Miss Radley's Third Dare (Miss Mayhem 3)

“Excellent. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an expedition to captain.” Anthony took his leave, offering a jaunty wave as he went.

Julia watched him go, at once envious and savagely disappointed. Being overlooked stung, and she’d been overlooked a lot in her life. If she’d been born a man, her invitation would have been assured. “I will never understand the way the world is run. If I had a say, I’d be captaining that expedition instead of staying behind.”

“One day, you will go,” Imogen soothed with a quick glance at her husband. “We cannot have everything we want all at once.”

“I see.” Julia had thought she had already made allowances for Anthony Linden. She’d known he would need time to accept her strength and courage was a match to his. Her ambitions were just as valid and important as anyone’s. Perhaps it was a failing of all men to dismiss what they didn’t understand.

Valentine Merton might be an exception, although she wasn’t so sure she would ever understand him entirely. He would be excited about the expedition; to see the stars from a closer perspective would be a lure for him too.

“I wish I had been born a man.”

“I’m glad you were not.” Sir Peter frowned. “If you were a man, I’d never allow you to be so close a friend to my wife. I’m quite possessive of whom she keeps company with. As all men of romantic persuasions are, I must warn you.”

Imogen caught her eye. “Is there a particular gentleman responsible for that scowl? Your brother, perhaps?”

“Linus could not be worse.”

“Then what? Did that meeting we discussed yesterday occur last night?”

“Yes.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sir Peter smother a grin. Imogen had warned her that she and her husband kept no secrets from each other. Clearly, she’d told him everything about her intentions to visit Valentine last night. If only the evening had made things easier. Instead, it had been a waste of time. She wished Sir Peter hadn’t known. Last night had been so embarrassing.

“And?” Imogen almost shook her. “Do I have to drag every small detail out of you? I’ve been waiting nigh on an hour for an accounting.”

“He proposed and I knocked him down,” she confessed quickly so the humiliation was over as soon as possible. Julia clenched her jaw. She’d been too shocked to think like a lady last night and had defended her own honor in the only way she could. Knocking Valentine to the ground might have been rude, but she’d never suspected he’d consider she’d welcome a proposal, or a kiss.

If she had even considered her visit would prompt that kind of response, she’d never have bothered. Julia certainly didn’t think of him in that sense…not romantically. She would not even contemplate his ridiculous suggestion that they marry. She was only trying to mend the breach in a friendship. He must be mad or foxed to have uttered the insane proposal.

“Was that your way of accepting?” Sir Peter asked, eyes twinkling.

Julia scowled at his amusement. “No, of course I did not accept. He hardly meant it. What sane person goes around daring a lady to marry them?”

“What woman goes around daring men?” Sir Peter asked, giving her a pointed look to remind her she was that woman. “He was unusually quiet early this morning. I assume he was disappointed with your mode of refusal.”

Julia hadn’t exactly said she refused but her actions should have proved to him how unwelcome his advances had been. “I am not happy with him either. He tried to kiss me.”

The baronet grinned. “Why are you angry about that?”

“Have you lost your mind? I could not ever be Mr. Merton’s wife.”

“What’s wrong with Val?” Sir Peter appeared confused. “He’s a decent sort, plump in the pocket enough to afford a wife and not entirely bad to look at.”

None of that was untrue. “Oh, please. Of course you’d list his positive qualities only. You’re his friend.”

“His best friend,” Sir Peter insisted. “I think he would make a very good husband. Very loyal.”

“Hounds are loyal.” Julia scowled and met Imogen’s gaze. Behind her, Sir Peter continued to grin broadly. Blasted man. “I won’t marry him. I won’t even speak to him again until he comes to his senses and behaves normally. I may not speak to your husband again, either, if he doesn’t stop smiling.”

Imogen gave her husband a nudge. “Go away. You’re upsetting her and making things worse.”

In response, Sir Peter kissed his wife’s cheek and then strolled ahead toward an orange seller’s stall without another word. “I’m sorry. He’s growing worse every day. Always on the lookout for a match to be made. Such a tragic romantic.”

“You know how I feel on the subject of marriage.”

“Yes, it is very hard to miss your infatuation with Mr. Linden has not waned.” Imogen resumed a slow walking pace. “To be truthful, and I know you don’t want to hear my opinion again about him, but, I don’t believe he’s possessed of reciprocal feelings for you. Maybe you should consider Mr. Merton’s proposal. He is a good man.”

“Anthony is wonderful,” Julia insisted. Mr. Linden had been everything she’d ever wanted since she could remember. A skilled athlete himself, he told such fascinating stories of his travels and successes. She couldn’t wait to be part of that world and go away with him. She would insist upon accompanying him everywhere once they were married.

“But Valentine was the one who accepted your dare when no one else would.” Imogen linked their arms and walked on. “Mr. Linden is just a touch too sure of his appeal, don’t you think?”