Mr. Partridge swung back to speak to Aunt Paulette. "Yes, thank you." He glanced at his silent friend, and they both sat. He addressed Meredith, "I hope you suffered no ill effects from the mishap?"
"Not at all. You can rest easy knowing you owe me nothing. All is forgotten."
His eyes narrowed slightly, and he tilted his head rather like a child trying to determine if an adult had told him the truth or a fanciful tale. It gave him a rather endearingly innocent expression. But she would not be so easily swayed. She had yet to determine his character. Which was foolish, really, since no ducal family member would lower himself to a factory owner's daughter. And that line of thought was even more foolish.
"Truly," she added with a smile. "I harbor no grudge. But thank you so much for taking time out of what is no doubt a busy schedule to call upon us."
A dark brow shot up. "Am I being dismissed?" A curve to one side of his mouth revealed a dimple. Oh heavens, not a dimple!
"I wouldn't presume to do so, Mr. Partridge; only to convey my appreciation of your solicitousness." She had, in truth, been trying to subtly suggest he had no reason to stay. How surprising that he'd called her on it. If only he'd leave before she started to like him! She bowed her head and folded her hands in an attempt to appear demure.
"It is my pleasure," he said.
"Did you enjoy your visit to Vauxhall?" Aunt Paulette addressed both of them.
"Yes, for the most part," Mr. Partridge said in his lovely voice. "But I admit I was so concerned for Miss Brown's well-being that I hardly saw it all. Perhaps we might enjoy it together one day?"
Meredith's palms grew damp. Was he inviting her to spend time with him?
He held up his hands. "I vow not to touch the oars and to leave all the paddling to the ferryman."
Meredith laughed in spite of herself. "I'll hold you to that."
He brightened, and that blasted dimple reappeared. "Then you'll go? We can make a group of it, can't we?" He glanced at his friend.
Mr. Cavenleigh made a gesture that seemed to convey agreement.
"Well," Annabel drew out the word. "I'm not as forgiving as my cousin, Mr. Partridge. If you get even so much as a drop of water on Meredith, I shan't forgive you-ever."
Mr. Partridge held up a hand. "I vow not to cause Miss Brown any further discomfort."
Meredith chewed on her lower lip. An outing with Mr. Partridge was the last thing she ought to have.
"Miss Brown?" he said softly. "What say you? Are we for Vauxhall in the near future?"
Oh, heavens. How to escape this? "I am not certain . . ."
"By all means, Miss Brown, check your social calendar." He stood. "I hope our paths cross again very soon."
Very soon?
He gave her a soft smile that felt ridiculously affectionate. How could she stay strong against the onslaught of his beautiful face and seemingly genuine manner?
Aunt Paulette replied, "I do hope so, Mr. Partridge, Mr. Cavenleigh."
Mr. Cavenleigh inclined his blond head. "Madam." Was he always so quiet?
They bowed and bade a good day. Meredith let out her breath. All the strength in her limbs traveled out on that exhale. She must not lose focus. She came to enjoy time with her cousin, ensure Annabel made a good match with someone deserving of her, and be this Season's guardian of young ladies in danger of falling prey to rakes and fortune hunters. Come summer, she would return to her grandmother and marry a respectable man. Then perhaps her parents would forgive her for her humiliating mistakes. Perhaps she would even forgive herself.
In the foyer of the Staffords' home, Phillip lowered his voice to address the butler as he slipped him enough coins to buy a few pints at an alehouse. "I say, my good man, would you happen to know where the Staffords will be tonight?"
The butler paused, probably considering whether such information made him disloyal. Finally, he said, "I believe they are bound for a dinner party at Lord and Lady Daubrey's this eve."
Perfect. Phillip knew them well enough to enlist them in his scheme.
Outside, Michael shook his head. "Bribing the staff now?"
"I plan to win the hand of the fair maiden-whatever it takes."
"And avoid mucking out my stables."
"I assure you, I'm more motivated by the thought of you on the back of a mule than by avoiding a little time in your stables." He grinned.
