‘Well, she’s not going to catch me.’
‘Don’t be so sure. Women like that know how to get what they want and they don’t give up easily. Only why on earth did she send her sister to you?’
‘No idea. She must have thought a personal appeal would be more effective.’
‘But she didn’t visit you herself?’
‘No. Too worried about her reputation apparently.’
‘Thank goodness for that. So what message are you going to send back?’
‘I said that I’ve already given my answer.’
‘Mmmm...’ Lance sounded pensive ‘...just stay on your guard. I wouldn’t put anything past Lydia Web—what’s her married name again?’
‘Baird.’
‘Lydia Baird. She’s just the type to try to catch you in a compromising situation. Be careful she doesn’t turn up on your doorstep.’
‘One look at the farm and she’d probably change her mind.’
‘It might be too late by then.’
‘Which would be her problem, not mine. I won’t be tricked into doing the honourable thing.’
‘Won’t you? We both know you’re not as bad-tempered as you make out.’
‘I’m incredibly bad-tempered and I refuse to be trapped into anything I don’t want. I’ve lived enough of my life that way.’
‘Glad to hear it.’ Lance nodded approvingly. ‘You do like her, though.’
‘Lydia? Don’t be ridiculous.’
‘Nice try. You know perfectly well I meant Frances. You were looking in her direction all the way through dinner and you’ve just proven that you were listening to her conversation as well. You know you can’t fool me when it comes to women.’
‘Apparently I can since you’re so far off the mark.’
‘So you’re saying that you don’t like her?’
‘I don’t like any woman. I’ve learnt my lesson in that regard and it was a pretty damned painful one, too. From now on, I intend to leave the entire female sex alone and I’d appreciate them returning the favour. I only feel responsible for Frances, for tonight anyway.’
‘If you say so.’ Lance pushed his chair back and heaved himself to his feet. ‘In any case, I’ve had a very enjoyable evening and so has Violet, I can tell. If I weren’t so far off the mark I’d suggest you bring her again next week.’
‘The next time she invades my privacy, injures herself and then compels me to take care of her, you mean?’
‘You never know... So what’s the plan for tonight? I presume you’re taking her back to Whitby?’
‘Yes, under cover of darkness. She insisted.’
‘You know that’s not the time most respectable ladies ask to be taken home?’
‘Quite. Only she doesn’t want her parents to find out where she’s been. I think she intends for me to deposit her on the outskirts of Whitby and then hobble the rest of the way. It’s ludicrous, of course. I’ll have to see her to the door.’
‘The same door where her sister lives?’ Lance shook his head. ‘Absolutely not. You might as well stick your head in the lion’s mouth. Let me take her back in the carriage instead. If she needs an excuse, then she can say she twisted her ankle out walking and I found her. It’s not such a long way from the truth, but this way you don’t have to go and there’s no risk of bumping into you-know-who.’
Arthur nodded absently. It was a better idea than his own, he supposed, though he felt strangely reluctant to give up the prospect of a night-time ride with Frances. Despite the inconvenience, he realised he?
?d actually been looking forward to it...