An Infamous Proposal by Joan Smith Page B

growing under Mr. Hunter’s boots! One would think an experienced rider would know better than to rush his fences. Has he left Whitehern, then?”
    “Oh, no. He will be happy to attend your soiree. I seem to get along well with all the partners in my proposals, whether rejecter or rejectee. Which reminds me, how is the Dowager Countess of Reeves doing, Nick?”
    He shook his head sadly. “I didn’t get my offer after all. She found someone else to sell her carriage and team for her, after leading me on shamelessly, the wanton hussy.”
    “There is still Miss Foxworth,” Emma said supportively.
    Miss Foxworth looked up at the mention of her name. “What’s that you say, Emma?”
    Emma gave a guilty start. It was Lord Hansard who replied. “Emma was just saying you will be attending my little rout party,” he said.
    “Oh, indeed, I shall. Derek is looking forward to it.” Her social duty done, she smiled and returned her attention to the perils of her heroine.
    “You haven’t been practicing your lying technique, Lady Capehart,” Nick said severely. “You were shaken by your chaperon’s question.”
    “Not been practicing? You should have seen the letter I wrote to Papa this very day. My roof is in a shocking state. Not only the lead surface but the subfloor must be replaced. The roofer says it will take a couple of months—and a deal of banging and mess.”
    “You’re coming along,” he complimented. “Written lies are only the first step, however. Your first-class liar can look his companion in the eye and tell a whisker without blushing.”
    “Then there is no point pestering you for further details of that cousin you are trying to palm off on me. I doubt Lord James has any expectations at all. He is probably ugly as sin into the bargain.”
    “No, he doesn’t really look that much like me.”
    “Oh, but you’re handsome as can stare, Nick!” A surprised smile alit on his swarthy features. “Am I improving?” she asked archly. “Yes, I think you actually swallowed that plumper,” she said, and enjoyed a good laugh at his expense.
    “I shall be taking lessons from you in no time. It never pays to teach a fish to swim.”
    “Are you saying that ladies are natural-born liars?”
    “I would never be so foolhardy as to tell a lady the truth. I only infer that they have an uncommon aptitude for prevarication. And now let us talk sense. What is the status of the trip to London with Hunter?”
    “We haven’t mentioned it since the proposal. I rather think it’s off, unfortunately.”
    Nick swallowed his relief and said, “Ah, pity. Perhaps we can set something up with James.”
    “Let us see how he and I rub along first. Your notion and mine of what constitutes a handsome, conversable gentleman may be at odds.”
    Before he could reply there was a knock at the door. William Bounty had chosen that evening to drop in on Emma. That he was wearing his best evening jacket and carrying a big bouquet of roses from his garden suggested that it was a courting visit. He looked disappointed to find Lord Hansard there.
    “How lovely!” Emma said, accepting the bouquet. Soames took it away to put the roses in water.
    Behind Bounty’s back Nick gave a cynical grin.
    Emma invited Bounty to have a seat.
    He sat and said, “I am off to London tomorrow, Lady Capehart. I just stopped to ask if there is any commission I can perform for you. No trouble, I assure you. Indeed, it would be a pleasure.”
    “That’s very kind of you, Mr. Bounty,” Emma replied, “but I can’t think of anything I need at the moment.”
    Bounty had received his invitation to Nick’s rout, and they spoke of that for a moment. Emma inquired for his daughter and granddaughters. When Emma offered him a glass of wine, he declined and took his leave. It was clear to Bounty that Hansard planned to make a night of it. No courting could occur under his cynical gaze.
    After he had left, Nick said, “There is another potential London