He cleared his throat. Perhaps a partial truth might do him good. “I also have an uncle who would like to see me matched. Interest in a woman like you would aid me in appeasing him…”
He snapped the reins and she turned to him. “Wait.”
He slowed the horses again.
“What do you mean, precisely?” She tapped his arm, her green eyes searching his. Her fingers on his arm had his muscles tightening in awareness.
“What I said. My interest in you would help us both.”
“So…you’re not…you don’t actually want me, then?” Was that a bit of hurt shining in her eyes?
He straightened up. He didn’t like the idea of hurting her. “No. That isn’t what I said. Only that I don’t need you to marry me, simply allow me to court you for some time in order to aid us both. What happens after that…”
He wouldn’t actually say he planned to marry her. He couldn’t lie to her, for some reason, the way he could with others.
“We’re not getting married,” she asserted again.
“So you’ve said. Multiple times.”
“But,” she said, dropping her voice as though they weren’t riding down a country lane all alone together, “there is something…”
She wanted something from him? What sort of something? Did she wish for some experience? Kissing, perhaps…please say it was kissing. “Yes?”
“I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’m not very forward in front of most people.”
“I did. Is it a compliment that you are far more assertive around me?”
“I don’t know.” She cocked a brow. “But I do think you might be able to help me with a problem that I’ve had.”
“What’s that?”
Her fingers began to dance along his sleeve. “I’ve always wanted to be more like Emma. She’s got a knack for doing what she ought not.”
“Did she kiss rakes at balls?”
“No.” Natalie swatted at his arm. “But she did wade in the river and climb trees and…”
“You want to climb a tree?” That wasn’t quite what he’d hoped for.
“I want…” Damn him if she didn’t lick at her top lip, the tip of her pink tongue running along the plump flesh. “To participate in a bit of rebellion. Emma regularly does what our mother thinks she ought not. Nothing that really hurt her. But enough that she knew how to assert herself when the time came.”
His brows rose in understanding. Would Natalie like him more if her mother disapproved? What an interesting thought, one he’d explore later. For now, he had an inroad into courting. “So. I help you defy your mother by climbing trees and you help me ward off my uncle’s schemes.”
She cocked her head to the side, assessing him. “And the drinking?”
He dipped his head to hide his grimace. She really didn’t like his drinking. Who could blame her? “I will continue to abstain for as long as we are participating in our ruse.”
“Our ruse…” She repeated the words, her mouth looking absolutely sinful around the words.
“So what else do you wish to do besides that tree climbing?”
“There is a list—”
“A list,” he said, laughing into the open air and sending several birds flying from a nearby tree. “I can hardly wait.”
“I’m not showing you,” she responded and for the first time, she let go of his arm.
“Why not?”
“You’ll laugh,” she answered, and her head ducked. “I know you’ve done all sorts of debaucherous things I’ve not even dreamed of.”
She was right. But for the first time in a very long time, he didn’t mind that. In fact, he liked her innocence and being with her made him feel a bit cleaner too.
“If you haven’t already, you ought to put kissing a rake on that list.”
She wrinkled her nose. “That might mean I’d end up married to said rake.”
He gave her a saucy wink then. “Not if you pick the right rake.”
But her eyes only narrowed. “Does that mean that he wouldn’t do the right thing?”
“No. Only that he’d know how not to get caught.” He didn’t add that he had the perfect rake in mind.
What was more, he believed that helping Natalie with her little list would be a dashing good time. And in the meantime, he’d write to his uncle and tell the man to put his matchmaking schemes away.
As soon as Natalie came to London, he’d introduce her. She would be absolutely perfect for his plan.
CHAPTER FIVE
Three days later, Natalie looked out the window from her family’s carriage, anticipation making her shift in her seat. Today she was supposed to be taking tea with the Smiths. But she suspected that Somersworth had orchestrated the meeting to begin working on her list…
She touched the reticule hanging from her wrist, sheets of paper crinkling under the folds of fabric.
She hadn’t needed to bring them. She’d told Somersworth…Ethan… that she’d not show him. And she had the items on the paper memorized.
But somehow, she wanted to have them with her. She ignored her heart pounding with anticipation. It wasn’t about seeing him…it was excitement over what might happen today.
The invitation to tea had arrived from Lady Smith—Abigail. Very friendly and with a kind smile, Abigail was a woman Natalie welcomed the potential for friendship with. But even that had paled at the idea that this was a secret message from Ethan to begin their ill deeds.
The more she’d thought on their bargain, the more excited she became. She’d give him some legitimate front he needed for his uncle, something she ought to be good at.
And he’d show her—a smile tugged at her lips—how to be bad. A little.
The carriage stopped in front of Upton Falls and the footman opened the door, helping her down. The front door opened, Abby appearing at top of the front steps. The stunning blonde gave her a wave as Natalie made her way up the steps. “Hello,” the other woman called. “So good to see you.”
“You too,” Natalie answered, glancing about but not seeing Ethan anywhere. She attempted to ignore the niggle of disappointment. She’d hoped…
Abby reached for her hand. “Come. It’s cold out here and the tea is ready.”
Natalie’s lips parted in surprise. She really had come for tea. “How kind.” But her shoulders slumped as the door closed behind her. She’d been hoping for something far more interesting.
Abby linked her arm in Natalie’s. “I received a letter from Triston and Emma.”
“Emma?” Natalie snapped up straight once again. “What did she say?”
“They’re back from the trip and settling in to their townhouse. They sound…happy.”
Natalie smiled, but it was tinged with a bit of sadness. Would she ever have a chance like that? “As happy as you and Lord Smith?”
Abby’s smile grew so wide, it practically split her face. “That would be difficult. My husband is so…”
Natalie held her breath as she waited for the woman’s next words. “So what?”