You look lovely tonight, my lady,” Kellan said for her ears alone as he took her into his arms-not too close, of course.
His flattery pleased her but did not discompose her as Grey’s did. Rose smiled sincerely in response. “Thank you, sir. Might I say that you are in very fine looks as well.”
“You always know exactly the right thing to say to woo me, Lady Rose.” He grinned as they moved through a turn. “Have a care, else you’re likely to break my heart.”
“If it is so easily broken, perhaps you should hold it a little more dear,” she advised archly.
He winced, but it was apparent that he had taken the remark with the humor she intended. “She mocks me.”
“You are mistaken, sir. I am merely thinking of your best interests.”
They shared a smile and were silent for a turn.
“I am surprised that Ryeton allowed you to come tonight.”
Rose raised a brow. “The duke does not dictate where I can and cannot go.” Grey might be her benefactor, but he was not her guardian.
“That is good to hear,” Kellan replied, ignoring the edge to her tone. “So he cannot prevent you from taking a drive in Hyde Park with me tomorrow afternoon.”
She chuckled. “No, I suppose not. But first, you might want to ask me if I care to take a drive with you.”
“Do you?”
She did. Did that make her awful? Just a few minutes ago she’d been missing Grey and thinking about how much she cared for him, and now here she was flirting with Kellan and fluttering over the prospect of going for a carriage ride.
It wasn’t fickleness, she told herself. It was practicality. She was doing what she was supposed to do. Kellan had yet to lay any claim to her feelings or her heart, but she owed him the opportunity to try. She would never get over Grey and find love if she didn’t try as well.
And it wouldn’t hurt Grey to see another man take interest in her. Perhaps a little jealousy would do him good.

Author: Kathryn Smith