In Need of a Noble Bride - Chapter 4
Willette managed to put some space between her and Rafael, sat up straighter on the tufted-leather seat beside him and accepted the handkerchief he offered, all without dying from embarrassment. Though dying might have been easier. Far easier.
His teasing nature was just one of the endearing qualities of his that she remembered from the time they’d spent together at Turnbill. ‘Along with trailing in your wake and falling at your feet?’
Amusement filled his eyes. ‘You noticed that, too, did you?’
After bawling her eyes out, no amount of teasing repartee would embarrass her. She dabbed at her eyes and tried gamely to engage with his jest. ‘Oh, yes, one could hardly miss how they swoon as you pass, tearing up at the mere sight of you.’
He playfully tugged at the lapels on his suit jacket. ‘It’s my good looks.’
Willette was surprised to find herself smothering a giggle, and couldn’t hold back the smile on her lips as she nodded. ‘Oh, indeed.’
‘I get them from the stable man.’ Feigning thoughtfulness, he said, ‘Or was it the gardener?’
He was indeed teasing, and she slapped his arm. ‘What a terrible thing to say about your mother.’
‘But it made you smile.’
That was true, but she still shook her head.
He laughed. ‘My mother teases my father with that same statement. Has for years.’
‘So, your entire family is as waggish as you?’
‘No, they try, but I’m the master.’
‘That, I do believe.’ She laughed, and marvelled at herself. Though it seemed incredible, she was truly no longer overwhelmed by what had happened at the opera house, thanks to his thoroughly distracting charm.
‘And I believe your family must be as waggish as mine.’
‘That could be true,’ she admitted. ‘I have four older brothers.’
‘I have two younger ones, and a sister.’
He was so very handsome and kind, and fun, and though she wanted to know more about him, and his family, she shouldn’t have indulged the conversation even this far. She shouldn’t indulge herself in any way when it came to Rafael. There was no point: they were simply not of the same class. ‘Thank you, Mr Williams, for giving me a shoulder to cry on and for making me laugh. I will now let you be on your way.’
Before her hand reached the door, he grasped her wrist and shook his head. ‘Tell me where you need to go, and I’ll inform the driver.’
The coach was still parked on the street, a mere block from the opera house. ‘I can walk. It’s not far and I’m in no hurry.’
Rafael’s smile hadn’t faltered, just sat on his lips as though it belonged there permanently. ‘Do you have anywhere you need to be for the next hour?’
‘No.’ Once Willette returned to her cousin’s house, she’d have to explain what had happened. How the audition she’d sought for months had been a complete failure. Then she would have to pack up her belongings and return to her father’s house in the village, where she would face the embarrassment of her shattered dream.
‘Two hours?’ Rafael asked.
She shook her head, not sure why he was asking.
He leaned out of the window and instructed the footman standing there, ‘Have George drive us to the zoo.’
The zoo! Excitement filled her, but left just as quickly; she knew she must refuse. ‘I’m sorry, I—’
‘Do you not like animals?’ Rafael asked.
‘Yes, I do, but—’
‘You don’t want to spend the afternoon with me?’
Her heart began to thud, and, ultimately, she couldn’t find the words to deny him. Or herself. Would it be so wrong, just for the afternoon? After such a terrible morning?
Leaning back in her seat, she let excitement fill her. ‘There is nothing I would enjoy more.’