod in satisfaction before stepping away from them both.
It was a very awkward silence that surrounded them both as she began to walk alongside Lord Coventry. He said nothing at all, and she, for her own sake, could find nothing to comment on. She did not want to bring up Lady Parrington, and yet that was all that was on her mind. The lady had not given an excellent impression of her character and Delilah was finding it very difficult indeed to consider that Lord Coventry himself had thought so highly of the lady.
“Miss Mullins, I thought it best to speak to you after last evening,” he said slowly, turning his head to look down at her. “I did not return for you when I promised that I would.”
Delilah felt a flush creep into her cheeks as she nodded, daring a glance up at him. “Indeed.”
Lord Coventry said nothing for a moment and when Delilah glanced up at him again, she was astonished to see a slight redness to his cheeks. Was he truly embarrassed over what he had done?
“You will not ask me why I dd not return?”
Now it was Delilah’s turn to flush. “I would not even dream of it, my lord,” she answered quietly. “Your business is entirely your own.”
“That cannot be true, Miss Mullins, if we are to be betrothed,” he said, making mention of their engagement for what Delilah thought was the very first time. “You have every right to ask me what I did and where I went. For my promise was for you, that I would return in a moment with an answer from your uncle.”
She did not know what to say, her tongue sticking to the roof of her mouth. Her uncle had never allowed her to question anything, did not expect her to remark upon anything that he had done or had chosen not to do. And now Lord Coventry was telling her that she had every right to do such a thing?
“You are unused to speaking in such a way,” Lord Coventry murmured, clearly able to see what her difficulty was. “I quite understand, Miss Mullins. But, if we are to wed, then I shall not be contented with a quiet wife who never questions what has happened or what I have done.”
“I—I do not think I can—”
“You must,” he interrupted before she could finish. “I am not your uncle, Miss Mullins, and I have no intention of ever following his footsteps. I can assure you of that.”
His words ignited a tiny spark of hope within her, but Delilah did not allow it to grow and burn. It was all too foreign to her as yet, too difficult for her to even imagine. To speak to Lord Coventry in such a manner, to demand to know what had occurred last evening when he had not returned for her, seemed much too improper.
And yet, that was precisely what he was asking for.
“Will you not ask me?” he said gently, making her flush all the hotter at the kindness in his voice. “Can you not bring yourself to do so?”
“I...” Her throat was dry, her stomach suddenly writhing. “I am sure whatever kept you, it was of great importance.”
Lord Coventry sighed, and Delilah felt as though she had disappointed him—but to her surprise, Lord Coventry reached across with his free hand and settled it on top of hers where it rested on his arm.