“Right. Of course. As well they should, I suppose.”
“But if we were to pretend that we lived in a world where I loved you to distraction and where titles and fortunes could be denied on a whim, and where I was free to do as I please without my parents’ interference, then it shouldn’t matter if you lost your title and fortune since neither can possibly be a reflection of who you are as a person. As such, I would like to think I would marry you anyway. Although to be fair, this is so hypothetical it is beginning to stretch the limits of my imagination.”
George smiled. “Your answer still gives me hope.”
“Of what, exactly?”
“That you care more for what is behind the facade than for how things appear at first glance.” When she frowned he grabbed her hand. “Come on. Let’s find those grubs you’re so excited about.”
She squeaked and he grinned as he pulled her along, circling the lake until they reached a shady spot where moss, fallen tree-bark, and branches littered the ground. Drawing her into a crouched position, he let go her hand and lifted one of the larger branches so he could move it aside.
“Dear me,” Miss Hollyoak said with a whisper of breath.
George’s grin widened. The branch had settled in the moist soil, creating an indentation in which there appeared to be an abundance of life. He reached out and snatched up the fattest grub he could find. Turning slightly, he held it up for Miss Hollyoak’s inspection. “Magnificent, wouldn’t you say?”
Her expression was tight, her lips pressed into a firm line that seemed to convey a struggle for resolve. She stared at the grub as it moved about in the palm of his hand. “An excellent specimen, Mr. Townsbridge. Congratulations.”
“Why thank you, Miss Hollyoak. Would you not like to hold it?”
“Oh no. That one is yours. I couldn’t possibly—”
“Of course you can,” George told her jovially. He reached for her hand, then took the grub and began to lower it onto her palm.
She swallowed. Her jaw tightened. The grub almost touched her before she jerked back so violently she landed on her bottom. “I can’t!”
George tilted his head. “Can’t what?”
Exasperation puckered her lips. “I don’t like grubs or worms or slugs or anything else related to such disgusting creatures.”
“I thought not.” He tossed the grub aside, brushed his hand on his trousers, and offered it to her. She glared at it as if it were soiled. George chuckled. “You wanted me to dislike you so you decided to turn yourself into the sort of strange woman you thought I’d lose interest in right away.”
She hesitated a second before accepting his hand. Contrition was evident in her eyes when her gaze met his once more. “I’m sorry.”
He pulled her to her feet. “No matter, although to be honest, your little farce has had the opposite effect from the one you desired.”
“What?”
“You’re amusing and intriguing.”
She stared at him as if in baffled confusion. “I lied.”
“Let’s call it a fib, shall we? Besides, we still don’t know each other well, so you owe me no loyalty, though I would like to know what your real interests are.”
“So you can get to know me properly?”
“Naturally.”
“I fail to see the point.”
“For one thing, you’re stuck here for the next few days. Would it not be more enjoyable if we tried to get along?”
“Maybe,” she agreed after an infernally long pause.
“So then?”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. If you must know, I love gardening. I’m actually cultivating a new species of roses at the moment.”
“What about embroidery?”
She scrunched her nose. “I’d rather read.”
“I’m relieved to hear it.”
“Are you really?”
“Yes. Embroidery never made much sense to me. I’m afraid I’ve never seen the point, but if you’re reading then you’re at least nurturing your mind.”
“What a curious perspective you have.”
“Why? Because all young ladies ought to sit about monogramming handkerchiefs?”
She smiled and his heart expanded. “That is the general opinion.”
He offered his arm. When she accepted, he started to guide her around the lake at a stroll. “What else do you like to do?”
“I’m fond of chess and card games.”
“What about billiards?”
“I enjoy it though I’m not especially proficient.”
George made a mental note to improve her play during her visit. “I love it myself. It’s wonderfully relaxing after a long day.”
She snorted. “You make it sound as though you have a very arduous life, Mr. Townsbridge.”
“Perhaps there’s more to me than being a rake, Miss Hollyoak”
The pensive look she gave him assured him she was second guessing her initial assumptions of him. He said nothing more. Rather, he decided that showing her who he truly was would have a much greater impact.
Chapter Two
MARGARET WAS MORTIFIED. She’d brazenly lied to Mr. Townsbridge and he’d caught her out. But rather than scold her, he’d shrugged off the matter and asked her to tell him about her real interests. She’d not been able to be dishonest again, and to her surprise, he’d shown appreciation for the things she enjoyed.
Additionally, he’d been charming and amusing, even with the whole grub situation. He’d also hinted that she might have judged him too harshly, and in spite of herself, this piqued her interest. Against her better judgment, she wanted to get to know him more thoroughly. She wanted to learn if she’d been wrong about him. Furthermore, she wanted to spend extra time with him, because if she were to be completely honest, she rather enjoyed his company.
So when she woke the next day, she dressed and went down for breakfast, hopeful that Mr. Townsbridge might open up a bit more. She’d begin by inquiring about his childhood and see where that led. But before she reached the dining room his voice, coming from his father’s study, gave her pause.
It wasn’t in her nature to eavesdrop, but the door was ajar, she had to pass it, and before she was able to do so she heard him say, “I know you may want me to entertain Miss Hollyoak, Father, but this is of greater importance.”
“We’re talking about your future,” Lord Roxley remarked.
“I am aware, but I refuse to leave Miss Granger in the lurch.” A sigh followed this comment. “Considering my...involvement, I cannot help but feel responsible for her well-being.”
“And the child?”
“I’ll do what I can by him.”
“It’s a messy business, George, but if you’re determined, I’ll not stand in your way. Just try and be discreet. Yes?”
“Of course. I always am.”
Margaret took a sharp breath and continued toward the dining room which she was relieved to find empty. Solitude was what she needed in order to gather her thoughts. And a cup of hot tea to go with it.
Lord, she should have trusted her instincts. Mr. Townsbridge was clearly an expert at breaking past people’s defenses. He’d made her second guess herself, had caused her to imagine she must have misjudged him, when in fact she’d been right all along. He was every bit the rake she’d taken him for. Heavens. His affairs weren’t even confined to Town alone, which caused her to wonder how many women and children he’d left in his wake.