Page 50 of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

“Are you ready to turn back?” he asked her. It was rude of him, but if he had to talk to one more person, he might end up doing or saying something they’d all regret.

She said, “I suppose I am.”

As they left the park and were walking down the street, they met a young man whose face showed recognition when he saw Mrs. Drake. Then his eye was obviously caught by Charlotte Robbins’s fair face and figure.

“Mrs. Drake, it is so good to see you.” He stepped forward to greet her.

“Mr. Welton, you are looking well.” Mrs. Drake smiled quite broadly. She made the introductions, introducing him as Mr. Anthony Welton, the son of one of her friends. Mrs. Drake introduced Charlotte and added, “She has just let a house on Grosvenor Square.”

“Miss Robbins, it is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He reached for her hand, but she pretended not to notice.

William didn’t trust this Anthony Welton. He had dark, shifty eyes that showed an obvious interest in Charlotte, especially after hearing she had a house on Grosvenor Square.

“Perhaps I will see you at a theatrical or a concert in town,” he said. “Do you like theatricals?”

“I don’t know, as I have never been to one.”

“I would be glad to escort you. Will you allow me to call on you tomorrow?”

Charlotte looked uncertain, but Mrs. Drake said, “Of course you may. Here is one of Miss Robbins’s cards. The direction is on the back.”

The cheeky blighter pressed the card to his chest. “Thank you. I shall call on you tomorrow.” He excused himself, having never once looked William directly in the eye.

They continued on their way, but he had an uncomfortable feeling. Would Charlotte welcome that man’s attention? She would receive him tomorrow, even though he was a stranger to her, after only one brief introduction, after Mrs. Drake invited him. Of course, it wasn’t wrong for her to do so, but it stirred up something inside William’s chest that he didn’t like.

Mrs. Drake started talking as if her job was to prevent even a moment of silence. The only way he could hold onto his sanity was by ignoring her—and talking over her.

“Miss Robbins, how are you settling in to life in London?” It was an inane question, but was the first thing that came to mind, and it blessedly caused Mrs. Drake to stop speaking.

“Very well, I thank you. I’m not accustomed to so many people, but I do like looking at all the beautiful homes, and Hyde Park. I enjoy the park.”

“You don’t find it too crowded?”

“It is a bit more crowded than your beautiful grounds at Lowndesbury House, but I never meet anyone I know, so it is rare I am forced to speak with anyone.”

“Ah, I suppose I ruined your walk, then.”

“No, not at all. It is very good to see you again. We are old friends, are we not?”

Her gaze locked on his. Was it his imagination, or did her voice become a bit breathless?

“Yes, indeed.”

“Perhaps I will take my walk a bit earlier from now on, when fewer people will be out, as I did at Lowndesbury House.”

William liked that idea.

“Although, not tomorrow. I don’t want the children to have to rise too early.”

“Of course. The same time tomorrow should suit them very well.” After a moment’s pause, he said, “I know you have never lived in London before. Is there anything that I might do to help?”

“Thank you. That is very kind. Mrs. Drake has been very helpful, as she has lived here all her life. But I did think perhaps it would be lovely if you accompanied the children and me to the Tower of London, to see the menagerie?”

“That sounds like a pleasant outing. The day after tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

They were approaching his townhouse.