Читать книгу The Husband Season - Mary Nichols - Страница 2

‘“Playing at”, my lord?’ she said sweetly. ‘What can you mean?’

‘You know very well what I mean. You manoeuvred Miss Malthouse to sit beside me at supper; it was so obvious I wondered others did not notice it.’

‘Now, how could I, a mere slip of a girl, manoeuvre you, of all people? And why would I?’

‘I do not know, but it was unkind of you. I had to endure her idle chatter throughout supper, and afterwards while we walked. Listening to her is exhausting. I am persuaded you must have some motive.’

‘My lord, I have been accused of being a hoyden and a flirt, and Cassie is convinced that I am trying to put her out with you. I had to make her see otherwise.’

‘And you wouldn’t be doing anything of the sort, of course?’

‘Certainly not. I should be wasting my time, would I not? Have you not declared you are not looking for a second wife?’

‘Indeed I have.’

‘And I am not prepared to be one, so let us be friends.’

He laughed. ‘Oh, Sophie, if anyone could make me change my mind it would be you.’