Page 63 of A Misguided Devotion

“Really? How is it that nobody knew where you were? I expected Lotta to have an attack of the vapours when we arrived at your grandmother’s house and discovered you weren’t there, but although she was concerned, she was convinced she’d know if you had been hurt. Something about being a twin.”

“Why didn’t Rowson tell you I had followed my grandmother into Devon?”

“Which you clearly haven’t.”

“It was my intent, but I got distracted. How did he learn I wasn’t there?”

“Because the Duchess sent word to inform you, should you arrive in Weymouth during her absence, that she intended to return within the week and hoped you would still be here. A message she wouldn’t have dispatched if she’d already seen you.”

“Ah…” Guilt pricked William’s conscience. Poor Charlotte. No wonder she was worried about him.

“Even Hetta has been concerned about you—”

William jerked around to face Anthony. “I find that hard to believe. I would expect her to make some grand announcement that summed it up, rather than to waste time worrying.”

“Well, she may have said something to the effect that there was probably a woman involved. It would seem she was right.”

“She’s stunning, isn’t she? The moment I saw her, I knew I had to paint her.”

“So that’s what you’ve been doing? Painting her?”

“Yes.”

“Nothing more?”

William raked a hand through his hair. If only he could be sure that Miss Barrington realised his attentions weren’t serious. “No…I mean, I’ve been flirting with her, trying to tease out the expression I wanted to depict, but she was immune to my charm. Later, she started responding in kind, but I do not believe her heart is in it any more than mine.”

“That doesn’t guarantee that she won’t try to trap you into marriage. Does she know who you are? Is she fishing for a fortune?”

Was she? “I don’t think so—but her father might be. I had to tell him something to get invited to her home so I could paint her. It was worth it, Ant. It’s the best portrait I’ve ever done.”

“Sounds risky to me. Where are you staying?”

“Portland.”

“Very helpful. Where? Come on, Will. Didn’t your mother warn you not to go off on your own without telling someone where you’ve gone? Mine certainly did.”

“Rufus House,” William said with a grin. “But there’s no need for you to tell my sisters. I don’t want them getting ideas. The portrait’s finished, and you can expect me to join you within the week.”

“Take care, Will. If you find you’re in too deep and require help to get out, send me word.”

Anthony’s words unnerved him more than he cared to admit. He would be able to leave without Mr Barrington pressuring him into proposing to Laura—wouldn’t he? He’d done nothing but flirt with her a bit. Well, quite a lot. Had he raised expectations he was honour-bound to meet?

Perhaps he should confide his misgivings to Anthony. Maybe he’d know how he could extricate himself gracefully.

No. If he found himself in a predicament, that would be soon enough to beg his friend’s advice. “I don’t foresee the need—but thanks.” William hoped his confidence was not misplaced.

Kitty drummed her fingers on the table, wondering if Laura intended to try on every hat in the shop before choosing which to buy. It was a hard choice. She would have used price to help her decide, but her friend hadn’t even bothered to find out how much each one cost.

Laura pointed at a poke bonnet adorned with an enormous bunch of silk flowers. “Try this on, Kitty. I’m sure it will suit you.”

It didn’t, which was something of a relief. She had no intention of buying anything unless she had to. Because, however inexpensive, the number of coins in her reticule wouldn’t even cover the personal items she required, and she did not want Mr Barrington to finance her purchases.

“What do you think of this one?” Laura asked, examining her reflection, wearing yet another hat.

“You look very fine in it.” Which was not surprising, as she looked well in everything she tried on.

“Hmm. I’m not sure. There are so many beautiful bonnets to choose from, and I want to try them all. Mr Merry was quite right to recommend we come here, but I fear it will take me so long to decide that I won’t have time to visit the circulating library. I’d be obliged if you could go to Harvey’s on the Esplanade and see if they have a copy of Pride and Prejudice for me? I’ve been meaning to read it since it was published, but it’s never been available when I’ve looked.”