Page 32 of To Dare the Devil

She smiled, enjoying his silliness, and nodded. “I would be pleased to,” she said, taking the arm he offered.

They strolled about a little, with Rosamund stopping now and then to speak to people she knew. Everyone greeted him with pleasure, though she saw pity in some of their eyes, which he must find hard to bear. Yet he showed no sign of it and conversed politely and with ease. He was a very comfortable man to spend time with, perhaps because he was married and therefore she did not need to worry about trying to impress or please him. It was rather liberating.

“You know, he did not ignore you. He simply hasn’t noticed you yet. I find it inconceivable personally, but some men need to be hit on the head with a fact before it sinks in.”

Rosamund stared up at him, blushing as she realised he was speaking of Pip.

“Oh, no, but I… I’m not….”

“You’re head over ears in love with him,” he said, though not unkindly. He sighed and shook his head. “I remember the sensation, though it seems a very long time ago.”

Rosamund stared at him, wondering if he realised he’d said that last bit aloud. She thought not as he cleared his throat, looking awkward, and hurried on.

“You’ve got to put yourself in his way,” he said, his tone more decisive now. “Ashburton is chased about by women left and right, so one can’t blame him for being a bit icy on occasions like this. No, we need to find a way to put you in front of him without it seeming as if you’re interested.”

“We?” Rosamund echoed in astonishment.

He nodded. “I must make amends for the dousing with champagne.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. There’s no need—”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, my lady,” he said, wagging a finger at her. “I happen to know Montagu quite well, and Philip a little too. I’m sure I can manage something.”

“But what?”

“Well, give a fellow a chance to think,” he said indignantly.

Rosamund giggled, rather entertained by him.

“How well do you know the man?”

“Montagu?” she queried.

He tsked at her.

Raising an eyebrow at his imperiousness, she could not help laughing. “Oh, Pip. Well, he’s my older brother’s friend. We grew up together.”

“Ah, that explains it. He thinks of you as a childhood annoyance, I’ll bet. One who tried to spoil their games, I don’t doubt. He has yet to notice you’ve blossomed into a beautiful woman. Right, then. We need something to stir his protective instincts.”

Rosamund stared at him, dubious as to his intentions. “We do?”

“Undoubtedly. We need an unsuitable fellow to show an interest in you, but that could be dangerous. Can’t have you putting your reputation at risk by encouraging some loose screw.” He frowned at that, pondering the idea.

“No, I’d rather not,” she agreed hurriedly.

“No. Someone who can be relied upon to play a part without putting you in a difficult position. After all, Pip just needs to believe a wicked fellow has set his sights on seducing you. A little word in his ear might be enough.”

“But whoever it was might risk getting into a dreadful scrape. Jules—my brother, that is—says Pip is not the sort of man one gets into a fight with. He boxes and fences and he’s awfully clever too. If he set out to take revenge… well, I should hate for anyone to get hurt on my account,” Rosamund said anxiously.

He waved this away. “It need not go that far. He just needs a little push in the right direction. He’ll get the picture quick enough.”

Rosamund looked sceptical. “I cannot imagine who would risk offending Pip on my behalf. They’d be mad to do so. What if Montagu got involved?” she added, horrified at the prospect.

He considered this. “Well… I could do it.”

“You?” she asked, clearly looking sceptical enough to insult him.

“I’m not that old and decrepit, am I?” To her amusement, he looked genuinely concerned. “Is the notion of me having designs on you that repulsive?”