They took Phillip's town coach to the Daubreys', where the hostess admitted them even though it wasn't her usual at-home hours.
She hardly kept them waiting a minute before coming to the front parlor. "Why Mr. Partridge, Mr. Cavenleigh, what a pleasant surprise," the young Lady Daubrey said.
"Always a delight to see you, my lady." Phillip bowed over her hand.
"Oh, pish. When did we get so formal? Do sit and tell me what brings you here today." She smiled.
Phillip adopted a conspiratorial tone. "I have come with a shameless plea for your aid."
"Oh? I can't wait to hear all about it."
Phillip took a breath. "I have met an unforgettable young lady, and I am attempting to be more . . . present in her life."
"Indeed?" Her eyes sparkled.
Phillip mentally congratulated his friend Lord Daubrey, not for the first time, for having the good sense to marry the lady. "I have it on good authority that she is to be included in your dinner party tonight, and . . ." The audacious request lodged in his throat.
She leaned forward and clasped her hands together. "You wish to join us? Well of course you may-you know that. I'm certain one more won't make a difference."
Phillip let out a breath. "You are very perceptive, as usual, my lady-and generous."
"'Tis nothing, and besides, the Tarringtons are uncertain they can attend since her health has been delicate of late."
"I hadn't heard," Phillip said. "Nothing serious, I hope?"
"I am unaware of the exact nature of her condition, alas. I must pay a call on her tomorrow if she does not attend tonight. Shall you join us this eve as well, Mr. Cavenleigh?"
"I am otherwise engaged, my lady," Michael said.
"A pity. Enjoy your evening, then. Mr. Partridge, do come at seven o'clock."'
"Thank you. I am certain you have preparations to complete, so I will bid you a good day." Phillip stood.
"Do tell who this young lady is who has so completely turned your head." An impish light shone in her face.
"Er . . ."
"It could be useful you know. I might even arrange to seat her next to you, you know."
A good point. And there seemed little reason to keep it a secret. "Miss Meredith Brown, the Staffords' niece.
"I have not yet had the pleasure of making her acquaintance, but I am most eager to meet her in person now."
Phillip thanked her again, and they took their leave.
Outside as they climbed into the carriage, Phillip let out a breath. "So far, this has been a successful day."
Michael shot him a sideways glance. "Do you plan to continue such methods to pursue this hapless girl until she agrees to marry you?"
"No, I mean to be more direct and traditional in the very near future. But I had to create another opportunity to speak with her."
"Then what?"
"We shall see what this evening brings. If she warms toward me, I will invite her on a carriage ride with me. I may even convince her to allow me to take her to Vauxhall. She was understandably reluctant to do so today, but I vow I will win her over eventually."
"You are obsessed."
"Merely determined."
They crossed the bridge and headed to Tattersalls, where Phillip dropped off Michael to check on some geldings he had up for auction. Phillip headed back to his bachelor rooms to prepare for tonight's dinner. After fussing over his appearance until his valet nearly wept, Phillip agonized over how he might secure Miss Brown's affection. His mother and brother would tell him to be himself. As a younger man, Phillip had suffered no shortage of feminine companionship, but as ladies near his age turned their minds to marriage rather than innocent diversion, so too did they view him through more mercenary eyes.
Would Miss Brown, despite his impressions of her, also set her sights on his family connections and render Phillip, as a man, invisible?
He arrived at the Daubreys' dinner party stylishly late, but not late enough to offend the host and hostess. Upon entering the drawing room, he strode directly to the Daubreys without looking about in search of a certain guest. It wouldn't do it appear overly eager. Egad, he was a nervous as a lad anticipating his first kiss.
"So good of you to join us, Partridge," Daubrey intoned, but a gleam in his eye revealed his knowledge of Phillip's purpose.
As they made small talk, Phillip focused on his friends and stiffened his neck to avoid looking for Miss Brown. He would learn soon enough if she had, indeed, joined the party. A footman held out a silver tray with drinks, and Phillip took one but only sipped. He caught himself tapping his fingers on his glass.