The situation was becoming quite ridiculous. A hysterical laughter overtook me when a fit of uncontrolled giggles escaped past my lips. I clamped my mouth tightly together as I strained against it.

He must’ve noticed the treacherous redness of my cheeks as he cast me a confused look.

“I am so sorry, Your Grace,” tears poured out of my eyes as I couldn’t contain the laughter any longer. So I let it out. Quite loudly must I add.

Approximately one minute after my fit had ceased my body still trembled with the aftermath of the laughter. I wiped the dampness from my eyes. “I apologize for my outburst, Your Grace.” 

He probably assumed I was deranged, ready to be transported straight into Bedlam. But that wasn’t such a bad thing since the scarred man will most definitely avoid me like a plague from now on.

“W-what amuses y-you so?” He inquired, looking around to spot the reason for my insane behavior.

“Nothing, Your Grace, I assure you all is well now,” I cleared my throat and straightened my skirts.

“Oh, a-alright,” he nodded, his eyes nervously darting between me and a grassy patch on the floor. “You know t-this climate-”

“-I apologize, Your Grace,” I said loudly. “But I should be on my way, my companions will be waiting for me, wondering if I wandered off or was kidnaped,” I cast him an apologetic smile. I was pretty certain that aunt Abigail and Lord Aidan forgot all about me, but I desperately needed a reason to get away from Baxter Read.

“Oh, o-of course,” his cheeks reddened. “I b-bid you g-good day, Lady C-Caldwell.”

“Good day, Your Grace,” I curtsied before turning away from him as fast as it was humanly possible. I picked my skirts and hurried through the apple tree nursery, speeding to get back to our picnic spot.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw Lord Sutton on top of aunt Abigail, his hands buried underneath her half-lifted skirts. Dear God! They surely realized it was still the middle of the very clear day? They were in a public place, what if someone notices their lack of discretion?

I cleared my throat to gain their attention. Lord Aidan flew off my aunt as if I’d poured a bucket of cold water over his head. They appeared less than pleased to see me standing there, interrupting their soon-to-be mating ritual.

“If you don’t mind I would like to return home now. Or perhaps you can hail a Hackney for me, I can get there by myself.”

“Out of the question, My Lady,” Lord Aidan sighed. “I will not allow you to wander these streets all by yourself. Your father will have my head if I do so.”

How chivalrous. I barely resisted not to snort at him. That would be indeed very un-ladylike. “Thank you, My Lord,” I plastered a smile on my face, pretending not to notice my aunt’s murderous glares.

The ride inside the carriage was incredibly unpleasant to say the least. Aunt Abby kept throwing me dirty glances all the way to our townhouse and Lord Aidan didn’t possess the ounce of courage to look me in the eye. At least he had enough decency left in him to feel humiliation and shame.

 At last the carriage came to a stop. “Lord Sutton promised to accompany me home dearest, is that all right?” My aunt gave me a bright, false smile.

The man could’ve at least escorted me to the door like a real gentleman would. But he was clearly afraid to face Papa’s disapproval.

I really wanted to say what was on my mind, but I kept my mouth wisely shut. My aunt Abby still sponsored Edith’s and my first season and we both desperately needed to marry this year. If my aunt would withdraw her sponsorship, we wouldn’t have the chance in finding an eligible bachelor who would save us from the inevitable bankruptcy.

I plastered a smile on my face. “Of course aunt Abby, Lord Sutton. Have a nice day.”

 My aunt gave me a triumphant grin; clearly delighted she would soon be rid of me.

I planned to tip-toe back to my bedroom, just to avoid my parents’ inquisition. Like a sneaking animal I managed to creep all the way to the stairs, but when I stepped onto it, the loosened wooden board creaked underneath my weight.

“Ashlyn!” 

I yelped at mother’s surprised voice. Panickly, I cluched my chest to calm down my erratic pulse. “Mama! You almost scared me to death!”

“So? How was it? Did Abigail behave?” Her green eyes studied me suspiciously, wondering why I haven’t announced my return.

I was about to answer when I heard loud steps rushing down the stairs. “Sister! You are back! What happened? Where is Lord Aidan?” Jane’s head whipped left and right to spot the man who was already long gone.

“Well,” I cleared my throat. “I believe aunt Abby is a better match for Lord Aidan after all.”

“But I thought he will be your Prince Charming?” She pouted in mock disappointment.

“It seems I’ll have to find another one, dear sister,” I turned back to face my mother. “I am sorry Mama, but I cannot marry a man who appeares so… intimate with my aunt.”

“Most certainly not!” My mother was now beside me, holding my hand in between her palms. “I cannot believe this boy! Your father and I knew him ever since he was a little child!”

“Boys will be boys,” Jane half-shrugged.

“There has to be an exception. I refuse to give up,” I stubbornly lifted my chin. “I will find someone suitable by the end of the season, Mama, I promise you.”