Page 91 of Notorious

“Oh, I need,” he teased.

He paid not only for that book, but for the two she’d ordered. They went out to the waiting barouche, and he handed the parcel to her footman.

“How far is your dressmaker? It is a lovely day—perhaps we might walk?”

A thrill of pleasure rippled through her. “You were not jesting then?” she blurted. “You really wish to come to my dressmaker with me?”

“I never jest about ladies’ garments.” He glanced down. “Do you have proper shoes for walking?”

“I am wearing my half boots.” Drusilla couldn’t help wondering what he thought she’d be wearing. And then she recalled the type of woman he normally consorted with.

He turned to John Coachman. “I shall see Mrs. Marlington gets back safely. Fletcher, you may go with him.” He turned to Drusilla. “That is, if you do not need her?”

Drusilla’s face heated at her maid’s curious look. “No. I shan’t need you, Fletcher.”

The streets were busy and they passed more than a few people one or both of them knew.

“What are you collecting from the dressmaker’s?” he asked her.

“Two new gowns.”

“You have a riding habit, I trust?”

“Yes.”

“Good. It is my hope we will get the chance to ride together when we are in the country.”

She glanced up at him, ridiculously pleased by his words.

“You would like that?” he asked, cutting her a quick look before leading her around a steaming pile of animal manure.

“I’ve always wanted to ride more, but the only times I seemed to get around to it were those visits to Exham every summer.”

“Those visits will not cease. We are not even a day’s ride from Exham.”

“I am glad.”

“Are you? You and Eva have patched up your disagreement?”

Had they? “Things are slowly going back to the way they were before.” She chewed her lip before adding. “I’m afraid she feels betrayed by me.”

“She will get over it in time.”

Drusilla wasn’t quite so certain. “I also think she has developed other interests. At least she seems somewhat distracted.”

“Oh? You mean new friends?”

Drusilla thought about Eva’s confession that she’d been spying on Visel. She could not betray her friend yet again. So she said, “I don’t know.” It was a truthful, if evasive, answer.

“Eva has her quirks, but I’m sure she’ll come around eventually. You are her best friend, after all.”

Drusilla wasn’t sure it was only the issue of the duel that was bothering Eva.

“Are you still riding with her in the morning?”

“I haven’t gone the past few days but I know she goes with Byer.” He glanced down at her, his lips twitching. “I have always wondered if she might be a little sweet on him.”

“Byer?”