Best Laid Plans (A Gentleman of Misfortune, Book 2)

Chapter Seven

I put pen to paper for a letter informing my mother of my safe arrival and what I had been doing. Honestly, I had put it off for too long. There really was no excuse for my negligent. I would be sure to receive a scolding in her response.

Once the letter was written, I was left with more time on my hand than I would have wished. A light rain was falling outside, so I was loathe to step out the door. I could pen more letters, but as I had little to say to my father or any other relative, it was easy to put it off until later.

Ward had once again gone off on his own. I couldn't imagine a card party happening in the middle of the day. Perhaps he had met a friend and gone riding in the Bath countryside.

To be honest, since I'd learned of his hatred against Mr. Ingram, I wondered if he would do something rash.

"Ward? Rash? Never," I said aloud as I watched the rain run down the pane of glass. Still, my family's words about how little I knew the man rang in my mind. "No, I cannot think ill of him. He stood by me when no one else would. I must give him the benefit of the doubt."

Which did not preclude the fact Ward could, and undoubtedly did, have vices and faults of his own. No man was perfect, not even myself. My sisters delighted in pointing out my flaws to me, and most of the time, under their exaggerated annoyance, they had a point.

Quickly growing bored with my own thoughts, I grabbed my hat and cane. The rain looked to have slowed enough for me to take to the street. At least, it would give me something to think about.

There was hardly anyone on the pavement as I walked about. There was a different kind of atmosphere in the rain and quiet. I could have gone to the Pump Room, but I wasn't desperate for the company of gossipy old women.

When I reached the shops, there were young ladies in sight. No doubt it was just as easy to shop when it rained as when it was sunny.

"Mr. Bywood!" Miss Dunbar abandoned the tall gentleman she had been talking to at the door of a milliner's. A smile brightened her face but didn't quite reach her eyes. "It seems it has been an age since I saw you."

"Miss Dunbar," I said with a nod. Something about the girl set me on edge, and I was prepared to move on without further conversation.

She, however, had other ideas. "You must step inside and give me your opinion on a hat, Mr. Bywood," she said, her tone wheedling. "I cannot be sure whether it will suit me or not. I am in need of an opinion, and as you are so well-traveled, surely you can advise me."

Behind her, the gentleman grimaced and shook his head. "Thank you for the...kind invitation, but I am expected elsewhere," I said as kindly as I could. Why wasn't she satisfied with the attention of a man who was clearly interested in her? "But you must introduce me to your friend there before I go."

Miss Dunbar's lip curled, and for a moment, her face was twisted in an expression of derision. But then she was beaming and I wondered if I had imagined it. "Oh, of course," she said, her tone shifting to bright and cheerful. "How silly of me. Mr. Melbourne, this is Mr. Lucas Bywood. Mr. Bywood, Mr. Adam Melbourne."

"A pleasure," I said, extending my hand.

After a moment of hesitation, Mr. Melbourne shook my hand. "Mr. Bywood."

"Please, Mr. Bywood," Miss Dunbar said, putting her hand on my arm. "Do come and give me your opinion. We have barely had a chance to speak together since we were introduced."

It had barely been a day. What was her interest in me? As kindly as I could, I pulled away from her too bold touch. "As I said, I am expected elsewhere. Good day, Miss Dunbar, Mr. Melbourne."