Wed in Disgrace (Convenient Arrangements #3) - Rose Pearson Page 0,47

Lord Coventry! It is only that I do not think you have anything to worry about when it comes to Lord Robertson. He will tell you everything, whether or not you have ever met him before.”

He lifted one eyebrow, his lips pulling into a grin as he was tugged into her laughter. “No?”

“No, indeed not,” she smiled as the footman came and opened the carriage door. “Even if you are not introduced, I believe that Lord Robertson would tell you everything without even a momentary hesitation.”

“Then I shall speak to him at my earliest opportunity,” he told her before gesturing for them to climb out of the carriage.

Lady Newfield smiled at him, her eyes darting between himself and Miss Mullins. “Might I suggest, Lord Coventry,” she began with a knowing smile on her lips, “that you walk with Miss Mullins for a time without my company? I shall, of course, remain a little behind.”

There was not even a momentary hesitation. “I should like that very much, Lady Newfield.” Turning to Miss Mullins, he looked at her and saw her shy smile. His heart warmed. “Miss Mullins?”

“I—I should like that also,” she said, not quite managing to look at him before accepting his arm. They began to walk together along the path, and whilst Timothy was fully aware that there were others walking on the path also, some turning to look at them, he did not give them even a momentary glance. His entire attention was fixed on Miss Mullins.

They walked in silence for a short time, not speaking even a word. There was a comfortableness in their silence, a joy about being simply in one another’s company without the need to fill the quiet with words or noise. When his mind was not fixed on the attack upon his character, the attempts to have him blamed for something he had not done, he realized just how much he had come to care about this lady, even though they had not been long acquainted.

“You have increased in confidence, Miss Mullins,” he said, his eyes looking down at her, the breeze lifting one her curls for just a moment. “The way you offered to speak to Lord Robertson was courageous enough, but now that you have done so, I can see that you are thoroughly uplifted.”

Miss Mullins’ smile was gentle. “I confess that I have found myself to be rather brighter in spirits since I spoke to Lord Robertson,” she said quietly as though she could not quite believe it herself. “When I left the school, I had no confidence in myself whatsoever. When I suggested to Betty…she is now my lady’s maid—that she come with me and leave the school altogether, that was the very first time that I had suggested something so daring.” She shook her head as though she could not quite believe that she had done so. “Betty took a great risk and yet she did come with me. I found a way to be brave even though I was terrified of what would occur.” Her smile faded, her eyes darkening for a moment. “But I have not been able to keep that bravery with me when it comes to my uncle.”

Timothy’s anger burst to life in a moment. “Your uncle is not the sort of gentleman that should be responsible for anyone,” he said. “The way he has treated you is appalling, Miss Mullins.” Closing his eyes, he turned to her suddenly, taking her hands in his and looking into her eyes. “Miss Mullins, the more I consider things, the more I realize that it was foolish of me to ever agree to a marriage between us without even thinking of you.” Shaking his head, he winced at the harsh reality that he was left with. “I wanted to marry so that the heir could be produced, nothing more. With the scandal and disgrace following me, I knew that it would be difficult for me to find a suitable wife.” Pressing her hand, he looked into her eyes. “I did not even think of what a burden the situation might be for you.”

“And yet,” she replied, her voice husky, “I think that now, I do not find our circumstances to be burdensome in any way.”

Rather surprised, he looked into her face and tried to understand what she meant. He wanted her to express a little more but could not find the words to ask her.

“Lord Coventry, what I am trying to say is that you do not