Rescuing Rosalind (Three Original Ladies and Their Gentlemen) by G.G. Vandagriff Page B

declare that they are such well-established eccentrics that they could get away with anything outrageous. I am jealous, of course.”
    “You wish to be outrageous?”
    “Certainly. I am no milk-and-water miss, Lord Westringham.”
    “That she certainly is not,” said Aunt Clarice. “My nieces all have strong personalities. I tell you this as a kindly word of warning, my lord. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
    When they had passed by, Fanny resumed their prior conversation. “Lord Warmsby has no proprietary rights where I am concerned. He has a very bad reputation and Elise, my sister, will not even receive him.” She continued, “He ruined the reputation of my dear friend, Miss Hinchcliffe. They had an aborted elopement to Gretna. Her father caught them, but the damage was done. I think it would have been all right if he had been in love with her, but all the world knew it was not that. Lord Warmsby coveted her fortune.”
    “I am surprised that you will stand up with the fellow, Miss Edwards.”
    She shrugged. “I had a passing interest in rakes. Just for the sake of experience. However, now that I am over it, he will keep being difficult.” Fanny frowned fiercely.
    “Is there any way that I can help with the problem?”
    “You are very kind, Lord Westringham. I think that your presence by my side on occasion may be useful in showing the earl that he is not my exclusive choice.” This hope of hers was very real, as was her idea that the attentions of this friend of the captain’s might have a useful effect on Deal.
    “I will be very happy to lend you my presence. I hope you do not think me too forward when I tell you that I anticipate with pleasure getting to know you better.”
    Fanny was suddenly uncomfortable. His words were ardent and sincere. How could she use someone with a genuine regard for her? It was despicable! She remained silent as she tried to think of some way to dampen the viscount’s ardor without offending him. Drat! Elise had the finesse required for this kind of thing, but she was sadly lacking.
    As though sensing that his words had disturbed Fanny, her escort broke the silence. “I realize, Miss Edwards, that I, myself, am not in any kind of exclusive situation either.”
    “I do not wish to seem fickle or missish . . .”
    “You are neither. You are only charming. It is no wonder you have so many suitors for your hand.”
    “You are very kind. Your friend finds me an impudent baggage. I think he is closer to the truth.”
    “Never say so! He has not spent enough time about women. I have heard him say that his mother was not the sterling standard by which to judge others.”
    “Is that why you think he is a misogynist?”
    Clearly startled, the viscount looked at her. “Did I say that?”
    Fanny was suddenly conscious of the scene in the Richmond inn where she had heard the lieutenant use the word. Alarmed and worried she might further muddle her conversations with the Viscount if she continued, she said, “I fear that this monstrous crowd of people is giving me the headache. I feel unwell. Would you mind terribly if we returned?”
    Westringham was all concern. “Not at all, Miss Edwards. We will have you home in a trice.”
    * * *
     
    The following morning, at the breakfast table, Fanny was surprised by the arrival of a note which the duke informed her had been delivered by Lord Westringham’s valet.
    Dear Miss Edwards,
    I was puzzled by your remark yesterday when you claimed that I referred to Lord Deal as a misogynist. I reviewed all of our conversation, and can state positively that I never used such a coarse term with you.
    In fact, I distinctly recall that the only time I have used that term in connection with my friend, I was in company with his mistress, who was known to me as Rosalind. She was heavily veiled but, upon reflection, I believe her to have been you.
    My thoughts are disarranged, as I hope you can imagine. I cannot but think that you are playing a